Learn Online for Free: Apply for the MIT Emerging Talent Certificate in Computer and Data Science Program

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Closing Date: 21 October 2024

Learn Online for Free: Apply for the MIT Emerging Talent Certificate in Computer and Data Science Program

Program Overview

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, MIT is excited to introduce a new pilot initiative leading to its 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 MIT Emerging Talent Certificate in Computer and Data Science Program 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.

MIT Emerging Talent Curriculum

Academic Development:

You will complete a curated series of online learning, rigorous MIT coursework on MITx with the support of teaching assistants and collaborators. Courses include:

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python

Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science
Choice of elective course in a computer science or tech adjacent subject

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Demographic Information

With this application MIT 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. Some spots will be available for low-income first generation individuals.

Due to OFAC sanctions, MIT Emerging Talent is unable to accept learners residing within the following countries or states at this time: 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. Admitted learners must be 18 years of age or older.

Connectivity Needs and Time Commitment

Please note that reliable access to a computer and internet is necessary for the completion of this Certificate program.

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.

You will be expected to commit 20 hours per week to the MIT Emerging Talent CDS Online Learning Program. Though much of the online coursework can be completed asynchronously, problem sets and exams and live workshops will require ~10 hours per week of connectivity on a laptop or desktop device and additional hours of asynchronous work.

Mindset

Admitted learners should be proficient in English. Applications will be screened to assess English language fluency in speaking and writing. Applicants must possess the self-motivation, proactive thinking, creativity, and open mindedness needed to make the most of these offerings and participate fully in the vibrant multicultural community.

MIT 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.