Global Cultures and Emerging Technologies
Exploring the intersection of culture and technology for success in an interconnected world.
Program Overview
The Global Cultures and Emerging Technologies (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
Three Distinct Concentrations, One Shared Vision
Over five weeks, students will follow one of three distinctive pathways for exploring the future of culture and technology. Across all three, students will use AI-enhanced tools while examining how culture shapes—and is shaped by—technological innovation. Whether producing creative work, building culturally meaningful robots, or designing immersive experiences, students will develop technical skills, cultural awareness, and the confidence to create responsibly in an interconnected world.
Creative AI Studio
In the Creative AI Studio, students will explore AI filmmaking and other creative projects inspired by cultures, communities, and ideas from around the world. They will learn to use emerging technologies thoughtfully—combining artistic vision, cultural awareness, and ethical decision-making to create original work with meaning and impact.
Cultural Robotics Lab
Utilizing CMU’s renowned AI Maker Space, students may design and prototype culturally meaningful robotic technologies or use robots in simulations to investigate how cultures and civilizations emerge, interact, and evolve. Along the way, they will develop practical engineering and AI skills while approaching questions about humanity and innovation with curiosity, empathy, and responsibility.
Immersive Media Design
Immersive Media Design combines game design, animation, and VR and AR with AI-enhanced creative tools. Working collaboratively, students will transform culturally inspired ideas into vivid digital experiences that invite audiences to explore diverse histories, perspectives, and traditions in memorable and meaningful ways.
Phase 1: Cultural Exploration
Week 1: Foundations in Global Cultures
Students begin by exploring how cultural values, practices, histories, and perspectives shape the ways people understand and use technology. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and activities led by faculty and cultural specialists, students strengthen their intercultural awareness and develop a foundation for creating technology that is culturally informed, ethical, and responsive to human needs.
Phase 2: Project Development
Weeks 2–4: Concentration-Based Project Building
Students join one of three concentrations—Creative AI Studio, Cultural Robotics Lab, or Immersive Media Design—and work in small teams to develop an interdisciplinary project. Through workshops, experimentation, and faculty-guided lab sessions, they apply cultural insights and technical skills to research, design, prototype, test, and refine their ideas. This hands-on phase emphasizes creativity, collaboration, responsible uses of AI, and iterative problem-solving.
Phase 3: Project Synthesis and Final Symposium
Week 5: Project Completion, Reflection, and Showcase
In the final week, students complete and polish their projects, document their creative and research processes, and reflect on the cultural, technical, and ethical dimensions of their work. The program culminates in a symposium where students showcase their projects to faculty, peers, families, and invited guests, demonstrating what they have created and communicating the ideas, methods, and cultural perspectives behind their work.
End Product
By the end of the program, students will have developed four substantial products that demonstrate their creativity, technical growth, cultural understanding, and ability to communicate their ideas.
- Project Prototype
Each student team will produce a functional or demonstrable prototype that brings together cultural inquiry, creative thinking, and emerging technology. Depending on the concentration, the prototype might take the form of an AI-enhanced creative work, a robotic system or simulation, an immersive experience, or another innovative product. - Marketing Materials
Students will create promotional materials that communicate the purpose, value, and intended audience of their project. These materials may include a short video, website, poster, social media campaign, or another format appropriate to the project. - Digital Portfolio
Each student will develop a carefully curated digital portfolio documenting what they created, contributed, and learned throughout the program. It will include evidence of their research, design process, technical development, collaboration, reflections, and completed work—providing a powerful resource for future college applications and academic or creative pursuits. - Final Presentation
Students will prepare and deliver a group presentation introducing their project, explaining their process, and demonstrating its cultural and technological significance. Students may also choose to present an individual project or area of inquiry. The presentation process will include developing a polished slide deck, rehearsing with feedback, and delivering the final presentation at the program symposium.
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.
At the end of the program, students will receive a collection of materials to enhance their portfolios, including a project prototype, professors' assessments and feedback, documentation of their learning process, and materials prepared for digital exhibits that highlight their work and insights. These comprehensive resources will serve as valuable assets as students prepare to transition into their college studies.
Age and Grade
Age: You must be 16 years of age by June 26, 2027.
Grade: You must be in high school in between 10th and 11th grade or 11th and 12th grade during the summer of 2027.
Please read the Eligibility and Application Requirements for complete eligibility details.
Testimonials
What I valued most about the program is the opportunity to meet like-minded peers and create a project that truly has a real world impact. I think having this chance to sit down and make something over the course of three weeks really allowed me to learn a lot of new things, including technical and soft skills. - Olivia W. GCET, 2026
The program encouraged me to connect culture, the humanities, and emerging technology in ways I had not previously imagined. I especially appreciated the thoughtful feedback from the instructors, the intellectually curious community, and the opportunity to turn my own research questions into a project I genuinely cared about. I left the program with greater confidence in my ideas and a much clearer sense of the kind of work I hope to pursue in the future. - Stephanie C. GCET 2026
The GCET program gave me much more than technical skills. I learned how to turn an idea into a real product by combining AI, robotics, and teamwork. Working with students from different backgrounds challenged me to think more creatively, and the faculty were always supportive while giving us the freedom to explore our own ideas. - Dora A. GCET 2026
Featured Faculty
GCET Program Director: Gang Liu
Teaching Professor of Chinese Studies and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Languages, Cultures, and Applied Linguistics
Johannes DeYoung
Sébastien Dubreil
Teaching Professor of Global French Studies, Second Language Acquisition and Technology-Enhanced Learning, Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics
Stefani Taskas
Digital Learning Experience Developer, Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics
Tomasz Swierzewski
Senior Robotics Engineer I, Robotics Institute; National Robotics Engineering Center and Intelligent Control Lab
Application Details
Program Length
June 26 to
July 31, 2027
(5 weeks)
June 26, 2026: Opening Day
Early Deadline
Scholarship and International applications must be submitted by this deadline.
Fixed admissions. Decisions sent on March 15.
Final Deadline
Fixed admissions. Decisions sent on April 15.
Housing Options
Resident
or
Commuter
To be a commuter, the student and parent/guardian must have a permanent residence within approximately 30 miles of our Pittsburgh campus or within Allegheny County.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
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 technologies 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
Essay 1
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?
Essay 2
GCET applicants specifically must also answer an additional prompt (500 words):
- Particularly in relation to global cultures and emerging technologies, describe your interest in and preparation for interdisciplinary learning. How do you envision applying the knowledge and skills gained through GCET to your future academic, creative, or career goals?
As part of your response, select one primary concentration of interest and one secondary concentration of interest:
- Creative AI Studio
- Cultural Robotics Lab
- Immersive Media Design
Explain what draws you to your primary concentration and describe any relevant experiences, skills, or ideas you hope to explore. Please also indicate whether you would be willing to participate in your secondary concentration if space is unavailable in your first choice.
Please note: Concentration placement takes into account each student’s interests and preparation, as well as program capacity. Because space is limited and the level of applicant interest may vary among concentrations, applicants are strongly encouraged to consider both selections carefully. Once admitted to the program, students may not change either their primary or secondary concentration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials or supplies should students bring?
Students must bring a laptop or comparable personal computer/tablet suitable for project work. The program will provide many of the specialized tools and materials required for coursework and projects at no additional cost. In some cases, students may need to purchase a one-month subscription to specific software or another digital tool; however, any required expenses will be kept modest.
What tech skills are needed for this program?
A basic familiarity with technology is beneficial, and while previous experience in art, game design, coding, or AI is a plus, it is not a prerequisite for enrollment. What’s essential is a strong interest in the humanities, arts, and global cultures. This program is designed to build upon existing skills and encourage students to explore new technological tools and creative approaches.
What are the out-of-classroom expectations for students?
Students will be expected to engage in project work and collaborative assignments outside of scheduled class times. This may include developing prototypes, conducting research, or participating in group discussions. Active participation and time management will be key to balancing these responsibilities alongside coursework.
Who should apply for this program?
High school students who are passionate about integrating culture and technology, particularly those interested in exploring global cultures, should consider applying. This program is well-suited for those who are eager to learn how technology intersects with the humanities and the arts, and who are excited to engage in innovative projects that reflect their interests and aspirations.
Does applying early affect my chances of admission?
Applicants who submit a complete application by the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Because program enrollment and space within each concentration are limited, students are encouraged to apply early. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be reviewed based on remaining availability.
How do my concentration selections affect admission and placement?
Applicants should select one primary concentration and one secondary concentration that genuinely reflect their interests and preparation. Admissions and concentration placement take into account the overall strength of the application, the fit between the student’s interests and the selected concentrations, and available program capacity. Because applicant demand may vary among concentrations, some selections may be more competitive than others. Indicating a thoughtful secondary choice—and a willingness to be placed in it—may allow the admissions committee to consider an applicant for a broader range of available opportunities.