As Penn Engineering students, Clark Scholars will interact with eminent faculty with wide-ranging research interests and expertise who are both committed to educating future leaders in Engineering and to engaging students in ongoing projects. Their specific academic schedules will be determined by their selected majors and augmented by required business courses and customized experiences, highlighted here by year:
FRESHMAN YEAR:
PRE-ORIENTATION PROGRAM
Prior to the university’s New Student Orientation, Clark Scholars will participate in a 2-day pre-orientation program. During this time, the students will become better acquainted with their fellow cohort members, as well as their mentors from the previous year’s cohort. Scholars will participate in community-building and social activities, while getting acclimated to campus and the surrounding Philadelphia area.
SERVICE LEARNING
During the Spring semester, Clark Scholars are strongly encouraged to enroll in a service learning course developed in collaboration with the Netter Center for Community Partnerships. The EAS 2420 course, Energy Education in Philadelphia Schools, is an academically-based community service course focusing on residential energy conservation. This course aims to build community among the enrolled students, as they use the knowledge gained in class to develop a short residential energy efficiency curriculum and teach it to local high school students.
SOPHOMORE YEAR:
FIRST RESEARCH SEMINAR
During their second year on campus, Clark Scholars will prepare to engage in meaningful research in their area of interest by taking ENGR 299001, Research Engineering I: Approach, Preparation and Methodology. One goal of this course is to prepare Clark Scholars for their required summer research internship.
POST SOPHOMORE SUMMER:
PAID SUMMER RESEARCH INTERNSHIP
Under the mentorship of engineering faculty members, Clark Scholars will spend the summer participating in the research projects identified the previous fall. Throughout the summer, the students will attend regular weekly research group meetings with their faculty advisors to update progress, review procedures, solicit feedback, and interact with fellow-researchers.
JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEAR:
INNOVATION AND FUTURE PLANNING
While at Penn, Clark Scholars are required to take two business courses. During their junior or senior year, our Scholars will be encouraged to enroll in IPD 545 course: Engineering Entrepreneurship I. Designed expressly for students having a keen interest in technological innovation, this course investigates the roles of inventors and founders in successful technology ventures. Through case studies and guest speakers, we introduce the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and seize a high-tech entrepreneurial opportunity – be it a product or service – and then successfully launch a startup or spin-off company.
As seniors, Clark Scholars will focus on preparation for their post-graduate endeavors, such as resume building, interviewing, and applying to graduate school. They will also be invited to apply for the Penn Innovation Prize: awarded to seniors with a winning plan to design and undertake innovative, commercial ventures that make a positive difference in the world. They will also be encouraged to consult with the Penn Center for Research and Fellowships about other post-graduation opportunities.
Those interested in going into the workplace will have access to the SEAS and University career services resources, including Engineering Career Days held each fall, extensive online resources, and on-campus recruiting by employers.
EVENTS
Each semester, Clark Scholars participate in monthly events that are specifically planned for their cohort. These events focus on a number of areas designed to benefit the student as an individual Scholar, and also as a member of the Penn community: academic preparedness and campus resources; health, wellness, and self-care; community and team-building; fun and social activities.
