FAQ

How do I apply?

Interested students who meet the qualifications apply by completing the application form. See the competition home for details.

When will the participants be selected and notified? What if I'm not selected?

Selected participants will be notified in August. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in August, at the same time the winners' names are announced on this website. Please make sure you provide the email address where you can be reached over the academic break.

What if I have graduated during the time of the competition?

You must be enrolled as an undergraduate, both at the time you apply and at the time of the competition. Since there will be follow-up activities in early 2022, you should not apply if you anticipate finishing your undergraduate degree before May 2022.

Are there opportunities for high school or graduate students to participate?

Not at this time. You must be enrolled as a first-time undergraduate college student, both at the time you apply and at the time of the competition.

Is eligibility limited to students majoring in computer science?

Not at all. We welcome applications from students who are in non-computing fields/across all disciplines (i.e. forestry, agricultural or life sciences, liberal arts, etc.) who have an interest in how computation and data analysis can be applied in their areas.

Do I have to know a computer programming language?

No, you are not required to have coding experience. Participants will learn to use Tableau to analyze and display data visually during the competition.

What costs with the competition pay?

Computing4Change will cover the costs of airfare, lodging, meals, and conference registration. All needed software will be provided.

Are students eligible if they are studying outside the US?

No. Students of any nationality studying within the US are eligible to apply, but we are unable to cover international travel costs for students coming from outside the US.

Are students eligible if there are travel restrictions in their community?

Travel restrictions are not part of eligibility or selection criteria. Selected students will have the option to participate in-person or virtually. In some locations and with some institutions (e.g., university or college), there are travel restrictions in place that include COVID-19 testing for travel, quarantine, lack of flights, and lack of transportation to name a few. If you are selected to participate in this program, please work with us and follow the travel restrictions in your community.

What if I am only enrolled part-time?

You must be enrolled as a full-time student in an undergraduate program, both at the time you apply and at the time of the competition.

Is there any restriction on nationality or gender?

No. To further the competition's diversity goals, some preference will be given to students historically underrepresented in STEM including women, students from majors outside computer science, and students at the sophomore or junior level. There is no "quota." Any undergraduate who meets the requirements stated on the competition home is invited to apply.

Can a university bring an entire team?

No. No more than 2 people will be selected from any one institution in any one year. The intent is to have students gain experience working with teammates they have never met.

Do I have to be a member of ACM or SIGHPC to apply?

No, applicants do not have to be members of any group in order to apply.

When will I have to view the pre-recorded webinars?

Closed caption webinars will be stored in a repository for participants to view at their convenience. Participants are required to view all webinars and complete self-paced training on or before November 13, 2021.

What if my question isn't listed here?

If the competition home doesn't help either, contact us directly at computing4change@sighpc.org. Please give us a day or two to reply.