About Summer Scholars
Summer Scholars 2026
This academically focused, scholarship-supported program is designed for first-year VCU students enrolling for fall 2026. In addition to receiving our ongoing support toward personal, social and academic success, participants in Summer Scholars will jump-start their college experience by having the opportunity to:
- Take two summer classes and earn six credits.
- Live in a VCU residence hall.
- Go whitewater rafting on the James River.
- Visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
- Take walking tours of the area surrounding VCU's Monroe Park Campus.
- Participate in community engagement opportunities.
- And more!
Summer Scholars cohorts
All Summer Scholars will be included in at least one of the cohorts listed here. Cohorts are designed to provide you with a personalized experience and offer exciting opportunities.
College of Engineering majors will be part of the Engineering Summer Academy, where you will connect with other engineering students, receive an introduction to research programs, and participate in career services opportunities. Engineering Summer Academy students network with the associate dean, take a special access tour, and receive early Makerspaces training.
Students with a major in the College of Humanities and Sciences will have many opportunities to explore CHS resources. You’ll connect with other CHS students, academic leaders, dedicated staff, and other members of the CHS community. You’ll also learn more about academic opportunities, gain behind-the-scenes access to CHS facilities, and more!
We have a cohort designed just for Health Services majors like you! You will connect with other students, academic leaders, dedicated staff and other members of the College of Health Professions.
Honors College students will connect with academic advisors and other Honors College Summer Scholars. You'll have the opportunity get a head start on your curriculum requirements with HONR 200, network with the deans and other honors students, and learning about the Honors Summer Undergraduate Research program, study abroad opportunities, and much more.
If you haven't yet applied to the Honors College and are interested, visit here.
If you’re majoring in criminal justice, homeland security and emergency preparedness, or urban and regional studies, then you’re a part of the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs cohort. In this cohort, you will connect with academic advisors and other Wilder School Summer Scholars. Get to know the faculty and staff who coordinate exciting internships for Wilder School majors!
Students majoring in pharmacy will be in the School of Pharmacy cohort! You will connect with other students, academic leaders, dedicated staff and other members of the VCU School of Pharmacy.
Students from one of the five comprehensive high schools in Richmond will be part of the Richmond Talent Pathway cohort! As a member of this cohort, you will participate in additional social and academic activities and get connected with people and resources that will enhance your experience at VCU.
School of Business students will connect with academic advisors and other School of Business Summer Scholars. In addition, you'll get a special tour, network with Business Career Services, and begin benefitting from connections in the Office of Student Engagement. It’s never too early to begin thinking about how to utilize campus resources to set yourself up for that dream job, and summer is the perfect time to start.
One of our new cohorts this year is for students interested in learning about disability advocacy and access at VCU. You’ll meet other students, connect with Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) staff, and get support navigating resources during Summer Scholars and into the academic year. If you intend to register with SAEO or are interested in disability resources and initiatives at VCU, you can join this cohort.
TRIO Student Support Services Programs (SSS) at Virginia Commonwealth University empowers first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities by providing tailored support to help them thrive academically and personally. Services include tutoring, advising, financial aid counseling, career exploration, and workshops on study skills. Qualifying students can apply to TRIO SSS in the Summer Scholars application. Once accepted, students remain in TRIO SSS and benefit from these services through graduation. To learn more about TRIO SSS, visit trio.vcu.edu.
Are you still deciding on a major or know what you want to do but are just working towards declaring? If so, you’re in great company. The undeclared major is one of the largest at VCU. As an undeclared Summer Scholar, you will have the chance to connect with academic advisors and other undeclared Summer Scholars and learn all about the process of choosing and declaring a major that is the perfect fit for you. Get a head start on classes and explore your different options at VCU!
Summer Scholars majoring in visual or performing arts will get to know their VCUarts advisor and other VCUarts Summer Scholars. If you’re in the Art Foundation Program (AFO), you will get a head start on your major requirements by taking an AFO course. If you’re a performing arts major, then both of your classes will fulfill core curriculum requirements. Either way, benefits include taking general education courses, which can lighten your fall and spring course loads!
First-year student athletes are invited to join Summer Scholars. As a Summer Scholar athlete, you will get to spend time with your teammates, connect with academic advisors, and make friends with the other Summer Scholars. You’ll also get the chance to meet with your coaches and the staff who will be supporting you throughout your athletic and academic journey. Summer Scholars athletes will stay in the Ackell Residence Center with other VCU athletes on campus for the summer.
All first-gen students are also part of the You First at VCU cohort. If neither of your parents or legal guardians earned a bachelor's degree, then you are a first-generation college student. If you have siblings already in college, then you're all first-gen. As a You First Summer Scholar, you will build a network of support (e.g., faculty, staff, peers, and peer mentors), a detailed understanding of how VCU works, and the confidence to excel in college.