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The Program

Evans Scholars in Washington, D.C.

Evans Scholars in Washington, D.C.

The Philip Evans Scholars Program seeks to provide an extraordinary higher education experience for scholars. The Program provides a one-time computer grant of up to $1,500 and access to Opportunity Grants of up to $13,500 over four summers for a total of $15,000 between academic years to allow scholars to plan creative and life-enhancing experiences that will expand their horizons and help them achieve their goals.

Students also receive mentoring by Program advisers in close collaboration with the individualized support that all students at Swarthmore College receive from the faculty, staff, and Division of Student Affairs. A network of Philip Evans alumni is also eager to mentor current scholars and offer advice about internships, graduate school and careers.

The Program also encourages opportunities for current scholars to connect with each other. Matriculating Evans classes typically participate in an Outward Bound program preceding Swarthmore's new student orientation. There are annual trips alternating between New York City and Washington, D.C., and regular "Study Breaks" — social gatherings of Evans scholars.

The Philip Evans Scholars Program was established in 1986 by Jerome Kohlberg '46 in memory of his longtime friend and classmate, Dr. Philip Evans '48. Dr. Evans was a highly admired physician, faithfully serving patients from all walks of life.

Raymundo Alfaro-Aco '12

Raymundo Alfaro-Aco '12 spent a summer volunteering with the Kenya Network of Women with AIDS (KENWA) in Nairobi thanks to his Evans Scholar Opportunity Grant. He says that he was "exposed to the conditions that diseases such as malaria and AIDS cause, and I want to help tackle such diseases from a biochemical perspective."
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Rhiannon Graybill '06

Swarthmore TOPSoccer was founded by Evans Scholars Ryan Kuker '06 and Rhiannon Graybill '06. The program pairs young athletes with disabilities with student volunteers who help them learn to play soccer in a supportive environment. Graybill says founding the program is what she is most proud of in her life.
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