A. James Clark never forgot that his business successes began with an engineering scholarship. That is why the Clark family has long supported engineering students, partnering with some of the nation’s leading engineering institutions to financially support students with strong academic and leadership potential. The Clark Scholars Program aligns with the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation and Penn Engineering, with the shared goal of fostering engineering leadership at the highest level to benefit society, now and for the future. Each component of the Program mirrors Mr. Clark’s values in business, leadership, and service to his community. It also reflects the University’s guiding philosophy, in Principal and Practice, emphasizing a commitment to achieving excellence in education, research, and community engagement. It advocates for developing rigorous and impactful knowledge, integrating theoretical understanding with practical application. This approach encourages collaboration across disciplines, fostering innovation and preparing students to address real-world challenges through ethical leadership and social responsibility. Penn aims to cultivate informed, engaged citizens who contribute positively to society.
The program is organized around the following Learning Objectives
Creating a Cohort Community:
The Clark Scholars Program focuses on creating a dynamic community of scholars. Participants will engage with peers who share their passion for inquiry and leadership, fostering a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom. Through workshops and service learning initiatives, scholars will forge lasting relationships that enhance their educational experience.
Developing Leaders:
Leadership is at the heart of the Clark Scholars Program. We believe that leadership can be cultivated through experience, mentorship, and reflective practice. Scholars can engage with faculty and industry leaders and explore their potential as catalysts for change within their communities and beyond.
Defining Interests:
Every scholar has unique aspirations and interests. Our program encourages participants to explore their individual passions, discover new areas of study, and refine their academic and professional goals. Through workshops, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities, scholars will gain a deeper understanding of their interests and how to integrate them into their future careers.
Academic and Professional Development:
The Clark Scholars Program is designed to enhance both academic performance and career readiness. Scholars will have access to specialized resources, including academic advising, research opportunities, and internship placements. Our comprehensive approach ensures that students remain competitive in an ever-evolving job market while pursuing academic excellence.
Career Guidance:
Guidance plays a crucial role in the development of emerging leaders. The program offers personalized mentorship from faculty, alumni, and industry professionals who provide insights into navigating academic challenges and career pathways. These connections empower scholars to make informed decisions regarding their future, equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary for success.based on the principles of inclusion, innovation, and impact.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
The Clark Scholars Program is designed to prepare future engineering and business leaders, with an emphasis on students who have a demonstrated financial need. From their arrival on campus as freshmen, through their senior year, Clark Scholars will participate in a comprehensive, multi-faceted educational experience that includes programming targeted at each specific stage of their academic and career journeys. Students will receive personalized mentoring and innovation training, leadership and business development opportunities, and will participate in service learning and research projects. These students will form a unique cohort within Penn Engineering with access to myriad exceptional opportunities. An overarching goal of the Clark Scholars Program will be to create a supportive and stimulating academic community, customized for—and responsive to—the unique and evolving needs of the cohort.
Candidates are identified for the Clark Scholars program through the university’s admissions process. Students must accept their admission into the program after review of program expectations and commitments.
Clark Scholars will make specific commitments. They will agree to remain enrolled at Penn Engineering, select a major within the School, maintain high academic standards and a minimum GPA of 3.0, and participate fully in all Clark Scholars programming. In return, each Clark Scholar will be privileged to be part of a growing community of talented students carefully cultivated through world-class education, personalized mentoring, service learning, internship and research opportunities, innovation training, and leadership development to benefit society throughout their professional and personal lives.