Qatar high school students explore careers and campus life at Carnegie Mellon
72 students learn about business, science, technology at CMU-Q’s Summer College Preview Program
DOHA, QATAR: Secondary school students from across Qatar spent three weeks exploring future areas of study in science, technology, and business during the annual Summer College Preview Program (SCPP), hosted by Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q).
A total of 72 students participated in the intensive three-week program, learning about the biological sciences, business administration, computer science, and information systems programs offered at CMU-Q. The SCPP also helped participants learn more about student life and future career possibilities.
Damian Dourado, director of pre-college programs at CMU-Q, said: “The SCPP strengthens students’ understanding of mathematics, English, and SAT and ACT preparation, and helps them explore the majors offered at CMU-Q. The passion demonstrated by the students drives us at CMU-Q to create an amazing experience for these students.”
The fast-paced program includes workshops to help students take charge of their academic careers by setting goals, managing time effectively, working on group projects, and preparing a competitive college application. Nearly 20% of first-year students at CMU-Q have completed the Summer College Preview Program.
Maryam Al Naemi, a CMU-Q graduate and former SCPP participant was the keynote speaker at the closing ceremony. “When I attended SCPP in 2012, it gave me a sense of direction and made me realize that what I want more than anything was to be a part of Carnegie Mellon University and become a Tartan.”
Al Naemi is currently working as a systems engineer at Qatar Petroleum and is the founder of Kaffeinated, a hub for coffee aficionados in Qatar. “My four years at CMU-Q were the most amazing years of my life. The environment at CMU-Q is a constant cycle of pushing you to pursue extraordinary achievements and build a reputation beyond these walls.”
Sara Al Hamadi, a rising senior at Al Jazeera Academy and SCPP participant, remarked: ”I had an amazing experience at SCPP and it helped me identify my passion for biological sciences. After attending this program, I can certainly say that CMU-Q is my first choice for college, and after graduating next year, I hope to get accepted here and excel in my academics.”
Najah Alnounou, a student at Doha Academy and SCPP participant, said: “Our group developed an interactive game by applying the skills we learned during our three weeks here. SCPP was a very enjoyable and valuable experience for me, and has encouraged me to apply to CMU-Q and opt for computer science as my major.”
CMU-Q holds many programs and workshops throughout the year to help secondary school students find career paths that they will love. Find out more at www.qatar.cmu.edu/outreach.