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Program Overview

The Global Cultures and Emerging Technology (GCET) Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of culture and technology. By participating in this program, students will develop critical thinking and intercultural communication skills, enhance their technical expertise, and cultivate their sense of global citizenship. Through a blend of foundational coursework and hands-on research/project labs, students will engage in interdisciplinary learning that prepares them for the complexities of a rapidly evolving world. This program fosters creativity, ethical technology development, and collaborative problem-solving, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in an interconnected society.

Curriculum

Over five weeks, Global Cultures and Emerging Technology students will progress through three phases culminating in a unique interdisciplinary project to be showcased at a final symposium. Throughout the program, students will:

• explore interdisciplinary innovation that integrates the humanities (e.g., ethics, cultural studies) with cutting-edge technology (e.g., AI, VR/AR, robotics, game design) motivated by the desire to address global challenges through creative, human-centered solutions.
• build hands-on expertise in technical fields (e.g., AI, animation, VR/AR) and research methodologies, while analyzing the cultural and ethical implications of technological advancements.
• cultivate global citizenship by expanding awareness of global cultures and ethical responsibility in technology development, ensuring solutions are socially impactful.
• advance academic success by strengthening foundational knowledge, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills - all essential to college-level work at the intersection of technology and global cultures.
• develop a multifaceted portfolio demonstrating technical and cultural fluency showcasing a unique interdisciplinary project featuring prototypes, digital exhibits, and/or creative works.
• build leadership, communication, and collaboration competence through small-group projects that blend diverse perspectives, guided by the expertise of faculty mentorship.

Phase 1: Foundational Coursework on Global Cultures

This component features guest professors and cultural specialists who guide students in analyzing the cultural products, practices, and perspectives of diverse global communities, with a special focus on their relationship to technological development. Emphasizing critical thinking and intercultural communication, this core element prepares students to engage thoughtfully with the complexities of our interconnected world.

Phase 2: Research/Project Lab

In this phase, students will apply their learning in Phase 1 to an interdisciplinary group research/project that merges global cultures with technological fields. Students will work in small groups of 4 to 6, each guided by 1 to 2 faculty mentors. During this phase, students will participate in the following activities:

• Research/Project Methodology Workshops: These workshops offer foundational training in interdisciplinary research and project design, equipping students with the essential skills to conceptualize and execute their projects. Based on their group assignments, students will participate in one of the following workshops: XR, Robotics, AIGC, Animation, or Game Design.
• Research/Project Labs: Following the workshops, students participate in one of the faculty-led labs where they collaborate in small teams under the guidance of faculty mentors and research assistants. Sample research/project labs proposed for Summer 2026 (subject to change) include:
  • AI, Robotics, and the Future of Art Exhibitions
  • Animating Language and Culture with Duolingo
  • Revitalizing Historical Artifacts Through Game Design

Phase 3: Research/Project Showcase and Symposium

The program culminates in a symposium where students present their interdisciplinary projects to faculty, peers, and industry guests. During the symposium, students articulate their research methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and ethical considerations, demonstrating their ability to communicate sophisticated ideas to diverse audiences.

End Product

Students will produce a portfolio that showcases their interdisciplinary studies, which will include, but are not limited to, the following deliverables:

• Group Research/Project Prototypes: Students will design and create functional prototypes related to their projects, demonstrating their ability to blend technological innovation with cultural insights. These prototypes may range from physical models to digital applications.
• Documentation and Reflection: Students will maintain a detailed documentation of the entire research and project process, culminating in a reflective presentation that articulates their methodologies, key findings, and the implications of their work.
• Digital Exhibits: Students will develop digital exhibits aimed at showcasing their projects and research. These exhibits will serve as a platform to engage a broader audience, using multimedia elements such as videos, animations, and interactive features to effectively communicate their findings.

College Preparatory Activities

The program offers coursework, workshops, and lab training designed to prepare students for the demands of college-level studies. The coursework emphasizes critical thinking and essential research skills. Through workshops and labs, students will apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, enhancing their technical skills while fostering collaboration, technological innovation, and creative problem-solving.

Age and Grade

• Age: You must be 16 years of age by June 20, 2026.
• Grade: You must be in high school in between 10th and 11th grade or 11th and 12th grade during the summer of 2026.

Featured Faculty

• GCET Program Director: Gang Liu
• Stephan Caspar: Associate Teaching Professor in Media Creation and Multicultural Studies; Director of The Kenner Room, Department of Languages, Cultures, and Applied Linguistics
• Johannes DeYoung: Associate Professor of Art, Time-based Media, College of Fine Art
• Ting Su: Special Faculty, Department of Languages, Cultures, and Applied Linguistics
• Jonathan Walton: Assistant Teaching Professor, Independent Game Designer, Entertainment Technology Center
• Ding Zhao: Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Program Length

• June 20 to July 25, 2026 (5 weeks)

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Pre-College GCET, students must:

• Be at least 16 years old by the program start date.
• Be a current sophomore or junior in high school at the time of application submission.
• Demonstrate interest in global cultures and technology through previous coursework or projects.
• Have a minimum GPA requirement: 3.5.

Application Requirements

The complete application for Pre-College GCET consists of the following:

• Completed online application
• Unofficial transcript
• Standardized test scores (optional)
• One letter of recommendation
• Responses to essay prompts

Application Essay Prompts

The following prompt is required of all applicants (300-500 words):

• What do you hope to gain from participating in Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs? In addition, GCET applicants are required to submit two brief essays in response to the following prompts:
• Particularly in relation to global cultures and technology, describe your interest in and preparation for interdisciplinary learning. How do you envision applying the skills acquired in this program to your future academic or career goals?
• Please rank your interest in the following three areas: Artificial Intelligence, Animation, and Game Design. Briefly describe any previous experiences you have in these fields.