IEEE Computer Society Career Catalyst
A new program to expose students to mentorship and career building opportunities in industry.
Discover What it Takes to Work at Leading US Technology Companies
Be Introduced to Real-World Challenges
Spark Innovative Ideas
Stand Out During the Hiring Process
About the Program
The IEEE CS Career Catalyst Scholarship Program is a new Computer Society initiative that helps bridge the gap between academic learning and industry employability. This program helps students gain the real-world skills and professional networks needed to transition successfully into corporate careers in computing and technology.
Students will be chosen through a rigorous selection process and must attend an accredited college or university.
The program will run from June–December 2025 and provide participants up to US$6,000 in qualified tuition and related expenses.
Activities
- Qualcomm Virtual Panel: Scholars are able to interact with Qualcomm professionals on different experience levels, from engineer to Vice President.
- Site visit at Qualcomm HQ in San Diego, CA: Scholars will be hosted at Qualcomm office and given a tour of their museum.
- Think Tank at Qualcomm: Scholars will get to work on real world challenge statements (hands-on experience).
Industry Partner
The Industry Visit and Think Tank activities for this program are supported by Qualcomm.
“Qualcomm relentlessly innovates to deliver intelligent computing everywhere, helping the world tackle some of its most important challenges. Our proven solutions drive transformation across major industries, and our Snapdragon® branded platforms power extraordinary consumer experiences. Building on our nearly 40-year leadership in setting industry standards and creating era-defining technology breakthroughs, we deliver leading edge AI, high-performance, low-power computing, and unrivaled connectivity. Together with our ecosystem partners, we enable next-generation digital transformation to enrich lives, improve businesses, and advance societies. At Qualcomm, we are engineering human progress.
Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of our engineering and research and development functions and substantially all of our products and services businesses, including our QCT semiconductor business. Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patents are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated.”
Career Catalyst Scholarship Recipients
Akshitha Kartigueyan
Purdue University
Arvin Hamrah
George Washington University
Christ-Sonley Charles
University of Delaware
Hyunjung Kim
American University
Isabella Zardo
California State University, Stanislaus
Jakob Skipper
Jacksonville State University
Lavneet Hora
Texas Tech University
Sebastian Thomas
Northeastern University
Shreya Katam
The University of Texas at Austin
Vibhuti Dahiya
Georgia Institute of Technology
How Industry Partners Can Get Involved
We invite industry partners to host and coordinate a one-day engagement event at your headquarters or a key worksite within the USA.
This experience provides scholarship recipients with a unique opportunity to interact with industry professionals, learn about corporate culture, be introduced to real-world challenges, while helping industry partners identify potential future hires in an interactive and meaningful way.
This is offered entirely without financial investment for partners. IEEE Computer Society volunteers and staff are available to facilitate the process.
Why Partner with IEEE CS?
- No Financial Obligation: This program is fully funded by the IEEE Computer Society–we only ask for your time and expertise.
- Direct Industry Impact: Engage with top student talent and introduce them to real-world industry challenges.
- Professional Development: Enhance your leadership skills by coordinating a think tank, hosting a hackathon, or judging student pitches.
- Broader Influence: Help IEEE CS attract more student members in the USA and contribute to the growth of the tech workforce.
- Corporate Visibility: Position your organization as a leader in talent development and industry engagement.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Support the next generation of computing professionals while fostering meaningful industry-academia collaboration
Contact
Megha Ben
IEEE Board of Governors [2024-2026]
catalyst@computer.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghaben/
Join the Team
The IEEE CS Career Catalyst Scholarship Program is led by a dedicated planning committee comprising IEEE Computer Society leaders, staff, industry professionals, and experienced mentors committed to shaping the future of technology talent.
The core team is responsible for program execution, mentor coordination, and industry engagement.
Megha Ben
Chair, CS Catalyst
CS BoG 2024-2026
Josip Balen
Co-Chair, CS Catalyst
CS MGA Rep to BoG
Anand Jagadeesh
Mentoring Lead, CS
Career Catalyst
CS SYP Vice Chair
Shreya Garg Connect Session Lead Career Catalyst
Andy Seely
VP, IEEE CS MGAB
Advisor
Cyril Onwubiko
VP, IEEE CS PEAB
Advisor
Fernando Bouche
Past VP, IEEE CS MGAB
[Advisor]
Prasanth Mohan
Past CS MGA Rep to BoG
Advisor
Upal Mahbub
Staff Engineer
Qualcomm
Eric Berkowitz
Director, Membership
IEEE Computer Society
Michelle Tubb
Director, Marketing & Sales
IEEE Computer Society
Anthony Maglaqui
Staff, MGA
IEEE Computer Society
Michelle Phon
Staff, PEAB
IEEE Computer Society
Selection Criteria
The IEEE CS Career Catalyst Scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students from IEEE Regions 1-6 pursuing electrical or computer engineering, computer science, or a closely related computing field.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Academic Level: (1) Undergraduate students must be in their second year or later and (2) Graduate students must have at least one semester remaining in their program or plan to continue their studies immediately after graduation.
- Enrollment Status: Must be a full-time student, as defined by their academic institution, during the award period.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0 (or equivalent exam marks of at least 62%).
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- 20% Academic Performance: GPA, coursework, academic projects
- 20% Technical Skills & Experience: Proficiency in relevant technologies, participation in hackathons/internships, project work
- 10% Leadership & Extracurriculars: IEEE and Computer Society involvement, leadership roles, volunteer work, community impact.
- 20% Statement of Purpose: Career alignment, motivation, impact
- 10% Industry Readiness & Professionalism: Communication skills, industry knowledge, adaptability.
- 20% Letters of Recommendation: Strength of endorsements, credibility of referees
Applicants will be ranked based on their total scores, and top candidates will be shortlisted for final selection.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Completed Application Form – Includes personal details, university details, and relevant coursework.
- Academic Transcripts – Official or unofficial transcripts showing GPA and enrollment in a computing or technology program.
- Resume/CV – Highlighting technical skills, projects, certifications, internships, and IEEE involvement.
- Statement of Purpose (500–750 words) – Explaining career goals, motivation, and how the scholarship will support professional growth.
- Letter of Recommendation (1-2) – From a professor, mentor, or employer, validating academic performance, leadership potential, and industry readiness.
- Portfolio of Work (Optional but Recommended) – GitHub, research papers, blogs, or open-source contributions.
- Proof of Industry Interest (Optional but Recommended) – Certifications, hackathon participation, coding competition results, or relevant technical events.
- Commitment Agreement for Selected Candidates
Selected candidates must sign a commitment agreement stating their participation in:
- The mentorship and industry engagement activities.
- Monthly virtual connect sessions with industry professionals.
- Networking events and industry-hosted experiences during the program timeline.
Terms and Conditions
Selected awardees will need to sign a grant agreement with IEEE. Terms include the following:
The Recipient acknowledges that IEEE is subject to certain requirements and restrictions imposed by the Code on public charities and that IEEE requires, as a condition of making the Grant, that the Recipient provides the representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement. By accepting the Grant, the Recipient agrees and accepts the terms and conditions specified in this Agreement.
Use of Funds
This Grant will be used for the purposes of covering educational expense including tuition, books, living expenses.
The Recipient shall use the Grant from IEEE only for the purpose and for the manner specified herein and shall repay any amounts not so used. Grant shall not be issued or transferred to any other entity or person other than the Recipient unless authorized in writing by IEEE. The Grant shall never be used to influence legislation, to influence the outcome of an election, or to carry on voter registration drives.
Changes to the Grant
The Recipient is required to seek prior approval from IEEE for any changes to the Grant. Changes that require approval include, but are not limited to, scope of work, budget, period of performance or project leader. In addition, if the Recipient determines that it does not need the Grant, the Recipient is required to immediately notify IEEE and return the Grant to IEEE.
Non-Discrimination Certification
The Recipient acknowledges that IEEE’s reputation and good will require that all persons associated with IEEE undertake the highest degree of legal and ethical conduct and that, among other things, any actual or perceived discrimination, harassment or bullying against any person is expressly prohibited. The Recipient agrees it shall maintain an environment free of discrimination, including harassment, bullying, or retaliation. IEEE hereby provides notice of its compliance with FAR 52-222-26, 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4, 41 C.F.R. 60-250.5 and 41 C.F.R. 60-741.5, which are incorporated by reference.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
The Recipient certifies that it shall comply with all laws and regulations that apply to its obligations and duties under this Agreement, including, but not limited to, local laws in the area or country where the Grant funds will be used.
Remedies
In addition to any other remedies that IEEE may have, the Recipient agrees that IEEE may withhold Grant funds or terminate any Grant commitment that IEEE may have made to the Recipient if the Recipient fails to comply with the terms, representations and conditions contained in this Agreement.
Force Majeure
The performance of this Agreement is subject to acts of God, government authority, riots, epidemics, unusually severe weather, fire, floods, war, terrorism, embargoes, labor disputes or strikes, or other cause beyond the parties’ control. It is provided that this Agreement may be terminated for any one or more of such reasons by written notice from one party to the other without liability.
Liability
IEEE will not be liable under any circumstances for any claims, damages, liabilities, losses and/or expenses arising from the Grant or this Agreement.
IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, LOST BUSINESS, LOSS OF DATA OR COST OF SUBSTITUTE SERVICES) ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY.
Confidentiality and Ownership of Information and Other Assets
Neither party shall disclose to a third party Confidential Information of the other party. The receiving party shall use the same degree of care as it uses to protect the confidentiality of its own confidential information of like nature, but no less than a reasonable degree of care, to maintain in confidence the Confidential Information of the disclosing party. “Confidential Information” as used in this Agreement means information identified by either party as “Confidential” and/or “Proprietary,” or information that, under the circumstances, ought to reasonably be treated as confidential and/or proprietary.
Data Protection
In the event Recipient processes any personal data on behalf of IEEE in connection with the performance of this Agreement it shall process such personal data in accordance with all applicable laws including, but not limited to, the General Data Protection Regulation. Recipient shall protect any personal data in accordance with prevailing industry standards, but in no case, should such protection consist of less than reasonable care.
Acknowledgement and Promotion
The Recipient agrees to acknowledge the support provided by IEEE for the project in all news releases and publications, as well as in any oral or written statements.
Miscellaneous
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York. There are no other understandings, statements, or promises of inducement, oral or otherwise, contrary to the terms of this Agreement. The failure of either party to require strict performance by the other party of any provision hereof shall not affect the full right to require such performance at any time thereafter, nor shall the waiver by either party of a breach of any provision hereof be taken or held to be a waiver of the provision itself. The Recipient may not assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of IEEE.
This Agreement shall not be valid until approved and executed by both Parties.