UDream

UDream is a zero-cost academic and workforce development program that admits an annual cohort of up to 15 candidates. By eliminating cost as a barrier, UDream seeks to recruit individuals from underrepresented or under-resourced backgrounds. The program provides a 22-week post-graduate experience, including a six-week academic intensive module, two one-week community engagement modules and a 14-week paid internship with Pittsburgh-based organizations. The UDream program first ran from 2009 to 2018 as an academic and job placement program through Carnegie Mellon Architecture and resumed as an annual zero-cost program in the summer of 2023.

Recognizing the barrier to participation in a five-month intensive program, UDream is a fully funded program that includes a monthly stipend. UDream continues to emphasize mentorship and leadership development for candidates both entering the workforce and pursuing advanced degrees, with the goal of retaining diverse talent in Pittsburgh through job placement, professional development and expanded scholarship opportunities. Additional support is provided for each UDream cohort including housing, travel and registration for architectural events, regional site visits and architectural tours, and team activities offered over the duration of the six-month program. 

UDream participants are also instrumental in the growth of the K-12 educational pipeline in the Pittsburgh region by engaging as community educators and serving K-12 minority students enrolled in summer youth architecture programs, inspiring their path towards a career in the built environment.

Following the six-week summer academic intensive on CMU’s campus, participants match with regional architecture and construction firms, community nonprofits and civic development corporations to complete a paid internship over three months in the fall. 

The fall internship period overlaps with the graduate school application cycle. UDream participants receive support for their applications to programs including, but not limited to, the seven master's programs at Carnegie Mellon Architecture. Participants also have the opportunity to apply for the GEM Fellowship, an invaluable opportunity that allows participants to enroll in graduate school at zero cost, with full tuition, stipend, application fees and overhead costs assumed by CMU and supplemented through the GEM sponsors consortium.

2025 Program Dates

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: January 31, 2025

• Virtual Open House for Prospective Fellows: April 2025

Program Timeline

• UDream Student Move-in: late June 2025

• Youth Give-Back Week: late June 2025

• First day of Classes: early July 2025

• Last day of Classes: early August 2025

• Community Engagement Week: first week of August 2025

• Final Presentations: August 2025

• Internship Start Date: mid-August 2025

• Internship End Date: mid-November 2025

  ---

Frequently Asked Questions

See common answers to frequently asked questions about the UDream program below. Please email udream@andrew.cmu.edu if you have any additional questions. 

Is housing included in the program, and if so, where is it located?

Yes, UDream participants are placed in Carnegie Mellon University housing for the duration of the academic portion of the program. During the internship portion of the program, participants are given opportunities for housing in nearby residential neighborhoods with coordination through the UDream program or on their own by request.

Are moving or travel expenses covered?

Yes, participants are eligible for an additional stipend to cover moving and/or travel on a case by case basis.

How are participants matched with an internship?

An interview and match day is held with local firms and non-profit organizations at the mid-point of the academic program. Following the event, UDream participants and employers are matched based on their preferences.

Statement of Assurance: Policy Statement

Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state or local laws or executive orders.

Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the university ombudsman, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-1018.

Obtain general information about Carnegie Mellon University by calling 412-268-2000.

The Carnegie Mellon University Statement of Assurance is available on the CMU website.