Program Overview

Introduction to the Sonkin-Weisman Scholars Program

The Sonkin-Weisman Scholars Program is a prestigious, invitation-only scholarship awarded to a small number of Temple University College of Liberal Arts' most academically accomplished and intellectually ambitious students. This program is created and funded by Mitch and Debra Sonkin and Marc and Giulia Weisman.

Program Details

• The Sonkin-Weisman Scholars receive full tuition scholarships and $6,000 for experiential learning opportunities.
• The program aims to cultivate the best possible educational experience at one of the nation's leading urban, public research universities.
• The goal is to propel scholars toward world-class careers, graduate programs, and fellowships such as Gates-Cambridge, Rhodes, and Fulbright.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The Sonkin-Weisman Scholars have the opportunity to spend time and forge relationships with academic leadership and successful alumni to build their professional networks and receive ongoing mentorship and insight. The program offers a full suite of funded experiential learning opportunities, including:

• Research
• Internships
• Community engagement
• Study abroad

Signature Learning Experiences

Sonkin-Weisman Scholars are awarded an additional $6,000 while obtaining their undergraduate degree through guaranteed placement in three of the four signature learning experiences:

1. Liberal Arts Undergraduate Research Award (LAURA): Paid research opportunities for students to work on a faculty-led research project.
2. Pathways to Professions (P2P) Internship Award: Offers students a stipend to gain relevant, hands-on work experience at internships that would otherwise be unpaid.
3. Study Abroad Grant: Provides funds toward a cultural immersion experience.
4. CLA Community Scholars Semester: A stipend to work with local community-based organizations, serve as peer mentors, and help shape the future of community engagement.

Meet the Scholars

The program features several scholars, including:

• Vedant Sai Dave
• Keshvi Chheda: Neuroscience Major; Statistics and Data Science Minor
• Anushka Gangupanthulu: Psychology Major
• Katherine Lee: Psychology Major
• Aviana Poy: Political Science Major
• Eugene Tham: Criminal Justice Major; Cognitive Neuroscience Minor

Program Benefits

The Sonkin-Weisman Scholars Program provides more than just funding to exceptional students. It offers:

• Full tuition scholarships
• $6,000 for experiential learning opportunities
• Opportunities to build professional networks and receive mentorship
• A suite of funded experiential learning opportunities
• Guaranteed placement in three of the four signature learning experiences

Conclusion

The Sonkin-Weisman Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship that provides exceptional students with the opportunity to receive a world-class education and gain valuable experiential learning experiences. The program aims to propel scholars toward successful careers, graduate programs, and fellowships, and provides a unique and enriching experience for its scholars.