PASS CS: Creating a Path to Achieving Success and Sense of Belonging in Computer Science

Eligible students will receive an email from the Office of Financial Aid notifying them that they are eligible to apply for the PASS CS Scholarship program. We expect this notification to go to students May 3-10, 2024. Eligible students must complete a short application indicating their interest in participating in the program. This application is due May 19, 2024. The review committee will make decisions and notify the awardees the week of May 28-31, 2024.   

Yes, this program is only available to students after they indicate their commitment to attend WPI. We are looking for students who have committed to WPI and are interested in studying computer science.

Pell eligibility rules are set by the federal government. Once all prospective students have decided and deposited (May 1) our Financial Aid office will identify those who are eligible for Federal Pell grants, and they will notify students of their eligibility for this program (based on intended major). In that notification, there will be a link to apply to this scholarship program.

After the Grant Application deadline (May 19) we will review the applications and notify students. Students will agree to participate in the program (via an electronic form). We are only accepting 10 students into the program each year, but we are committed to working with them throughout their time at WPI.

If you are accepted into the PASS CS Program We hope you will attend the June 13, 2024 New Student Welcome Event where the PASS CS cohort will have break out sessions for students and families.

Yes. A traditional bridge program invites students to campus early for team building, orienting activities, and introduction to campus. The PASS CS program has combined two types of bridge programs: 

The Mini Bridge Program will take place from August 7th to August 10th, 2024. PASS CS scholars will live on campus and participate in a variety of classes, activities and events with their cohort of PASS CS students. They will have the opportunity to speak with team professors, students and alumni as well as form relationships with their fellow scholars. 

After the Mini-Bridge program the scholars will join the Connections Program, a week long  program from August 10 - 17, 2024, focused on community building, resource orientation, and developing comfort in this new environment. Follow the link to learn more about the Connections program.

Please use the link to learn more about the Computer Science program.

In order to participate in the PASS CS Scholarship Program, students must be major Computer Science (or a closely related major). 

The PASS CS Program is focused on building connections between students and their professors. So, the Mini-bridge program will be led by a team of faculty who teach first year class in Computer Science, Math, and Physics. We’re scheduling twice a week drop-in session where these faculty as well as near-peer tutors will be available to help with academic questions, or just connect with students throughout the first semester.

We will also schedule participants together (where applicable) into courses taught by these faculty (and others) in order to foster supportive relationships and build community.

In the Spring Semester, we are also planning events focusing on academic, career, and professional development opportunities. The program will cover your entire time at WPI. We hope to provide students with resources, connections, and opportunities that will enhance their WPI experience.