About Summer Scholars
Summer Scholars 2023
This academically focused, scholarship-supported and by-invitation-only program is designed for first-year VCU students enrolling for fall 2023. Students accepted to VCU will receive invitations to apply beginning in late February.
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 to seven 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
This year we will have a cohort for Asian American and Pacific Isander (AAPI) students! In the AAPI cohort, 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 cohort.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students identifying as Men of Color (MOC) are part of the Men of Color Cohort. If you are Black/African American, Asian/Asian American, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, Latino, or Multiracial, this applies to you! As part of the MOC Cohort, you'll connect with other MOC students, faculty, and staff, as well as get plugged into an array of resources at the university designed to support you throughout your VCU journey.
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 Wilder School majors!
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!
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!
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!