Welcome to the STARS Program
Our mission
The University of Washington Bothell State Academic Rising Scholars (STARS) program seeks to increase diversity and access for pre-major students interested in applying to and graduating with technology degrees, contributing to a more inclusive and representative workforce.
Benefits
As a STARS scholar, you will be a part of a vibrant community dedicated to helping you explore the field of technology and succeed as a pre-major student.
STARS offers a holistic experience with redesigned STEM prerequisite courses to strengthen your academic foundation while enhancing essential personal and professional skills. You’ll receive tailored guidance and resources to navigate your pre-major journey and apply for your desired technology-related major.
Note: STARS scholars are expected to participate in all STARS-related courses and programming.
Program features
Join a small community of about 35 scholars who are passionate about pursuing careers in the technology field. You’ll have the chance to collaborate, share your unique experiences and build a supportive network.
A one-week immersive summer program that helps scholars:
- Transition to college: Pre-fall course B CUSP 102: Transitioning to College Learning
- Immerse in campus life: Experience what it’s like to live and learn on campus
- Build support networks: Form connections with peers, mentors, staff and faculty
- Connect with campus resources: Engage with key resources such as the Collaboratory, Academic Learning Commons, Disability Resource Services and much more
Note: Participation is mandatory. Meals and housing are provided during this week.
Partnering with Career Services, scholars will engage in programs designed to prepare them for their lifelong career management. This includes:
- Spring Tech Trek: Visit and learn about career opportunities at local tech companies
- Career fairs: Explore job opportunities and meet potential employers on campus
- Career workshops: Learn how to stand out as a competitive applicant while receiving application, interview and job search strategy support
We are committed to providing high-touch and individualized support both inside and outside of the classroom. This includes a dedicated STARS director and adviser, peer facilitators, tutors, mentors and resident advisers.
Some courses include:
- B CUSP 102: Transitioning into College Learning*
- STMATH 113/114 Calculus I: Stretch I & II*
- STMATH 125 Calculus II
- B WRIT 134 Composition, with tech focus
- CSS 142/142 Computer Programming I & II
- Various technology-focused seminar courses
*Scholars are required to take in their first year.
Designed to cultivate purpose and explore pathways to achieve individual goals, these sessions foster community, promote diversity, equity, inclusion and justice; support career development, enhance well-being; and strengthen persistence, belonging and retention.
Located in Summit Hall, the STARS wing is available to scholars interested in living on campus. Apply for on-campus housing here.
Who is eligible
- First-year students admitted to UW Bothell
- Students interested in pursuing a technology major
- Washington State residents
- Students who have less than 45 transferrable college credits
- Students who need to take Calculus I in college
- Students who can attend summer and regular school year programming
Admissions
There is no separate STARS application. Washington State residents admitted to UW Bothell — who list a technology major on their Common App — will be considered for STARS. Selected students receive invitations to the program with their admission decisions through their online portal.
Invited scholars will need to confirm intent to enroll in STARS by the National Confirmation Deadline on May 1.
The technology majors that we currently support are:
- Computer science
- Computer engineering
- Applied computing
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Data visualization
- Mathematics.
Note: Admission to computer science and computer engineering is competitive. Students accepted into STARS will enter as pre-major students and receive holistic support for applying to these majors and other technology-related majors.
Contact us
Email: uwbstars@uw.edu
Call or text: 206-850-5916
UWB STARS Office Hours is an informal meeting to go over any questions you might have about the program.
Support STARS
The University of Washington Bothell State Academic Rising Scholars (STARS) program supports low-income, first-generation, and underserved students who are interested in pursuing technology majors. Help us in our mission.