Computer science shapes the world, but its research community lacks diversity. Many voices remain underrepresented, limiting innovation and inclusivity. Google’s CSRMP addresses this by mentoring students from marginalized backgrounds. The goal is to build a research community that reflects and serves everyone.
What is CSRMP? An Overview
The Google Computer Science Research Mentorship Program is a 12-week virtual program designed to connect undergraduate and graduate students with experienced Google researchers. CSRMP is distinct from an internship or research project and emphasizes mentorship, career development, and research skills. The program is built around small groups, or "pods", where the students will be sectioned off with one Google mentor and a small group of their peers who share similar experiences and interests.
As part of CSRMP, students will have discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities on a weekly basis throughout the 12 weeks. Discussions and workshops cover a variety of topics, ranging from applying to graduate schools and transitioning through graduate programs, research methods and ethics, career opportunities in computing, and more. CSRMP has taken many steps to be as low barrier to entry as possible, without any research experience required and the total time commitment being roughly only 10 total hours over the length of the program. CSRMP was designed to accommodate students across various experiences and backgrounds.
Who is Eligible and How to Apply
The CSRMP will be open to students of undergraduate and graduate programs in the U.S. and Canada studying computer science or related fields. We will give priority to students from historically marginalized groups including, but not limited to: underrepresented racial and ethnic groups; marginalized gender identities; students with disabilities; first generation college students; and/ or low-income backgrounds. We also welcome applications from community college students and students who are CS minors.
To be eligible, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a four-point scale and be able to commit to the 12-week mentorship cycle. The application process is simple, as we typically run two cycles per year: summer & fall. All applicants are asked to provide some basic information about their academic background, interests in computing research, and why they are interested in receiving mentoring. Most importantly, our selection criteria follows a mission of selecting based on potential and the desire for mentoring over research accomplishments, meaning all students should have access to a program like this, even if they have yet to experience research opportunities.
The Structure of the Program: Pods, Mentors, and Community
The pod system is central to CSRMP. Each pod consists of a Google mentor and several students who are at similar stages in their academic journey. Pods are designed to allow participants to have some overlapping interests that drive discussions and create collaborative learning. Mentors are typically Google researchers or engineers, and they guide pods through a sequence of meetings, providing insight into research practices, career planning, and graduate study in the field.
Pod meetings are intentionally pedagogical, and there is a sense of support and guidance for participants. Students can pose questions and share their imaginings, and address any challenges they are facing in their academic or research work. Students' information is also provided by pod sessions, which include wider community access to peers, networking sessions, virtual events, and guest lectures. These opportunities foster growth and development and learning about recent advancements in some area of research or computing, and connecting with other researchers, both aspirational researchers and established researchers.
Although CSRMP does not provide a specific research project or internship, students can be allowed to bring their own research idea and questions in the meetings. Mentors can support students in refining their research idea, identify resources, and support students in developing skills for independent research in the future.
What Students Gain: Skills, Confidence, and Community
The advantages of CSRMP participation are relevant well beyond the program itself. One of biggest benefits is the development of key research skills. The students’ ability to conduct critical literature reviews, write research questions, and present their ideas are enhanced by the program. Students learn about graduate school applications (how to find programs, build applications, and apply for funding) and the associated processes involved.
Also important is that CSRMP builds a sense of community and belonging. Many of the participants come from backgrounds where they might be the only individual working towards a computing research career in their social environment. Through CSRMP, they met peers who relate to their experiences and ambitions, which was one of the greatest networking opportunities to gain like-minded support for sometimes well beyond the 12-week program - never underestimate the potential support community members can provide whilst in academics.
The mentors consisted of personal Google researchers. This provided the students, and especially the participants in research- this structured opportunity to learn about industry research from the quotidian perspective of mentors providing an individualized methodological account of their career steps. Mentors share their own process and career path, advice on how to balance research and employment, and help students create realistic, but ambitious goals. For most participants, this was a step-change in their sense of belonging, confidence, and clarity about future direction
Research Trends and Opportunities
CSRMP participants have engaged in a variety of fields of research that reflect the enormity of the program's promise to support students with diverse interests. For instance, students have investigated artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction, health informatics, accessibility, data science and many more areas of research. This program ultimately provides students with access to cutting edge computing research that connects to other fields. Google's own research priorities align with computing research fields due to an emphasis on real-world impact and the advancement of knowledge.
The program has also emphasized interdisciplinary research deliberately, requesting students to consider how computing develops in relation to other fields (e.g. health, education, and social justice), so that students can engage with and approach research addressing complex problems and developing solutions to meet the needs of diverse communities.
The Broader Impact: Building a More Inclusive Research Community
The impact of CSRMP goes beyond the individual participants. By giving students from historically underrepresented backgrounds an opportunity to grow, the program fosters a more diverse and inclusive research community. Diverse teams have a broader range of perspectives that lead to more creative and equitable solutions. CSRMP contributes to removing systemic barriers at academia and in the tech industry for future generations of researchers.
Since launching in 2018, CSRMP has involved over 1,000 students representing 247 institutions across Canada, all of whom were supported by nearly 300 Google mentors. Although it's hard to measure outcomes and impacts, it is evident that students are rating positive increases in self-efficacy, research skills, and motivation and these are good indicators of success. For instance, we surveyed our alumni and found that 80% of participants said they wanted to pursue a computing research career; several alumni also indicated that the program resolved part of their uncertainty around their future.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
No matter what happens in terms of being selected as the preferred candidate for CSRMP, the most important thing is that you have shown your commitment to computing research and a desire for mentoring. Consider your educational path, including what you have gone through, and how the program will satisfy your educational needs. Also, you should include experiences that demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion through community service, advocacy or lived experience.
Solicit feedback on your application from mentors, professors, or peers. Ask for supportive feedback that is constructive. Prior to submitting, research the program. Know its values and ensure that in ways you can convey your symmetry with the program. Again, your goal is not to have a perfect resume, but to show your potential and enthusiasm to learn.
Continuing Your Research Journey After CSRMP
Being part of the CSRMP means you have just launched your research journey. Following the program's conclusion, you may wish to explore opportunities for undergraduate or graduate research via your institution. It is also a good idea to attend conferences and workshops in your area of interest so you can continue to learn about developments in the field and connect with other scholars.
Stay in touch with people you met through CSRMP; your networks may provide further fellowship, support and the opportunity to collaborate. You might also explore other Google initiatives, such as exploreCSR and the Award for Inclusion Research, to broaden your research horizons.
Google’s Computer Science Research Mentorship Program is not just a mentorship program, but an agent of change for the field of computing research. By mentoring students from all backgrounds, we are working towards a future of computing that is diverse, innovative, and impactful. Our alumni report increased confidence, expanded networks, and better clarity on their research careers following their time in the program.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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