CEC Summer Start and First Generation Scholars Program
July 11-30, 2021
Newly-admitted first generation students are invited to become Summer Start Scholars during the summer of 2021. Students in this brand new program will have the opportunity to live on campus for three weeks prior to the start of the fall semester. You'll be able to get familiar with campus, take a three-credit-hour class, and meet your new classmates and teachers. Best of all, the program is completely free AND you'll receive a four-year, $1,000 scholarship.
Summer Start details:
- Spend your mornings taking a three-credit-hour Industrial Design course that fulfills a Carolina Core AIU
- Spend your afternoons making connections with faculty and staff across campus
- Connect with other engineering and computing freshmen
- You'll be matched with a CEC Peer Mentor
- Get customized mathematics review and tutoring
- Enjoy free on-campus housing and meals for the duration of the three weeks
- Receive a $1,000 scholarship, renewable for four years of undergraduate study
To be eligible, students must:
- Currently be accepted to the University of South Carolina
- Intend to major in a program offered by the College of Engineering and Computing
- Be considered "first generation" by the UofSC Admissions Office. Generally, this means that neither of your parents received a four-year degree.
The number of participants in the Summer Start Scholars program is limited. Upon submission of the online application, students will be evaluated primarily on merit and the strength of their written statement of interest in the program.
Once notified, participants must submit a refundable $25 deposit to reserve their spots.
Apply Now
Use the form below to start your application to participate in the Summer Start Program and become a CEC First-Generation Scholar.
Applications are open until 5 p.m. on May 1, 2021. See eligibility and selection deatils below. Questions about the Summer Start Scholars Program should be directed to Brian McCaster at mccastbr@cec.sc.edu.
Meet first-gen students and alumni:
-
Antonia Roman, Civil Engineering
Antonia graduated in December 2020 as the third person in her extended family with a college degree. Now she is a transportation engineer at CDM Smith.
-
Kevin Gagnon, Computer Science
Kevin made the most of his time at UofSC. As a peer mentor, podcast host, and Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, he he says, "I just want to do as much as I can to make the world a better place.”
-
Alexis Lewis, Chemical Engineering
Alexis Lewis took home the top prize in The Proving Ground entrepreneurship competition, earning $6,000 for her business Ally B. Organics.