A new Science Academy, expected to be in full swing in the fall, will expand the College Scholars Program from its current liberal arts orientation.
Traditionally, the Scholars Program has focused on English, the humanities, art and anthropology with classes stressing critical thinking, analysis of issues, and evaluation of problems through written and oral expression.
The new science division will allow more options for students to take advanced classes in science and math.
“Now for the first time, science students will be able to count their required science classes as honors classes, still taking advantage of all the perks of the Scholars Program,” said Gary Massion, director of the Scholars Program.
“It will bring more students into the Scholars Program that are interested in science, instead of arts-based programs,” said Dan Wengert, vice president of finance for the Scholars Program.
“We have just begun our recruitment push, but our goal is to attract at least 50 first-year students and double this number the second year,” said Massion. The Scholars Program currently has 250 students, 180 of whom are active. The remaining 70 are Emeriti Scholars. These are students who have completed their two-year core curriculum, and have chosen to stay at Glendale before transferring to a four-year university.
The requirements for the Science Academy will be the same as the regular Scholars Program: a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ACT score of 15, combined SAT score of 1000 (450 minimum on the verbal section), a 500-word essay, and a written recommendation.
Once accepted, Scholars must enroll in a minimum of 12 units per semester and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Scholars are also expected to attend monthly meetings, perform community service, and participate in Scholars committees. The four committees are finance, mentoring, communications, and recruitment.
Most eligible students are notified of the Scholars Program when they first enroll in Glendale College. Yet, continuing students in their first year are encouraged to apply as well. “If you are still early in your college career, it might be worth taking a look at,” said Wengert.
For more information on the Science Academy or the College Scholars Program, contact Massion at Ext. 5146, or by e-mail at [email protected].
The program also has a Web site that provides information on transfer programs, admission requirements, a calendar, and a schedule of classes located at www.glendale.cc.ca.us/scholars.