Program Provides Support in Academics, Networking and Career Development

High school graduation brings mixed emotions for graduating seniors. It’s a rite of passage as students close one chapter and prepare to start a new one.

Jamilah Garcia is eager to embark on this new journey at the University of Houston as she focuses on computer science studies at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, but she is also nervous about the new challenges ahead.

That’s why she turned to the TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy at UH.

“It has really opened my eyes to the expectations I’m now faced with as a college student,” said Garcia. “In high school, we were given more leniency for deadlines to turn in our work.”

Ryan Stephens, also an incoming freshman, was introduced to the program after deciding to pursue a degree in computer science instead of music.

“My advisor said the program would not only prepare me for the demands of college academics, but also improve my chances of advancing in my field of study,” said Stephens.

Connecting from High School to College

The TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy is a nine-week program that is geared for students who have excelled in high school academics and would like to pursue a major in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics or Cullen College of Engineering.

The program, with the generous support of the TC Energy Foundation, serves as a bridge for students between high school and university-level education.

Participants benefit from the program in several ways. They can earn credit for Calculus 1 and get a preview of content from courses such as Fundamentals of Chemistry and College Success. Students also learn study habits to help them succeed in their college career.

“The program really helps you get a head start in math by taking Calculus 1,” said Garcia. “Even if you don’t pass the final exam, you still have a head start in calculus.”

Coursework includes daily homework, critical thinking skills and self-management skills.

“We want to provide a well-rounded experience that supports students academically and provides essential skills so they are better equipped for the demands of college,” said Ashley Askew, director of special programs and lead for the TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy.

Stephens expected the program to be like summer school. “It was completely different from what I expected,” he said.

The program is open to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend UH in the fall. Students must have earned credit or be taking pre-calculus in high school.

Over half of this year’s participants considered themselves first-generation college students.

In addition to coursework and networking opportunities, the program offers participants a limited number of housing scholarships worth up to $2,000.

After completing the program, students who gain calculus credit on the final exam are able to change their major into either the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics or Cullen College of Engineering if they were not already evaluated directly into their major of choice.

In 2023, the program supported 56 incoming freshmen. From this group, it helped 55% of participants qualify to take Calculus 2 in the fall semester. Of the remaining students, 30% qualified for Calculus 1, 11% for Precalculus and 4% for College Algebra.

Building New Relationships

In addition to academics, the program allows students to network with faculty, staff and administrators while meeting other first-year STEM students at UH.

Stephens benefitted from the rigorous coursework, but also enjoyed being able to share the experience with others.

“My favorite thing about the program is getting to know other people who are learning the content and are making the same transition from high school to college,” said Stephens. “It’s great to know that I’m not alone in this journey.”

Preparing for Success

The application process begins in early February with information sessions scheduled from February until April. The program runs from early June to early August. In addition to classes, students take part in several career panel discussions with STEM industry experts. The program concludes with a final exam and awards ceremony to celebrate the group’s accomplishments.

Once students successfully complete the program, they advance to the award-winning Scholar Enrichment Program (SEP). SEP provides students with a support system of mentors, tutors and facilitators with the goal of helping students graduate.

- Chris Guillory, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics