The MIT Emerging Talent Certificate in Computer and Data Science (CDS) is a yearlong online learning program offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that opens up education to employment pathways for talented learners including refugees, migrants, and first-generation low-income students from historically marginalized backgrounds and underserved communities worldwide.
For the 2024/2025 cohort, we are excited to introduce a new pilot initiative leading to our Certificate in Computer and Data Science. All accepted learners will begin their journey in MIT Emerging Talent’s Foundations Track, where they will develop essential skills in digital literacy, key human skills, mathematics, and the fundamentals of computer science that will set them up for success in the Certificate program.
The Foundations Track begins in mid-November 2024 and will run for two months. From this group, a selection of learners will advance to the Certificate program; this next phase involves in-depth studies in computer science and data science, incorporating MITx’s rigorous courses, hands-on projects, and access to a global mentorship network, all designed to elevate your expertise and prepare you for a successful career in tech.
Want to know if our program is right for you? Join our Informative Session next October 10, from 9-10am EDT.
Established in 1861, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Cambridge (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 158 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this US higher education organization a most selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
The MIT Emerging Talent model has been designed with consideration for the complex needs of underserved communities.
With this application we welcome applications from refugees, internally displaced persons, and those otherwise impacted by forced migration from anywhere in the world. A significant number of positions will be reserved for women and applicants of refugee, asylee or internally displaced status.
Admitted learners must be 18 years of age or older.
Admitted learners should be proficient in English. Applications will be screened to assess English language fluency in speaking and writing.
MIT Emerging Talent is open to anyone regardless of age, nationality, gender, identity, cultural identity, or political viewpoint. Unfortunately, US law prevents MIT from providing services to persons ordinarily residing in Iran, Cuba, Syria, North Korea, or the Crimea, Donetsk People’s Republic, or Luhansk People’s Republic areas of Ukraine and to parties blocked by the US Treasury Department.
Note that if you are from these countries but live somewhere else you are eligible to be accepted.
To pursue the studies, you need to have a computer running one of the following operating systems:
Microsoft Windows, version XP or greater (XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7)
Apple OSX, version 10.2 or greater
Linux - most distributions that have been released within the past two years should work
In addition, you will need the ability to download, install, and run software on your computer.
Important Notice Concerning Use of AI in Development:
We expect all applicants to provide authentic, truthful responses that reflect their own thoughts, experiences, and qualifications. Any use of AI-generated content may result in disqualification from the application process.
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Skills Development: You will learn from MIT Emerging Talent’s global network of experts about innovation and entrepreneurship, creativity, leadership, and problem solving, and other uniquely human or soft skills in key domains essential for your success in the modern workforce.
Experiential Learning Opportunities: You will consolidate what you have learned and apply your knowledge by taking part in an Experiential Learning Opportunity (ELO) in the form of an onsite / remote internship or apprenticeship or an independent or collaborative project using computer and data science skills towards addressing challenges we face as a global community.
Networking opportunities: You will be connected to businesses and field experts that can open up access to career and professional development opportunities. MIT Emerging Talent is powered by our vibrant alumni community, mentors, leaders in business and tech, universities, and NGOs, connected online and through our growing network of global hubs.
Mentor Program: The MIT Emerging Talent team will pair you with an individual dedicated mentor to advise you in your learning and employment journey , and connect you to supplemental learning opportunities to accelerate your career in the tech field.
Application Process
Go to MIT Emerging Talent on jwel.submittable.com to apply
Before you start your application, please review the key areas that will help us determine if this program is the right fit for you:
Program Description: You will learn about the program curriculum, eligibility, and key requirements for completion.
Digital Literacy: This MIT Emerging Talent program is conducted entirely online. For this reason, the ability to communicate, collaborate, and study online is critical to success.
Entrepreneurship and Social Impact: Our community is about encouraging innovation for the purpose of building a better world. We want to know what this better world looks like to you and how you can use technology to create it.
Quantitative: We will assess your computational thinking, fundamental mathematics and analytical skills.
Demographics: We will collect information about your educational and professional background and personal narrative. Note that MIT Emerging Talent does not have prior academic or professional experience requirements.
Resources for preparing for this program: We will provide you with free online materials for your learning journey in computer science, entrepreneurship, and human skills.
To complete your application, please follow this process:
1. Complete this application on Submittable:
The form is expected to take approximately 60 minutes to complete.
During the form completion, you will be required to view short videos or written online resources before answering some questions.
The application includes graded knowledge checks and several short-answer written responses. These written responses will be used to assess both your English language fluency and your suitability for the program.
You'll be requested to submit a video recording answering to a question.
Ensure that you submit the form by the deadline of October 21 at 5pm EST.
2. After submitting this form, you will receive a confirmation message containing an instructional document to access the Math Exam.
3. Complete the Math Exam on the AutoProctor platform. Only those who submit the main application will have access to the Math Exam link.
Once you start the exam, you will have 60 minutes to complete it.
The deadline to submit the math exam is October 23 at 5pm EST. Your application for the program will only be considered complete after you have submitted both the initial Submittable form and the AutoProctor math exam.
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Established in 1861, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Cambridge (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 158 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this US higher education organization a most selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.