We are excited to launch The Lighthouse Project (LHP) 2022, which pairs driven young people aged 16-19 from African and Caribbean heritage with a skilled mentor from Google. LHP applicants with an interest in technical careers can also participate in Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) to develop their coding skills and build a network in the tech community.
Development and Training
This is an excellent development and training opportunity for young people from under-represented backgrounds to build valuable relationships with mentors at Google, develop their confidence, knowledge of careers in technology, and skills to enhance their future employability prospects.
New Partnership
We are thrilled to announce that this year we have partnered with Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) and will be able to offer an enhanced four week paid computer science development programme for successful Lighthouse Project graduates who meet the eligibility criteria and who are seriously interested in studying computer science at a higher level.
Throughout The Lighthouse Project, mentees can expect regular virtual meetings with their mentor, participation in a range of skill based workshops, follow up assignments, Q&A sessions with a range of Googlers, and an individual presentation.
Students will need to commit to participating in six live virtual sessions between 17:00 – 18.00 on the following days:
What is CSSI?
Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) is a four-week programme for students who are aged 18 or over and have decided to study computer science (CS) or related technology fields at a higher level. CSSI aims to inspire the tech leaders and innovators of tomorrow and build self confidence, agency, and efficacy.
Completing CSSI is an excellent way for students from African or Caribbean heritage to gain a secure understanding of computer science fundamentals, participate in workshops to promote self-care, identity, career, and skill development, and build community with peers and industry professionals.
Why should I participate?
This is the first time CSSI has been offered to UK students and so we recommend all Lighthouse Project applicants who meet the eligibility take this opportunity to gain knowledge and develop key soft skills to thrive in the CS sector.
When is CSSI?
All students must commit to the four week programme and be able to participate in all live virtual sessions from Monday 18th July – Friday 12th August. Sessions will take place Mondays – Fridays between 9:00 – 13:00. Successful graduates of CSSI will be eligible for a bursary to thank you for your time and commitment to the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Lighthouse Project?
Students from African and Caribbean heritage and are aged between the age of 16 – 19.
You also must be interested in a career in technology.
Can I still apply for the Lighthouse Project if I am not 18?
Yes, as long as you are from an African or Caribbean heritage and aged 16. You are eligible to apply for the Lighthouse part of the program.
You will be able to apply for CSSI 2023 as long as you are 18.
When is CSSI for 2022?
Following the conclusion of the Lighthouse Project on 12 July, you will begin CSSI from Monday 18th July – Friday 12th August 2022. Students will attend the live programming sessions, workshops, and group activities each weekday from 9:00 – 13:00 Monday to Friday. Students who cannot commit to daily programming times for the entire duration of CSSI should not apply.
How do students apply?
Applications open 4th April, 2022. Students should complete the application before 16th May, 2022. As part of the application, students will need to complete the short essay questions, attach their GCSE results, and include contact details for a teacher at your school or college.
When is the application deadline?
The application will close 16th May, 2022.
Can people apply to attend if the deadline has passed?
Applications will not be accepted after the application deadline has passed.
Who is not eligible for CSSI?
Students who are currently studying computer science at the University.
Students who have not applied or do not intend to apply for a computer science related qualification between September 2022 – September 2023.
Students who are under 18 years of age by 1st July 2022.
How does the bursary payment work?
This payment is to thank you for your time and to provide financial remuneration as we understand you may not be able to work elsewhere during the project. Payment details will be shared upon admission to the program.
What is expected from students enrolled on the CSSI?
Be punctual to 100% of sessions, participate fully in all discussions and activities.
Complete any reading or follow up tasks by the deadline given.
Have a strong enough wi-fi connection and working microphone and webcam to participate fully. We believe access to technology should not be a barrier to your involvement in CSSI and can work with you if you have connectivity concerns. Limited access to a computer or wi-fi will NOT disqualify your application from the programme.
If someone from my organisation or a student has more questions, who should they contact?
Please email info@justaguy.co.uk and someone from our team would be happy to help!
CSSI Eligibility
CSSI is intended for students who have demonstrated a passion for CS or a closely related field.
Essential
- Intending to begin studying your first year of computer science or a closely related subject at a higher level from September 2022 – September 2023. More information on the qualifications we expect you be studying can be found here: https://www.ucas.com/explore/subjects/computer-science
- This includes:
- A degree in computer science, information systems, software engineering, artificial intelligence or health informatics
- A higher level apprenticeship (Level 4-7) for careers in cyber security, data analyst, software developer, software tester and any other closely related careers
- Have successfully completed the Lighthouse Project in 2021 or 2022
- Have obtained a Maths GCSE at grade 6 or higher
- Have some familiarity with Scratch, Python or Java
- Will commit to attending all live virtual sessions Monday to Friday, 9.00 – 13.00 for the full 4 week programme from the Monday 18th July – Friday 12th August
Desirable
- Have completed GCSE Computing, A level Computing, BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Computing, or similar
- Have participated in the computing club at your school, if offered
- Have participated in STEM networks such as Code Club or competitions such as the Pix Programming Challenge
- Have independently completed coding courses online or subscribed to a computing organisation