The Swarthmore Summer Scholars Program (S3P), which affirms the College’s commitment to providing resources and support to all students, recently earned an Inspiring Programs in STEM Award.

Insight Into Academia bestowed the award in recognition of Swarthmore “demonstrating an outstanding commitment to inclusive excellence and belonging” in its science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

“This award reflects the exceptional efforts that my predecessors, Professor Emerita Allison Dorsey and Professor Emerita Amy Vollmer, made to build the S3P foundation,” says Ben Geller '01, associate professor of physics and director of the S3P program, “as well as the strides we've made over the past several years to expand faculty participation in S3P and provide year-round community support for students and mentors.”

Since its inception in 2015, the program has opened doors for incoming students who are first in their family to attend college, come from a low-income background, or have experienced opportunity gaps or barriers, and have a self-described interest in STEM fields. It combines vigorous academic preparation with significant mentor and peer support to prepare students to become leaders on campus and beyond. 

Sixteen students are selected to participate in this fully in-person, four-week summer program. There is no fee for this program; in fact, S3P scholars receive a stipend of $2,375 for their participation, along with technology to use during their time at Swarthmore. After their first semester at Swarthmore, scholars return to campus one week before the spring semester to reflect on their first semester, prepare for spring courses, and engage with professional development and alumni networking.

Geller lauded the contributions of Karen Henry ’87, dean of first year students, whom he regards as a “steadfast partner and source of wisdom” in his time as S3P director. And he expressed his appreciation for program coordinator Kyra Harvey-Broughton ’19, whose year-round work supports “not only the brilliant S3P scholars, but also the dedicated student mentors without whom S3P would not happen, and the faculty who each year are the creative engine of the program. Kyra is so thoughtful in her work with the S3P team, which is why the scholars and mentors adore her. We are so lucky to have her on campus.”

“I'm also grateful to the many campus partners who take time not only to support the operations of the program, but who go out of their way to meet with our scholars and mentors,” Geller adds. “The Swarthmore Summer Scholars Program is truly a family, and in my view this award recognizes the ways this family has grown and thrived.”