What is the Summer Scholars Program?

The University of Illinois Springfield's (UIS) Summer Scholars Program offers incoming freshmen a unique opportunity to jumpstart their college experience by earning up to 6 college credits for free during the summer. Participants engage in on-campus activities and continue with remote learning, providing a comprehensive introduction to college life.

Program Structure: 

  • On-Campus Experience
    • Spend one week living on campus and attending in-person classes.
    • Participate in academic workshops, social activities, and campus exploration.
    • Connect with faculty, staff, and fellow Summer Scholars. 
  • Remote Learning
    • Complete coursework online using Canvas while receiving continued support
    • Completion of 6 credits, potentially saving up to $5,000 in tuition
    • Engage in virtual check-ins and academic advising to prepare for the fall semester.

This structure allows students to ease into college life, build confidence, and get ahead academically- all at no cost. For more details about the program schedule, contact asias2@uis.edu or call (217) 206-8574.

Summer Scholars Program

Perks of the Program

The Summer Scholars Program is a unique opportunity for incoming freshmen to get a head start on college- for free! Here's what you'll gain:

  • Earn up to 6 Free College Credits- Save money and lighten your course load before your first semester.
  • Live on Campus for a Week- Experience college life, make new friends, and get comfortable at UIS.
  • Personalized Academic Support- Receive guidance from faculty, advisors, and peer mentors.
  • Exclusive Access to Campus Resources- Get familiar with tutoring centers, the library, student organizations, and more.
  • Fun Social Events & Activities- Participate in evening programs, group outings, and team-building activities.
  • Seamless Transition to College- Gain confidence, improve your academic skills, and start college prepared.

Best of all- it's completely free! Take advantage of this opportunity to start your UIS journey ahead of the game. For more information, contact asias2@uis.edu.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the Summer Scholars Program, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be an incoming first-year freshman committed to attending UIS in the Fall
  • Not be enrolled in the Capital Scholars Honors Program at UIS
  • Be available for the on-campus experience and the remote learning weeks
  • Be motivated to earn up to 6 free college credits and engage in college readiness activities

If you meet these requirements, we encourage you to apply and take advantage of this free opportunity to get ahead in college! For questions about eligibility, contact asias2@uis.edu.

Summer Scholars Coursework

As a Summer Scholar, you will take two courses designed to strengthen your academic skills and prepare you for college-level work. These courses are tuition-free, allowing you to earn up to 6 college credits at no cost.

Required Course:

  • UNI 103 Academic Success Workshop 
    • Develop essential college skills, including time management, study strategies, and critical thinking.
    • Learn how to navigate campus resources and set yourself up for success.

*All students will be enrolled in UNI 103 Academic Success Workshop.

Courses Offered:

  • MAT 111 Quantitative Reasoning
    • Develop competency in problem solving and analysis
  • ENG 101 Rhetoric and College Writing 
    • Develop strong writing and communication skills for college coursework

* Students will be placed into a Math course or English course based on their ACT, SAT, or UIS placement test scores.

By completing these courses, you'll start college with earned credits, improved skills, and a strong academic foundation. For questions about course placement, contact asias2@uis.edu.

Application Process

Applying for the Summer Scholars Program is simple! Follow these steps to secure your spot:

Step 1: Confirm Your Admission to UIS

  • You must be an incoming first-year freshman committed to attending UIS in the fall.

Step 2: Fill out Summer Scholars Interest Form

Step 3: Complete the Summer Scholars Application

  • After submitting the interest form, you will receive an email with the application link.
  • Fill out and submit the official Summer Scholars application before the deadline.
  • If a placement test is required, you will be notified.

Step 4: Watch for Your Acceptance Notification & Next Steps

  • Once your application is reviewed, selected students will receive an acceptance email with instructions on the next steps in order to confirm your participation in the program.

Step 5: Register for Summer Scholars Courses & Invite

  • After completing your next steps, you will then receive an email on the courses you will be taking as well as an invite to our Parent and Student Virtual Info Session to walk through the program details and answer any final questions.

Seats are limited, so apply early! For more details, please email asias2@uis.edu or call (217) 206-8574.

Student Testimonials

Hear from past Summer Scholars about how the program helped them transition to college successfully!

"I recommend Summer Scholars because it's a great opportunity to get a head start on your college journey and earn free college credits while doing so. It also allows you to connect with other students on a personal level and get familiar with campus before the semester starts, making it easier to navigate when classes begin."

Eric West, Former 2024 Summer Scholar

"I highly recommend the Summer Scholars program to incoming students because it provides invaluable preparation for the full orientation process designed to set students up for success (high-impact practices are even a recognized field of research). By the first day of Fall courses, the experience makes everything feel much less intimidating, and you'll already feel like you have a solid foundation. You’ll build friendships that last beyond the program, and by the end of your first semester, you’ll notice how much everyone has grown, taken on new responsibilities, and truly "blossomed." I suggest Summer Scholars for all first-year students who have not taken college credits in high school—it offers something for everyone, whether it’s evening group meetings with great food or fun sightseeing. Even though I live off-campus, staying on-campus during the Summer Bridge program helped me feel at home at UIS and introduced me to my Living Learning Community, STARS. The all-inclusive nature of the program made it even more appealing, and without it, I might not have taken full advantage of this opportunity. Summer Scholars is a great way to invest in your UIS journey, and you'll definitely feel proud for taking that first step."

Allison Stanley, Former 2024 Summer Scholar

Want to see how Summer Scholars can benefit you? Apply today and start your college journey with confidence!

Meet the Team

The Summer Scholars Program is led by a dedicated team of faculty and staff who are committed to helping students succeed. Get to know the people who will support you throughout the program!

Program Leadership

Asia Scott

Asia Scott- Assistant Director

  • Manages student engagement, program logistics, and day-to-day operations.

Academic Support

Peer Mentors

  • Current UIS students who provide support, answer questions, and help Summer Scholars adjust to college life.

Have questions? Reach out to our team at asias2@uis.edu or call (217) 206-8574.

The 2025 Summer Scholars Program begins June 22nd, 2025 to August 15th, 2025. Summer Scholars applicants should register for the June 23rd Orientation Session.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: MAY 28th, 2025

This is the last day to reserve a spot in the program.

 
Center for Academic Success & Advising

Explore the UIS Campus

Summer Scholars Students spend 1 whole week living on campus for free!

 
Center for Academic Success & Advising

Learn About our Living Learning Communities

UIS has 4 Living Learning Communities for students to join.

 
Center for Academic Success & Advising

Learn About Campus Resources

UIS has a lot of resources and you will get access to them early.

 
Center for Academic Success & Advising

Participate in Fun and Engaging Activities

Each day of the week spent on campus, there will be activities.

Contact Information:

For questions or additional details, please contact Asia Scott at asias2@uis.edu or call 217-206-8574.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Does the Summer Scholars Program Start This Year?

The Summer Scholars Program begins June 22nd, 2025 to August 15th, 2025. 

What if I already have college credit for ENG 101 or ENG 102?

Ensure that official documentation (transcripts/test scores) is submitted to Records and Registration at UIS before the semester begins. Notify your academic advisor as well. If you have credit for ENG 101, you will enroll in a math course during the Summer Scholars Program. If you have credit for ENG 102, you will also be placed in a math course. 

What if I already have credit for a college-level math course?

Submit official documentation (transcripts/test scores) to Records and Registration at UIS and inform your academic advisor. With existing college-level math credit, you will be enrolled in an English course during the Summer Scholars Program. 

What if I do not need any of the classes being offered, but I still want to participate in the program?

Unfortunately, if you already have credit for both college-level English and math courses, you are not eligible to participate in this program. 

Are there any other classes I can take instead of the ones listed on the Summer Scholars webpage?

No, the courses offered during Summers Scholars Program are limited to UNI 103, MAT 092, MAT 094, ENG 091, and ENG 101. 

Does Summer Scholars participation replace the need to attend Orientation?

No, attendance at Orientation is mandatory for all students. 

Which Orientation session should I attend?

Students participating in the Summer Scholars Program should register for the Monday, June 23rd Orientation session from the UIS Application Status Page (log on with status page credentials), which coincides with the on-campus portion of the program. 

How do I take the placement test?

All Summer Scholars will take a math placement test upon arrival on campus. 

Who is eligible?

  • Incoming first-time, first-year freshmen committed to attending UIS in the Fall
  • Students not enrolled in the Capital Scholars Honors Program at UIS

Who do I contact for more information about the program?

Please contact Asia Scott at asias2@uis.edu or call (217) 206-8574. 

Where Do I Fill Out The Online Summer Scholars Interest Form?

Please click the link to access the online Summer Scholars Interest Form.

 

Do I Need to Bring Any Money?

Students should only bring personal spending money for souvenirs during field trips.