Program Overview

Breakthrough Scholars Program

Introduction

The Breakthrough Scholars Program is designed to provide financial support and dedicated academic and professional development for a select group of undergraduate STEM majors who reside in South Carolina and show interest in pursuing advanced degrees.

Program Mission and Priorities

Mission

The Breakthrough Scholars Program aims to recruit and support a talented group of students from South Carolina in pursuing advanced degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The program provides financial, academic, professional, and emotional support throughout their undergraduate careers to prepare them to reach their academic and professional goals.

Program Priorities

• Recruit the top high school students in the state.
  • Focus on students who demonstrate leadership and a desire to effect change through research, collaboration, and innovation in STEM disciplines.
• Provide a full cost of attendance financial award to allow students to focus on academics and research throughout the academic year.
• Help students with the transition to college by providing a Summer Experience before their first year.
• Provide personalized advising by program staff, focused on not just academics but on personal well-being and professional development.
• Create a community of engaged scholars and mentors which acts as an academic and social support system for program members.
• Encourage community engagement and leadership among scholars.
• Provide the opportunity to connect with mentors within the program, on campus, and in the community.
• Nurture support at all levels of the University and Clemson Community.
• Expose scholars to research early and encourage engagement in research and experiential learning throughout their Clemson careers.
• Emphasize and enact program values, including the goal of achieving an advanced STEM degree, striving for high-level academic achievement, seeking help (tutoring, advising) from a variety of sources, and supporting one's peers.

Program Experience

Breakthrough Scholars receive a cost-of-attendance scholarship award and exclusive academic, personal, and professional development support, including a dedicated advisor and the opportunity to connect with local-area professionals in science, engineering, and health, as well as faculty mentors in research labs both on and off campus, across the nation, and in other countries.

Summer Experience

Scholars spend the summer before their first year getting familiar with Clemson's campus and its surrounding communities through the innovative EUREKA! program, meeting Breakthrough Scholar faculty mentors and advisors, and participating in STEM workshops.

Community and Support

The program fosters a community of engaged scholars and mentors, providing a supportive environment for academic and personal growth. It encourages community engagement, leadership, and the development of a strong network of peers and mentors.

Research Opportunities

The Breakthrough Scholars Program emphasizes early exposure to research and encourages ongoing engagement in research and experiential learning throughout the scholars' undergraduate careers at Clemson. This includes opportunities to work with faculty mentors in various research settings, both on and off campus.