CSMore: A springboard for computer science success

Sai Nellutla '27 grew up with an electrical engineer and a math teacher for parents, but despite his family's focus on math and physics, he never had the opportunity to explore programming.

Now, with a dream of working in tech and founding a startup, Nellutla is making up for lost time. This summer he participated in CSMore, a program designed to give prospective computer science majors a head start on future classes, a chance to develop fundamental skills and a community to support them along their journey.

"I wanted to gain that foundation," Nellutla said, "and it was a great opportunity for that."

Currently in its fifth year, CSMore is run by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) in the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science. The program is for any rising sophomore who wants to lay the groundwork for the major. Ultimately, organizers hope the course will broaden the participation of undergraduates in computer science. The program ran July 15 to Aug. 9, with sessions held in Gates Hall.

"By immersing our students in a supportive environment early on, we empower them to excel both academically and personally," said LeeAnn Roberts, director of Cornell Bowers CIS's DEIB office. "These programs are vital in creating equitable opportunities and nurturing diverse leaders of tomorrow."

Read the full story on the Cornell Bowers CIS website.