The goal of the Summer Scholars Program is to expose high school students to the dynamics of a college campus environment
through a five-week pre-college summer session. Participants learn about college academic course work, time management, college
admissions, ACT/SAT preparation, and college scholarships and financial aid. They interact with university faculty and staff,
explore career options and participate in community service activities. In addition to the academic benefits of the program, the
scholars receive an increased awareness of social and cultural issues.
Outside of the classroom, the Summer Scholars spend a week living at the Scott Residence Hall on UNO’s south campus. In
addition to their on-campus experiences, the students volunteer their time with community organizations. After the summer
programs concludes, the staff of Multicultural Affairs provides the scholars with college preparation workshops throughout their senior year.
In order to become a Summer Scholar at UNO, students must apply for admission and meet the following requirements:
They must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale;
They must be a resident of the Omaha metropolitan area; and
They must be a junior in high school during the spring immediately preceding the Summer Scholars Program they wish to attend.
The application includes an official high school transcript, two letters of recommendation and a personal essay outlining three major
goals the applicant wants to accomplish within the next five years. A selection committee of UNO faculty and staff reviews the applications,
and preliminary finalists are brought in for interviews. The committee then selects the finalists from those interviewed.
Each of the finalists receives a scholarship that covers college tuition for the specified program courses, all student fees, books and a parking permit.