Study Buddy Program

Our next year application open on January 15th...

Background

This program focused towards explore the world of computer science through a combination of online small classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, and guest speaker sessions with leaders around the country.

Program Overview

We are proud of the projects that students create and present, and we’re excited to spotlight this work to inform just how many things our students can do within four weeks.

Study Buddy Program (SBP), is a four-week immersive experience online for high school students (9th-11th). This fully funded program will focus on a different theme each year. In 2024, we aim to bring students together from around the country to explore computer science with our volunteers, and guest speakers to share their experiences who are leaders in the field.

As a student, you will engage in programming courses, as well as develop meaningful connections with peers and tutors while being fully immersed in the coding experience. A core value of PinkGap and the Study Buddy program is building an inclusive, anti-racist environment. You will be expected to uphold this value and to participate in discussions about equity within STEM and beyond.

Students who complete the program and demonstrate a desire to continue may be invited to return as mentors next year!

Program Date
Jun. 21 to Jul. 19, 2025 (4 weeks)

Attendence
Admitted students are expected to give their full commitment to Study Buddy while in attendance - you will not be permitted to miss classes or schedule obligations for other (virtual) programs during the class hours. If you are applying to multiple programs this summer, please take this expectation into consideration.

Curriculum
Students will attend classes for approximately eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST with daily lunch breaks.

Age and Grade
Age: You must be 13 years of age by June 21, 2025.
Grade: You must be a rising 9th, 10th or 11th grade during the summer of 2025.

Your application decision for Study Buddy will be sent to your email on April 1st.

Academic Information

Study Buddies will learn the core elements of programming and problem solving in Java. This will include algorithmic components (variables, functions, conditionals, and loops), basic data structures (lists and dictionaries), and problem-solving techniques (algorithmic thinking, top-down design, testing, and debugging). Buddies will also form into small group of 10 designed to allow students interact closely with their instructors. At the end of the program, you will build a individual project on Replit and present to your group peers and instructors. This project will apply your newly acquired skills to real-world challenges that use computer science for the betterment of humanity. In addition, you will learn about the vast and exciting opportunities in the field of computer science.

260

Students participated last year

Volunteers and tutors helped out

And we are just getting started.

TESTIMONIALS

“I wanted to tell you I really loved your tutoring and I learned so much from you. Thank you :)”

Mila G, Student
Paris

“Thank you so much for helping my kid with her daily homework and giving her a chance to learn new stuff like coding which she can't learn in traditional school”

Watts G, Parent

California