DREAM (Distributed Research Apprenticeships for Master's)

NSF DREAM (Distributed Research Apprenticeships for Master’s)

Application Deadline:

December 31st (priority deadline)
February 15 (general deadline)

Acceptance: Rolling basis

To learn more about DREAM, please reach out to DREAM@cra.org

Request More Information

Students Apply Now!

Program Mission

The NSF Distributed Research Experiences for The Distributed Research Apprenticeships for Master’s (DREAM) is an NSF-funded program for students with non-computing science bachelor’s degrees who are working to earn an M.S. degree in computing and enter the tech field. Students in a “bridge to MS in CS” type of program, such as programs offered by the MSCS Pathways to Computing Consortium, are eligible to apply.

NSF DREAM aims to increase diversity in computing by providing research experiences and mentorship to master’s students with non-computing bachelor’s degrees. DREAM’s goal is to foster students’ interest in pursuing PhD programs in Computer Science, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups in tech. Through hands-on research opportunities, professional development, and a supportive community, the program helps prepare students for advanced study while promoting a more inclusive and diverse future in computing.

Overview

Are you a master’s student transitioning into computing from a non-computing background?

Or are you a faculty member interested in mentoring diverse master’s students as they explore research opportunities in Computer Science?

The Distributed Research Apprenticeships for Master’s (DREAM) program might be just what you’re looking for!

DREAM, funded by the National Science Foundation, supports master’s students with non-computing bachelor’s degrees who are pursuing an MS in computing. Designed to foster diversity in tech and computing PhD programs, DREAM offers students from historically underrepresented groups an opportunity to engage in research while receiving a $12,000 stipend, mentorship, professional development, and a sense of community.

Through the DREAM program, students work on research projects over a 3-4 month period, guided by a faculty advisor from their institution and a mentor from another DREAM consortium school. Participants also take part in community activities, such as guest speaker sessions, research presentations, and ongoing discussions via Slack and Zoom meetups. These experiences build skills, connections, and confidence as participants prepare for advanced study and careers in computing.

If you’re ready to explore how research in Computer Science can shape your future, DREAM might be the program for you!

DREAM is an innovative program tailored for master’s students with non-computing bachelor’s degrees who are pursuing pathways into the tech industry and advanced degrees in Computer Science.

Through a competitive selection process, DREAM participants engage in a 3-4 month research-focused apprenticeship, earning a $12,000 stipend. Each student is paired with two mentors: a faculty advisor from their institution and a mentor from a different school within the DREAM consortium. This mentorship approach ensures comprehensive guidance and exposure to varied academic and research practices.

The program also provides participants with professional development and community engagement opportunities. These include monthly virtual meetings featuring guest speakers who share insights into their PhD journeys, interactive cohort activities via Slack, and a culminating session where students present their research. By the end of the program, participants produce key deliverables such as detailed research reports and personal research webpages, which in some cases have led to published work.

DREAM offers students an invaluable chance to deepen their research skills, expand their professional network, and strengthen their applications for PhD programs and fellowships. At the same time, faculty mentors gain the opportunity to collaborate with promising students, advancing both their research agendas and the diversity of the computing community.

Supported by the NSF, DREAM draws inspiration from CRA-WP’s Distributed Research Experiences for Undergraduates (DREU), a program known for successfully encouraging students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue graduate-level education in Computer Science. DREAM’s long-term vision includes scaling the program nationwide, creating a pipeline for diverse talent into PhD programs and preparing future leaders in technology and academia.

This program is funded by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number (2417847). The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Eligibility

For Students

To be eligible for the DREAM program, students must be enrolled in a “bridge to MS in CS” program or an equivalent master’s program designed for individuals transitioning into computing from non-computing bachelor’s degrees, such as those offered by the MSCS Pathways to Computing Consortium. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in research and a commitment to pursuing a PhD in Computer Science. International Students may apply, however, most of the funds for the DREU program are restricted to US citizens and permanent residents, so the number of non-US student participants will be limited. Priority will be given to students from groups historically underrepresented in computing, including women, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, and veterans, and must be actively enrolled in their master’s program during the application and program period.

For Faculty Mentors

Potential mentors should be professors in CS, CE, or other closely related areas at any institution of higher education.

For questions regarding eligibility, please email dream@cra.org.

Application

For Students

Students may identify potential mentors they wish to work in their application, although this is not a requirement. In addition, students may indicate a preference regarding the gender and/or the ethnicity of their mentor.

Application Requirements:

Application Information
Educational History
Course Work; Research Interests; Technical Skills
Mentor, Date & Location Preferences
Letters of Recommendation (2+)
Transcript
CV/Resume
Brief Statements
Research Statement (include what, if any, research you have already conducted and discuss any new areas of interest. There is no required length or format: 1-2 paragraphs should suffice)
Statement of Honor & GDPR Questions

For Faculty

Faculty may indicate students they particularly wish to work with.

Number of students per mentor. Mentors are encouraged to request two students if a single student would otherwise be isolated. However, we expect to limit awards to two students per mentor.
Joint/co-mentoring possibilities. Two or more mentors may submit a single application to jointly supervise one or more students.
Cost sharing by faculty mentors is encouraged. The number of students interested in the DREAM program has increased substantially over the last several years, and many qualified students have not been selected due to a lack of funding. To enable more students to participate, faculty are encouraged to provide funds to support (partially or fully) students; the DREAM program will provide travel support for all students.
All interested faculty are eligible to be DREAM mentors. All interested faculty are eligible to be DREAM mentors and are encouraged to apply. However, based on the documented benefits of role models with similar gender or demographic backgrounds, it is anticipated that DREAM funds will prioritize supporting students matched with mentors from groups underrepresented in computing. Mentors from other groups are encouraged to provide full funding for their students’ stipends (the program will still provide travel support).

For questions regarding the application, please email dream@cra.org.

Evaluation Criteria

Students and faculty mentors apply separately to the program. A committee evaluates the applications and selects students for funding.

For Students

The student’s potential for success in graduate school, as demonstrated by their academic record and recommendations.
The student’s experience and technical skills relevant to the program.
The potential benefits the student will gain from the experience (e.g., students from institutions with limited research opportunities).
The potential for the student’s participation to further the goals of the DREAM program, particularly in advancing diversity in computing and preparing students for PhD programs.

For Faculty

The suitability of the professor’s research project for master’s students transitioning into computing.
The conduciveness of the professor’s university environment to the goals of DREAM (e.g., an active research community that provides students with insight into the life of a graduate researcher).
The professor’s demonstrated skills in mentoring master’s students or individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The potential for the professor’s participation to advance DREAM’s mission of increasing diversity in computing and preparing students for PhD programs.

For questions regarding the evaluation criteria, please email dream@cra.org.

FAQs

Additional questions? Please email dream@cra.org.

When will NSF DREAM selections be made ?

Applications will be reviewed from February 15-March 31 with decisions being made by April 1

How long does the NSF DREAM experience last?

The NSF DREAM experience is meant to last for the summer, but you determine your schedule with your advisor. You will be paid 4 stipends of $3,000 each (a total of $12,000) during the experience as you complete the 4 milestones. Complete details will be in the Letter of Agreement you will receive once accepted into the program.

What are the 4 milestones of NSF DREAM?

DREAM is divided into 4 milestones, the completion of which will earn you $3,000 of your total $12,000 stipend. The first milestone involves signing the letter of agreement, getting your W-9 and direct deposit forms completed, and completing a pre-survey. The second milestone involves setting up your NSF DREAM github and website using a given template. The third milestone involves both you and your advisor completing progress reports. The final milestone involves your completed website with final report attached, an advisor final progress report, and completing a post-survey. More details can be found at https://dream.mines.edu.

What is the difference between my advisor and my mentor?

Your advisor is a faculty member at your institution that you can ideally meet with in person. This faculty member will be a large part of your NSF DREAM experience, advising you about your research project along the whole journey. If you have an advisor in mind from your institution, you can request to work with that faculty member. Your mentor will be an assigned faculty member from another institution in the NSF DREAM consortium. This person will meet with you about once a month remotely and is there to mentor you on general research and PhD topics.

When should I be done with my NSF DREAM experience?

Ideally you should finish by the end of the summer, definitely by the end of the year. Completing your project during the summer tends to have the highest success rate before starting into a fall semester of coursework.

What should I do if I cannot finish the NSF DREAM program?

You will receive reminders as the end of the year approaches if you have fallen behind on your milestones. By the end of the year, we will need to have a conversation and potentially decide that you cannot complete and you will forfeit your remaining stipends.

Is this experience going to be in person or virtual?

Ideally, you will be doing this research in person in a lab with your advisor and potentially some other research students. This should be worked out between you and your advisor.

What do I do when I complete a milestone?

Once you complete a milestone, you will email the contact provided to you in the original Letter of Agreement. This contact will be responsible for checking your milestone requirements, then requesting your stipend.

I did all the steps of my milestone and emailed the contact provided. When can I expect my stipend?

Once you email the contact provided, your stipend is usually requested that same day. The process of requesting the stipend and it landing in your bank account usually takes 2 weeks but sometimes a bit longer depending on the pay cycle.

“The DREAM program gave me the unique opportunity to explore my research interests with the kind of funding that is generally only available for REU programs or PhD students. It filled a necessary gap in support for non-traditional grad students such as myself, which gave me the space to explore research at the graduate level and cemented my plan to pursue a PhD in computational biology.”

“This program has changed my perception of research as well as the way I speak to other women who are considering research.”

“I have decided to pursue a MS thesis since completing my DREAM research in order to expand on my summer research.”

“I am so grateful for this experience and the opportunity to be part of a team that is working on overcoming the communication barriers between deaf and hearing.”