Exceptional Students from TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy Recognized
In celebration of its five-year partnership with the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, TC Energy provided four, $5,000 scholarships for the fall semester to TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy participants who excelled in the program.
“Investing in STEM education allows us to support the future workforce,” said Trevence Mitchell, Manager, Social Impact at TC Energy. “We are proud to celebrate five years of partnership with the Summer Scholars Academy and hope these scholarships will help provide students with the resources needed to continue on their paths of success.”
The TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy offers an intensive nine-week program designed for a diverse group of incoming freshmen who have an outstanding high school academic record and are interested in majors in NSM or Cullen College of Engineering. Though the students excelled academically in high school, their classes may not have been rigorous enough to prepare them for STEM courses at the college level.
“It’s amazing to see our students grow into confident freshmen who are ready to take on their first full semester at the University of Houston,” said Ashley Askew, director of the summer program. “Although the program has a strong focus in math, our goal is to provide them with the skills and resources to succeed in their collegiate career as a STEM major and beyond.”
Through the program, participants acquire skills to tackle coursework effectively and efficiently, build networking and career preparation skills, and practice good study habits.
The rigorous program has many benefits. Summer scholars can earn credit for Calculus 1, and they receive a preview of Fundamentals of Chemistry and a mini-course on college success. The typical day also includes small-group review sessions, workshops, tutoring assistance, and occasional panel discussions with TC Energy employees, successful STEM students, and others in STEM careers.
TC Energy Scholarship Recipients
Each of the recipients reflected on their experience in the TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy.
Ryan Clarke, Computer Science Major
Unmatched Dedication Scholarship
“Being part of the TC Energy Summers Scholars Academy was an incredible experience. It enhanced my math skills, allowed me to earn credit for Calculus 1, and provided valuable networking opportunities with fellow STEM majors. The program significantly boosted my confidence in my math abilities and helped me step out of my comfort zone, preparing me to thrive in a collegiate environment.”
Favorite Part of the Program:
“While there were many great aspects of the program, my favorite part was studying and learning alongside others who shared my goals. Our shared commitment to mastering calculus led to the development of lasting friendships and a supportive community. Although dedicating nine weeks of my summer felt daunting initially, my time in the TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy turned out to be one of my most enjoyable summers to date.”
Abel Ruedas, Civil Engineering Major
Highest Performing Chemistry Student Scholarship
“Being in TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy benefited me by giving me a taste of what college is like with the schoolwork and working with others. It also exposed me to content I would learn freshman year of college, putting me ahead of the game. It kept all the chemistry and calculus content fresh on my mind, allowing me to understand it better and even gain college credit.”
Favorite Part of the Program:
“The best part of SSA was all the events held during the summer – from the social events to career panels to Chemistry Olympics. Every week there was an event, and it was a good way to break the stress and relieve us from the coursework. Every event had a purpose for us – to inform us of opportunities we have during college for internships, to help us learn how to maintain our composure in college, to teach us about our financial opportunities and needs, and to just get to know each other in the program, giving us a chance to make new friends.”
Akayla Shelby, Atmospheric Science Major
Highest Performing Calculus Student Scholarship
“The program helped with the transition from high school to college by giving me an idea of how the classes are structured and of the amount of work and studying I would be expected to do for each class. It provided me with mentors that I can rely on when I need help with any issues that I may encounter, whether academically or socially. SSA also gave me the opportunity to meet and befriend a lot of amazing people.”
Favorite Part of the Program:
“My favorite part of the program was the community within it. I would not have done as well without the support I got from others.”
Aariyah Martinez, Physics Major
TC Energy - Energy Problem Solvers Scholarship
“Participating in the TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy allowed me to get a head start in all aspects of college life. Academically, I learned the basics of general chemistry and calculus I. Professionally, I made professional connections at TC Energy as well as within the university. Socially, I was never alone.”
Favorite Part of the Program:
“My favorite part about the program was definitely meeting some of my closest friends. The program provided academic, professional, and social skills that I can confidently carry into my fall semester."
- Kathy Major, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics