LEAD Scholars Program

The LEAD (Leadership, Excellence, and Academic Development) Scholars Program provides first-generation college students admitted to the program with a smooth transition to life at Santa Clara. The LEAD Scholars Program forms a community of undergraduate peers and faculty dedicated to rigorous academic achievement, student leadership, community engagement, and service. The program involves support as well as challenge throughout the four years, with a special emphasis on the first-year experience. All LEAD scholars participate in LEAD Week, which is scheduled for the week immediately preceding the beginning of the fall term. Incoming first-year students take ENGL 1A and 2A together, and well as two LEAD seminars, which focus on optimizing the transition to college. Transfer students take an upper-division seminar, which focuses on opportunities and challenges for transfer students. Other optional courses are offered for the LEAD Scholars community, and students have access to a range of resources.

LEAD Scholars can also participate in the LEAD Council, a leadership group that provides programs, events, and other opportunities to serve the needs of the LEAD community. A range of social and academic programs are offered including alumni networking, community building events, and outreach to families. For more information about courses offered by the LEAD Scholars Program, see Chapter 6.