Social Impact

The Cornell Summer School on Designing Technology for Social Impact designed to foster a strong cohort of young researchers who are elevating the perspectives of communities who have been historically marginalized from North American information technology development on the basis of race or ethnicity. Rising seniors and graduate students at any stage from a variety of disciplines are invited to attend, including — but not restricted to — informatics, computer science, science and technology studies, communication, product design, urban and rural studies, and the visual arts. Our goal is to build a cohort of up-and-coming researchers, provide experience in this research area, and provide research and career-building opportunities.

This year, the Summer School will be held at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY on June 10, 2024 – June 14, 2024. Our office will cover the meals, and lodging expenses associated with students’ participation in the program. In addition, a $1,000 stipend will be provided to support travel needs. If you are interested in being considered for this program, please review the information below:

• The Summer School focuses on design research methods that critically explore and re-envision the social impact of information technology, with a focus on impact for communities typically marginalized from technology design due to race or ethnicity. Applicants are not required to have prior experience in working with design methods. Technical skills are not required.
• Students from rising seniors to those who are pursuing a masters or doctoral degree in any field related to designing information technology for social impact are eligible to apply for the Summer School.
• The Summer School is open to all students. We particularly encourage the participation of students who identify as underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• At this time, we are only accepting applications from students in the US and Puerto Rico.
• Summer School applications  are closed. Applicants will be notified of their status by March 11, 2024.
• Successful completion of the program is required for applicants to receive their travel stipend, which includes attending all social events during the workshop, and orientation on June 9, 2024 from 4-6pm.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their questions to Amy Huang at amy.huang@cornell.edu. 

The Cornell Summer School on Designing Technology for Social Impact is funded in part by the Hopper-Dean Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and LinkedIn.