NYU’s Pathways to AI Program

A 6-week Summer Course Series to Prepare the Next Generation of AI Researchers

About the Program

Join us for the NYU Courant Institute's Pathways to AI Program!  An announcement for Summer 2025 will be made in mid-January.  Please check back for details soon. 

Research and real-world applications of AI are expanding at an unprecedented pace, and AI researchers are in high demand in academia and industry. We are looking for the next generation of AI researchers and are dedicated to expanding the field of scientists to include those historically underrepresented in the field of AI.

NYU is a major center for AI research;  Professor Yann LeCun has won the 2018 Turing Award, the "Nobel Prize of computing" for his research in deep learning that revolutionized the field. NYU AI researchers collaborate with major AI research labs located in NYC (Google, Facebook, IBM, Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon), as well as researchers and practitioners from many other areas (healthcare, engineering, physical and social sciences). 

This program will provide students with the basic skills needed to get involved in AI research.  Over the course of six weeks, students will attend mini-courses in topics such as Python, Tools for AI, Math for AI, and Big Ideas in AI.  Students will also participate in several research lab rotations, which will provide them with an opportunity to learn about ongoing research projects directly from faculty, postdocs, and graduate students.  Students who successfully complete the program will be invited to work on a research project with a faculty member during the Fall 2025 academic term.

Program Dates: Our 2025 dates will be announced soon

Stipend: $4,000 (plus $500 for travel expenses)

Accommodations: On-campus NYU Housing is included

Location: NYU’s Washington Square Campus in the heart of New York City’s Greenwich Village

In addition to classes and spending the summer in NYC, participants will meet their peers, learn from world-renowned NYU faculty, and attend panels and workshops with guest speakers and NYU graduate students. 

Eligibility

We are looking for motivated First Years and Sophomores who plan on majoring in computer science, or any other field in which AI plays a significant role, and who are interested in exploring research careers. Pathways to AI is open to students of all backgrounds and especially encourages applications from individuals who come from diverse backgrounds and whose academic and research experience contribute significantly to the diversity and academic excellence at NYU. 

At this time we are only able to accept students who are U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or DACA.

How to Apply

Please check back soon for important application deadlines and instructions.

Admission decisions to Pathways to AI are based on the strength of an applicant’s academic work and interest in AI research as represented on their transcript, their statement of interest, and their letter of recommendation. We encourage students to apply as early as possible as there is limited space in the program.

The program will take place in-person and participants must be available for its entirety.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement & Safety Measures

NYU's most up-to-date policies and guidelines can be found on the NYU COVID-19 information page.

FAQs

A: No, anyone with serious interest in AI research is welcome to apply.  Only basic programming skills (e.g., a high-school Python class) are needed for the program. 

A: Pathways to AI was designed with first years and sophomores in mind. But yes, juniors may also apply if they think the program can still be beneficial to them.

A: The program is intended to develop skills needed for participation in research projects, and help students to identify projects of interest to them.  All students successfully completing the program will be provided with an opportunity to participate in a project online during the next academic year. 

A: Our goal is to have decision letters go out by mid-March.

A: No, not at this time.  

A: Students will be assigned a double room in an NYU dorm near campus.  A weekly meal plan is also included.

A:  Yes, it is.  Students must be available for all six weeks of the program and are expected to attend each day.