First Year Scholars Program is part of UGA College of Engineering’s efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion
The University of Georgia College of Engineering has launched a new program to support students with financial need who demonstrate an interest in promoting underrepresented and underserved groups in engineering.
The First-Year Scholars Program provides a $4,000, non-renewable scholarship to first-year students. In addition, scholars will receive help in seeking out and securing financial support for the remainder of their academic career, including paid co-op or internship opportunities and additional scholarships.
“Part of our broader effort to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, the First-Year Scholars Program is a significant step toward supporting and encouraging students interested in engineering who may face financial barriers,” said Donald Leo, dean of the College of Engineering. “We are stronger as a college, a university, a profession and a society when we bring traditionally underrepresented voices into the conversation.”
The program is funded by unrestricted donations to the UGA College of Engineering from individual donors and businesses.
Beyond financial support, the program will provide First-Year Scholars with a wide range of assistance including academic support, targeted experiential learning opportunities, and peer mentorships. Students selected for the program will participate in a cohort learning community that includes a First Year Odyssey course, “Engineering, Exploration, Leadership, and Service” taught by the Stephan Durham, the college’s assistant dean for student success and outreach.
“The First-Year Scholars Program is an exciting opportunity for our college to actively contribute to making the engineering community more diverse, equitable, and inclusive,” said Amber Juncker, the College of Engineering’s director of engagement and recruitment. “We are looking forward to supporting our first cohort of students during the Fall 2022 term.”
To be eligible for the First Year Scholars Program, students must:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Demonstrate an interest in promoting underrepresented and underserved groups in engineering
- Enroll full time at UGA in an intended engineering major
- Actively pursue an engineering major by taking courses during the fall and spring terms that contribute to academic progression in their major of choice
Applications for the program are due by April 1 of each year. Students selected for the scholarship will be notified prior to UGA’s commitment deposit deadline of May 1.
For additional details and to apply: https://engineering.uga.edu/first-year-scholars-program
