Program Components

Summer 2023 Program Dates: July 7th – August 12th

Please note that the program components below have been updated to reflect the change to a virtual environment.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

  1. Summer Program: During the summer before their first year, Community Scholars have the opportunity to take two credit-bearing classes at Georgetown University, and interact with professors, advisors, and campus partners in order to become acclimated to the university.
    • Classes: All Scholars will take two credit-bearing classes: Writing & Culture, an intensive critical reading and writing course taught by Georgetown faculty with graduate-student writing tutors; and a second Summer Session class, chosen by each student’s Academic Dean, that provides participants with an opportunity to get a head start on their credit hours before beginning their first semester. Courses may include Theology, Economics, Government, Sociology and Math.
    • Academic Benefits: Scholars receive priority registration for their fall semester, ensuring seats in desired classes. In addition, Scholars meet with Academic Deans, Financial Aid Counselors, and other service providers.
    • Co-curricular Modules, Seminar Series and Group Activities: Each week, all Scholars will be required to attend modules and meetings facilitated by Georgetown faculty, staff, and teaching assistants. In addition, the program will host various mandatory group activities.
    • Other Expenses: The program will cover tuition and books for all summer courses.
  2. Writing & Culture during the Fall semester: Scholars continue taking this core class, in most cases with the same professor, during the Fall semester for a total of six (6) credits.
  3. Fourth Hour Study Group Sessions: During the Fall semester the program organizes study group sessions for a few core courses such as Calculus and Chemistry. Former students who excelled in the course lead the sessions, providing an opportunity for Scholars to pose questions and enhance their study skills.
  4. First-Year Support: All first-year Scholars receive academic and personal support through various mandatory programs, such as attending First-Year Experience Seminars, meeting with the Program Director and Academic Advisor, and having access to CMEA services including the Peer Mentoring program.
  5. Ongoing Support: Throughout the remainder of a Scholar’s Georgetown career, ongoing academic and personal support includes one-on-one meetings with the Program Director and Academic Advisor; seminars, workshops and information sessions related to campus resources, majors, internships, study abroad, research opportunities and careers; cultural and social outings; and community service opportunities.
  6. Scholarship: Scholars who have received a need-based financial aid package may be eligible for a $1,700 scholarship to compensate for lost summer wages, which will be applied directly to the student’s account. This scholarship will be awarded for three years, beginning during the Scholar’s first- year, as long as the student remains an active participant in the program, demonstrates financial need, and makes satisfactory progress toward graduation.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

During the admissions process, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions nominates eligible applicants to be considered for the Community Scholars Program. A committee comprising representatives of CMEA, the Office of Student Financial Services, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and the Georgetown College Dean’s Office reviews the applicants to determine which students will be admitted and offered a place in the program. The committee bases its decisions on the applicants’ academic and personal achievements and their commitment to the transformative power of education in the face of adversity.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Five-week summer academic experience (note: we cover most costs associated with the program including books, tuition, etc.)
  • In-person experience (note: we will cover most costs associated with this part of the program including transportation, meals, supplies, housing) 
  • Three-credit summer session course
  • First half of the six-credit WRIT 012 course
  • Priority registration for fall semester
  • Introduction to Academic Deans, Financial Aid Counselors, and other campus administrators
  • Experience all that Georgetown has to offer before all of the other first-year students
  • Fourth Hour study group sessions in selected core courses
  • Access to academic seminars and personal advising
  • $1,700 annual scholarship for three years for those who are eligible for federal financial aid