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:
Program Benefits and Opportunities
Pre-First Year Program (PFP):
Clark Scholars receive priority consideration for Penn’s PFP, which offers a valuable head start through seminars in Calculus, Physics, and Scientific Programming. Participation includes early move-in, covered housing and dining costs, and 0.5 credit units of elective credit. You’ll also have the chance to connect with other dynamic incoming students. Invitations will be sent in late May. Additional details are available on the PFP website.
Clark Scholars Pre-Orientation:
All Clark Scholars are expected to attend a required two-day Pre-Orientation program following PFP and before New Student Orientation. This experience will help you build community and prepare for the year ahead.
Exclusive Academic and Career Resources:
As a Clark Scholar, you’ll engage in:
- Annual service-learning projects
- Workshops and networking events
- Funding opportunities for summer internships or research
In your sophomore year, you’ll also attend a national Clark Scholars conference, connecting with peers from 10 partner institutions across the country.
A Lifelong Community
Clark Scholars are expected to actively participate in all program components and uphold a minimum GPA of 3.0. In return, you’ll gain lasting friendships, robust mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Your status as a Clark Scholar will also be recognized on your official University transcript upon graduation.
We’re excited to announce that starting with the incoming cohort of 2025 (Class of 2029), the Clark Scholars Program will be expanding its offerings to enhance your academic and personal growth.
Our enhanced program will now include:
**Entrepreneurship:** Dive into the world of business innovation and learn how to turn your ideas into successful ventures.
**Philanthropy:** Engage with impactful initiatives that can benefit the local community.
**Cross-Cultural Component:** Participate in enriching experiences that foster global awareness and cultural understanding.
**Enhanced Summer Support:** Take advantage of additional resources for research, externships, or summer classes to further your learning and professional development.
**Additional Staff:** Our expanded team is dedicated to providing you with the guidance and support you need to thrive.
**Opportunities for Current Scholars**
In addition to new resources for incoming scholars, we are pleased to extend these opportunities, to the extent possible, to our current Clark Scholars. We invite you to be part of this transformative journey by engaging in our new programming as mentors. Your experiences and insights can make a significant impact on the next generation of scholars. By participating as a mentor, you’ll have the chance to guide others while further enhancing your leadership skills and building a strong network within the Clark community. We’re excited for you to share your knowledge in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and cultural exchange. These exciting enhancements are made possible thanks to the generous financial endowments from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation. We are committed to providing you with the tools and experiences that will empower you to succeed.
