A: The Summer College Opportunity Program in Education (SCOPE) is an intensive, four-week academic program for high school sophomores from multicultural backgrounds who are interested in careers in education. Established in 2002 as part of the College of Education’s Office of Multicultural Programs, SCOPE strives to diversify the field of education by providing access to underrepresented and at-risk students.
Each year, approximately 20 high school students from across the country visit the University Park campus where they live in student residence halls, enroll in a college-level course, and participate in activities that enhance study skills. SCOPE participants also receive a detailed orientation of college admission criteria, the application process and financial aid. The program, which is provided at no cost to the participants, also has an SAT prep course designed to familiarize students with the test and how to complete it successfully.
SCOPE also focuses on personal development and social integration. Students participate in various team-building activities that teach different life skills and provide opportunities for open dialogue about race and cultural differences. They learn about leadership and community service, and discuss topics related to drug and alcohol awareness.
Since its inception, SCOPE has hosted 200 high school students. More than 80 percent of participants enrolled in a four-year college program with many students choosing to attend Penn State. More than half of those students majored in an education-related field.
To be eligible for SCOPE, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Be traditionally underrepresented, in the first generation of his or her family to potentially attend college and/or economically disadvantaged.
- Be a rising high school junior.
- Be enrolled in a college-prep curriculum.
- Have a high school grade-point average of 3.0 or better.
- Be interested in education careers.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
For more information about SCOPE, visit http://ed.psu.edu/multicultural-programs/summer-program or contact the Office of Multicultural Programs at 814-865-0904.