CMU-Q Computer Science students have spent their summers making the world a better place by participating in TechBridgeWorld's iSTEP (innovative Student Technology ExPerience) internship program since its inaugural year in 2009. Hatem Alismail (CS '09) spent his summer in Tanzania working on literacy projects for iSTEP 2009. Aysha Siddique (CS '10) continued the literacy work in Bangladesh for iSTEP 2010. Afnan Fahim (CS '13) spent his summer in Uruguay working on a Facebook literacy tool for iSTEP 2011.
iSTEP is run by CMU-Q Computer Science faculty members M. Bernardine Dias and Yonina S. Cooper with staff from the TechBridgeWorld research group. iSTEP is a unique internship program that provides Carnegie Mellon students with the opportunity to conduct technology research projects in developing communities. Students who have participated in iSTEP have exhibited tremendous personal and professional growth as a result of their real-world experiences conducting research in developing community settings.
TechBridgeWorld is currently recruiting students to work on sustainable environmental projects for iSTEP 2012. This year's location is Accra, Ghana and our partner is Ashesi University College. Visit the iSTEP website for more information on iSTEP 2012 and application details. The application system opens on October 2, 2011 and the deadline to apply is November 6, 2011.
iSTEP is supported by a partnership with CMU-Q Student Affairs and is funded by contributions from several donors. iSTEP 2011 was sponsored in part by Qatar Foundation as well as specific donors to TechBridgeWorld's 100@100 fundraising campaign.
