What is the Summer Scholars Program?
The University of Illinois Springfield's (UIS) Summer Scholars Program is an eight week experience that 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 the Learning Hub, 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 entire 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 8-week 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
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- You must be an incoming first-year freshman committed to attending UIS in the fall.
Step 2: Fill out the Summer Scholars Application
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- Please make sure you meet all eligibility requirements before filling out the application.
- Application Link coming soon!
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Step 3: Schedule Your Interview
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- After submitting your application, you will be contacted via email with a link to schedule a required interview.
Step 4: Receive Your Acceptance Decision
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- Students will be notified of their Summer Scholars acceptance via email.
Step 5: Complete Next Steps (Official Enrollment)
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- Accepted students must complete all required onboarding steps, including:
- Register for the June 22nd New Student Orientation date
- Complete the Math and/or Writing Placement Tests
- Email results to asias2@uis.edu
- If you've already taken the Placement Tests, please email me your scores at asias2@uis.edu
- Register for your classes
- Based on your Placement Tests results, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for your courses
- Attend the Summer Scholars Family Information Session
- Date TBA
- Completion of all steps is required to officially participate in the Summer Scholars Program.
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 staff who are committed to helping students succeed. Get to know the people who will support you throughout the program!
Program Leadership
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 2026 Summer Scholars Program begins June 21st through August 15th. Summer Scholars applicants should register for the June 22nd Orientation Date.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: MAY 29th, 2025
This is the last day to apply for the program.
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?
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The Summer Scholars Program begins June 21st, 2026 to August 15th, 2026.
What if I already have college credit for ENG 101 or ENG 102?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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No, the courses offered during the Summers Scholars Program are limited to UNI 103, MAT 109, and MAT 111.
Does Summer Scholars participation replace the need to attend Orientation?
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No, attendance at Orientation is mandatory for all students.
Which Orientation session should I attend?
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Students participating in the Summer Scholars Program should register for the Monday, June 22nd Orientation date.
How do I take the placement test?
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You will need to email testingservices@uis.edu to request an appointment between Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please indicate whether you prefer to take the test(s) in person (UIS Testing Center) or online with a proctor using Zoom. Once you've taken your Math Placement Test and/or Writing Placement Test, please email me your results. Once I receive your scores, I will email you the classes you will take for the summer as well as provide directions on how to register for these classes. If you have already taken the Math Placement Test and the Writing Placement Test, please email me your scores. These tests will help me place you in the appropriate courses during the summer program.
Who is eligible?
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- 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?
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Please contact the Assistant Director, Asia Scott at asias2@uis.edu or call (217) 206-8574.
Do I Need to Bring Any Money?
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No. Students do not need to bring money to participate in the Summer Scholars Program. All required program costs are covered. Any personal spending money is optional and for individual convenience only.