Have a question about our admissions process? Scroll through our collection of frequently asked questions and answers.

Q: Can I do a Sprinternship™ and complete the AI Program at the same time?

A: Yes!  Sprinternships™ take place during academic breaks when the AI Program is not running, so you can complete both at the same time. 

Q: Can I get college credit for completing a Sprinternship™ or the AI Program?

A: Currently, our programs are not credit-bearing. Students completing a Sprinternship™ will receive compensation from their host employer. Students completing the AI Program will receive a $2,000 financial award once they complete the program.

Q: Do I need to be a Cornell or Cornell Tech student to apply?

A: No. All undergraduate students across the United States are encouraged to apply to our virtual programs. If you want an on-campus experience and live in Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, or the DC Metro area, visit our locations page to explore our partner sites. 

Q: What’s the difference between both programs?

A: A Sprinternship™ is a three-week micro-internship designed to support you early in your computing and engineering studies, while the AI Program is a yearlong extracurricular program for students with a specific interest in data science, AI and machine learning. AI Program students usually have 1-2 years of coding experience. 

Q: How do I know which program is right for me? 

A: If you are early in your computing studies, a Sprinternship might be the right place to start! The AI program is for students who already have 1-2 years of coding experience and a specific interest in data science, AI and machine learning. Still not sure? Attend a Sprinternship™ or AI Program info session to learn more about each program.

Q: Can I have a job or internship while participating in the programs?

A: You can have a job or internship while participating in a Sprinternship™ if you can meet the requirement to work for your host employer from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday for the 3-week duration of the Sprinternship™. Keep in mind that many Sprinternships™ require you to work in the employer’s office on a hybrid or full time schedule. You can have a job or internship while participating in the AI Program if you can meet all program requirements for asynchronous and synchronous work, including weekly, 3-hour lab sessions over the summer, monthly Saturday Maker Day events from August-April, and monthly Mentorship meetings from August-April.

Q: Are there any in-person components for Break Through Tech programs?

A: The AI Program is fully remote (with the exception of select offerings from our partner sites). A Sprinternship™ may be in person, hybrid, or fully remote depending on the host employer. 

Q: Can I apply to Break Through Tech programs if I am not a Computer Science Major?

A: Yes, we accept applications from all majors. Applicants majoring in computing, information technology, engineering or a related discipline will be best prepared for the rigors of the program, but other majors are still welcome to apply. 

Q: Can I apply If I don’t attend a U.S.-based institution?

A: No. Break Through Tech programs are only available to students attending a U.S.-based college or university. We cannot accept students attending institutions outside of the U.S. now.

Q: Can I apply if I am a Graduate Student?

A: No, if you have already completed your undergraduate degree you are ineligible to apply. 

Q: Can I apply if I am in a 2-year program?

A: Students enrolled in associates (two-year) degree programs are eligible to apply to the AI Program as long as they intend to transfer to a bachelor’s (four-year) degree program by Fall 2025. Students enrolled in associates degree programs are not eligible for a Sprinternship™ (with the exception of select offerings from our partner sites). 

Q: Can I apply if I am an international student?

A: You must be a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient or visa holder to participate in the program. To participate in a Sprinternship, you must also prove authorization to work in the U.S. without restrictions or need for future sponsorship with valid U.S. identification. To participate in the AI Program, you must have a U.S. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and strong preference is given to applicants who can prove authorization to work in the U.S. without restrictions or need for future sponsorship with valid U.S. identification. 

Q: Do I get paid for participating in either program?

Q: Yes, Sprinternships™ are full time paid micro-internships. You will be paid an hourly rate either directly by your employer or through a sponsorship via Break Through Tech. Remuneration is based on your actual time worked (tracked by timesheets). Students completing the AI Program will receive a $2,000 financial award once they complete the program. Please note that Sprinternships™ include background checks either by the employer directly or a consulting agency managed by Break Through Tech.

Q: Do I need to identify as female to participate? 

A: We create intentional and supportive spaces for people who are passionate about diversifying tech culture.