Equitech Scholars Program

An 8-week program for current undergraduates from all disciplines who want to learn how to use cutting-edge technology tools in data science and artificial intelligence to tackle societal challenges.

June 8 - July 16, 2026

Global, cohort-based online learning

Fully funded: No tuition cost

Why joIn

Are you interested in building the future of technology?

Whether you want to become an entrepreneur, advocate for public policy, or work in the technology sector, the Equitech Scholars Program provides you with the skills, perspectives, and community necessary to accelerate your ambitions and launch your career.

Interdisciplinary Learning

Expose yourself to varied perspectives and lenses through instruction in data science, analytical reasoning, and public communication

Individualised Mentorship

Interact directly and in-depth with faculty and peers with cohort strength capped at 25 students

Embrace Diversity

Learn alongside peers from diverse disciplines, cultures, and geographies

Launch your Career

Hit the ground running by acquiring highly relevant and transferrable skills

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Curriculum

What you’ll learn

To tackle today’s complex societal challenges, innovators must go beyond technical skills—they need to understand problems deeply, apply knowledge practically, and communicate complex ideas clearly. The Equitech Scholars program develops these critical abilities through a focus on data-driven problem-solving, critical reasoning, and empathetic yet effective communication.

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Foundations of Data Science and Programming

Learn programming skills to think like a Data Scientist

In this course, you will learn to apply foundational statistics and data science tools on real-world datasets through short projects. You will learn to communicate statistical uncertainty and visualize data effectively. Finally, you will learn basic statistical tools used both for causal inference and machine learning. Covered topics will include:

Introduction to programming in Python

Data wrangling and visualization

Proabability and Bayesian Inference

Predictive and Machine Learning

Why It Matters

This course will provide a firm foundation on which you can pursue more advanced topics in data science and machine learning.

Applied Artificial Intelligence

Acquire a functional understanding of how to apply AI tools in various domains

Unlike many courses that focus on developing AI algorithms, we will focus on how to deploy AI algorithms and the potential and risks associated with them. Covered topics will include:

Introduction to Supervised Learning

Building AI Blueprints and Datafication

Applications in healthcare and education

Applications in climate and environmental science

Why It Matters

Whether you want to launch a startup, lead a nonprofit, work in policy, or pursue academic research, this will help cultivate an "AI architect mindset" that goes beyond understanding the mechanics behind algorithms. By the end, you will learn how to identify good (and problematic) use-cases for AI and be well-placed to create new companies, nonprofits, or policies using these novel tools.

Speaking Lab

Learn to effectively communicate complex ideas

Growing up, we source language from those around us and our "voice" is formed almost unconsciously. This Lab encourages you to see your vocal instrument as a tool that can be leveraged to meet others where they are, and realize your personal and professional aspirations as well. Covered topics will include:

Foundations of breath and sound

Refine public communications to stand out

Build your personal narrative

Navigating differences and find common ground

Why It Matters

To be impactful data-savvy leaders, you need to clearly communicate your ideas in diverse professional settings. The Speaking Lab will teach you to be an impactful communicator.

Entrepreneurship Lab

Build your entrepreneurial toolkit

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to innovate, adapt, and create value is essential for success in any field. This course is designed to equip you with the mindset and tools needed to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Through interactive lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises, you'll learn to identify opportunities, think creatively, and take calculated risks. Covered topics will include:

Core priciples of entrepreneurship

Generating and executing ideas

Building data-driven, and human centered business cases

Solving real problems that affect communities

Why It Matters

Learning to think like an entrepreneur is a lifelong pursuit, and the skills you pick up along the way are widely transferrable. This is a way to get started!

Societal and Ethical Perspectives on Technology

Develop a wide and sensitive lens for various technological intersections

The goal of these discussion-based seminars is to help you navigate vital themes at the intersection of technology and society. These seminars will give you the opportunity to hear from and interact with practitioners and experts working across a variety of fields.

Building Human-Centered Technologies

Gender and Technology

The Politics of Automation

The Many-Headed Climate Monster

Intellectual Property Rights

The Many-Headed Climate Monster

Why It Matters

The seminars will help you explore the social implications of technological tools and the ethical implications of your work as innovators. You will learn to think deeply about a problem, inhabit multiple viewpoints, and analyze arguments across a range of source material.

Eligibility

Who can apply

This program is for ambitious and curious undergraduates from any academic background who are motivated to apply technology towards solving urgent real-world problems.

Currently enrolled as an undergraduate

Any discipline or major

Max. 25 years of age

on June 8, 2026

Able to commit 20-25 hours per week

over 8 weeks of instruction

All backgrounds

Underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply

How the program works

Learn by doing

Small cohorts  (25 students max)

Direct mentorship & discussion-based learning

Project-based learning

Solve real-world problems using AI & data

Live, interactive online classes

No pre-recorded lectures

Timezone-friendly scheduling

Classes run from 13:00 - 16:00 UTC

Alumni impact

Discover Alumni Success Stories

Our alumni have gone on to land top internships, fellowships, and jobs in AI, policy, and entrepreneurship.

Equitech Futures has allowed me to claim my space as a woman in STEM. It has taught me to use my empathy and emotions with analytical skills to tackle societal challenges I’m passionate about.

Anna Upreti

India

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At Equitech Futures, I became much more confident and comfortable around data. I found the support that I needed to land my first role at a tech startup.

Rawan Gafar

Egypt

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After the program

Career & Community Support

At the conclusion of each program term, graduates are entitled to a Certificate of Completion and are welcomed to join the Equitech Alumni Network. This cross-cohort community of talented young innovators share opportunities, collaborate on shared research, and inspire one another. A few of the privileges of alumni status include:

Career mentorship & recommendation letters

Faculty support for internships, fellowships and job applications

Ongoing education & Leadership Labs

Monthly discussions with top leaders in AI, policy, and academia

Global alumni retreats & IRL gatherings

Curated retreats, interdisciplinary collaborations, and community-building events around the world

Exclusive access to research & job opportunities

Alumni get first access to Equitech-led fellowships, research projects, and career placements

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Teachers & mentors

Learn from world-class Faculty

Our faculty are leaders in data science, public policy, law, and civic innovation. We are committed to small-cohort, hands-on teaching that ensures every student gets individual mentorship.

Our Faculty

Tuition & financial aid

$9,500

Full Scholarship

Thanks to the generous support of our philanthropic partners, every admitted scholar receives a full scholarship to make the program more accessible to global talent.

What’s Included?

8 weeks of instruction.

Mentorship and career-support for one year on successful completion.

Access to ongoing Equitech Futures Alumni Network programming.

Timeline

Applications & Selection

Applications for the 2026 edition of the Equitech Scholars Program will tentatively open in March 2026. The applications will include a written and an interview component. If you have any questions, please write to info@equitechfutures.com.

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April 2026

Written applications due

Early May 2026

Faculty interviews with finalists

May 15, 2026

Final admission decisions

FAQ

If you still have questions, feel free to ask them here:

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Admissions & Eligibility

I'm currently enrolled in a Non-STEM undergraduate program, can I still apply?

Yes. We accept applications from students across disciplines. An educational background in STEM is not required.

My undergraduate degree will end in May 2025. Am I still eligible?

Yes, you are eligible for the Equitech Scholars Program if you are pursuing your undergraduate degree at the time the application for this program opens.

I have had low grades in my bachelor's. Is there a minimum grade requirement?

We do not consider GPAs or grades in the application process. We are looking for people who are curious, analytical, persistent, and open-minded when confronted with challenging problems.

How much does the program cost?

With generous support from our philanthropic partners, we are providing full tuition waivers for each student admitted to the ESP.

Who should apply?

We welcome currently enrolled undergraduate students under the age of 25 who are interested in using data science and applied AI to tackle societal challenges.

Learning Experience

I've done online learning before. How is this program different?

Massive Online Open Courses (MOOC) are generally asynchronous offerings that allow you to go at your own pace but without customization. That flexibility comes with less accountability. However, small cohort-based classes at Equitech Futures ensure that you learn through live discussions with a talented group of peers. Learning with others, and being able to speak directly to instructors as you do, will make a difference at how much you are able to take in.

What is the format of classes?

Coursework in the Scholars program is evenly weighted between foundations of data science and programming, applied artificial intelligence, speaking lab, writing lab, and entrepreneurship lab. Each course meets for 3 hours each week in live, synchronous, cohort-based online classes.

What are the class timings? Can we get recorded lectures instead?

Equitech Futures prides itself on its model of live lectures and peer-discussions, as well as scheduled 1:1 office hours with the faculty members. To make the same possible, we calibrate for waking hours in a way that our sessions take place in the mornings in the Americas, afternoon sessions in Europe and Africa, and evening sessions in Asia. We generally schedule our classes between 13:00-16:00 UTC (Universal Time Coordinated). We strongly suggest that you keep these time commitments in mind while applying to the ESP. Recorded lectures cannot be used as a substitute for regular classes.

What technology platforms are used?

Our live classes and special seminars are accessed via Zoom. Individual coaching sessions with faculty, social encounters, and study groups are held on our course-related Discord server.

Commitment & Completion

What are the attendance requirements for completing the course?

We expect students to be present for a minimum of 80% of the classes, and strictly adhere to the same. If a student cannot meet the attendance requirement, they will not be eligible for graduation, and will be removed from the program.

What happens if I begin but cannot complete the course?

Our cohort is small and we have significantly more applicants than we have the capacity to serve. We expect our incoming cohort to consider their own participation seriously because accepting a place closes the opportunity for another student. For this reason, if a student begins but does not complete the program for any reason other than a health emergency, we will be unable to attest to their participation or to accept an application for any other program in the future.

Will I receive a certificate for completing the course?

Yes, we provide a completion certificate contingent on attendance record and final project submissions.

The world needs a new generation of trailblazing tech leaders.

Are you ready?