The Emerging Scholars Program (ESP) is designed to promote the academic success of entering students at Case Western Reserve University. The program provides participating students with opportunities to improve their skills in writing and mathematics; connect with professors, advisors, and mentors; and learn about all of the resources available to help them meet the demands of college life.
Eligible candidates will be invited to apply to ESP shortly after they accept an offer of admission from CWRU. ESP is a collaboration between the College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Educational Services for Students, the Office of Undergraduate Admission, and the Office of Undergraduate Studies at Case Western Reserve University.
ESP provides students with a full-tuition summer scholarship—and the first installment of a $3,000 stipend—so that they can take part in our summer bridge program.
Through this program, students will:
• Improve their math and writing skills by taking two introductory courses, for full credit, during Case Western Reserve’s Summer Session
• Participate in daily study groups and tutoring sessions
• Build relationships with instructors, educational support staff, and a mentor who will meet with them individually each week
• Take part in workshops to learn the strategies and habits of successful college students
Because ESP students will earn six credits through the summer bridge program, they will be able to take a lighter course load during their freshman year. As a result, they will have more time to focus on their first-year classes and establish a foundation for academic success at Case Western Reserve.
Once the academic year begins, ESP will sponsor social activities, group study sessions, and discussions where participants can benefit from—and contribute to—a strong peer support network.
Individualized Advising and Mentoring
ESP students meet regularly with the program director and staff, throughout their undergraduate careers. As well as their faculty advisors and the first-year dean. ESP will also connect students with campus resources and alert them to opportunities in their areas of interest. To ensure that participants benefit fully from the academic support, faculty mentoring, summer research opportunities, and career planning assistance that the university has to offer.
From an ESP Student
"I am very grateful that I was able to be a part of such an amazing program. The Emerging Scholars Program helped prepare me for my first semester of college. I learned about all the different resources available to us as Case students, which helped me adjust faster during my first year at Case. It was a great opportunity to get a feel for what college classes are like and to build relationships with other faculty members. Through ESP I was able to meet fellow incoming freshmen. Entering my first semester of college already knowing people and having made friends made my first semester much less stressful. The team of advisers and faculty members in ESP work collaboratively and hard to make sure the students feel comfortable about starting college in the fall. I recommend this program to incoming freshmen who want to learn more about themselves and about college." - Hajar Khalil