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About the Program

Summer Scholar Student at Poster Session

The Summer Scholars Program opens doors for admitted, domestic students (students who will be attending Swarthmore in the fall as first year 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.  S3P 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 5-week hybrid program, which includes two full-time virtual summer weeks, two on-campus summer weeks, and one on-campus week in January (see dates below). There is no fee for this program; in fact, you will receive a stipend of $2,375 as part of your participation. After their first semester at Swarthmore, Scholars return to campus one week before the Spring semester to reflect on their first semester of college, prepare for spring courses, and engage with professional development and alumni networking.

  • Application deadline: Announced in Spring 2023 to eligible students
  • Program dates: July 31 - August 13, 2023 (virtual), August 14-28, 2023 (on campus) and January 14-21, 2024 (on campus). 
  • Cost: Free 
  • Stipend: $2,375

Summer Scholar students continue to receive benefits after the four-week pre-college program ends; the program director, dean, and faculty members provide ongoing mentoring that can help you thrive at Swarthmore. If you are interested in an experience that will teach you important skills like time management, communication, and work/life balance, the Summer Scholars Program is an amazing opportunity.

Summer Scholars About

"This experience has made me really excited for the fall and to meet the rest of the people of Swarthmore. I know that when we come back to campus in the fall, we will walk in with a support group of students and professors that will be very advantageous, and it is thanks to the S3P program." 
- Summer Scholar, Class of 2022