Open to all students, ALVA targets entering UW freshmen students from African American, Hispanic and Native American communities who are interested in pursuing studies in engineering and computer science related disciplines. ALVA is a partnership between industry, research labs and the university. Students accepted to the program are assigned to paid, high tech or research intern positions, and partake in an engineering workshop/college transition program the summer after they graduate from high school.

During the intern portion, ALVA students work with professionals so they can better visualize themselves as future engineers. Most recent ALVA students have worked in research labs at the University of Washington and for companies such as The Boeing Company and Jet Propulsion Laboratories. Students gain valuable professional mentors who can support them throughout their engineering schooling and career. The intern portion of ALVA begins mid to late June and concludes in mid to late August (8-9 weeks).

In addition to the hands-on engineering experience, ALVA students also participate in the Engineering Bridge Program. EBP provides an intense engineering-based, mathematical problem-solving workshop and serves as an introduction to the UW campus prior to the start of autumn quarter. This brings ALVA students from their different host sites together to form a stronger cohort of new entering engineering students.

Students who complete ALVA are better-prepared, more motivated and come out with a strong peer and professional network. All of these combine to increase their chances of completing a four-year degree in engineering or computer science.

ALVA is also offered through the UW GenOM Program and UW Michael G. Foster School of Business.

Apply to ALVA

Students should submit an application packet after completing their University of Washington freshman application. The priority deadline is March 1.

• Instructions for applying 
• MSEP/ALVA application form 

For More Information

To find out more about the ALVA program, contact Scott Pinkham.