Five UC students enhance leadership skills in Sophomore Summer Leadership Scholars program

Five second-year University of Cincinnati students are enhancing their leadership skills in the Sophomore Summer Leadership Scholars program.

The Sophomore Summer Leadership Scholars is a program of the College of Engineering and Applied Science’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement.

This year’s cohort of scholars includes Ashley Kirby (Freshman Engineering Program/Engineering and Applied Science Entrance Program), Vincent Copeland (Chemical Engineering), Matt Adkins (Construction Management), Nico Aleman (Computer Engineering), and Eva Rios (Chemical Engineering).

For seven weeks this summer, the scholars serve as teaching assistants in the Summer Bridge program for underrepresented incoming students or work with community engagement and event planning. They also attend a weekly leadership seminar culminating in a final poster presentation.

The Sophomore Summer Leadership Scholars program demonstrates UC’s commitment to innovative academic and professional development efforts as part of the Academic Excellence platform in its strategic direction Next Lives Here.

To participate, students must be a previous Summer Bridge program participant or a second-year student in a STEM major. To serve as a teaching assistant for Summer Bridge students, they must have achieved a grade of B or higher in math and science classes. There is also an application and interview process.

This year, the Sophomore Summer Leadership Scholars program runs from June 15 to August 2. Scholars participate in weekly leadership seminars that will build up to a final poster presentation as well as work hands-on with incoming Summer Bridge students with tutoring and event planning.

Sophomore Summer Leadership Scholars is sponsored by IECE and P&G, who provided funding to support leadership development.

The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement strives to empower individuals to transform their lives and achieve their highest potential by offering programs, services and scholarships that will enhance learning and lead to their success.

For more information on the annual Sophomore Summer Leadership Scholars program and similar initiatives visit the IECE website.