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 network with the associate dean and receive special access tours to labs and Maker Spaces.

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!

Honors College students will connect with academic advisors and other Honors College Summer Scholars. You’ll have an opportunity to network with the deans and other honors students, as well as learn about the Honors Summer Undergraduate Research, 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 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 the 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.

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 faculty and 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. Congratulations! If you have siblings already in college, 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. You belong here!

This year we have an affinity group for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students! Students in this group, you will participate in community-building activities and events led by the You First AAPI student success coach, Julie Nguyen. We are excited to be able to provide additional scholarships to the participants in the AAPI affinity group. This group is open to members of the AAPI community as well as friends, allies, and supporters of the AAPI community.

This year, Summer Scholars also has an affinity group for Men of Color (MOC). If you are Black/African American, Asian/Asian American, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, Latino, or Multiracial, this affinity group is designed for you! As part of the MOC affinity group, you'll connect with other MOC students, faculty, and staff, as well as get connected to resources at the university designed to support MOC throughout their VCU journey. This group is open to members of the MOC community as well as friends, allies, and supporters of the MOC community.