Video summary
The STEM Scholars program at the University of Vermont is a distinctive initiative designed to foster community and academic excellence by bringing students onto campus six weeks before the semester begins. This early arrival allows participants to connect with thirty-five other high-achieving individuals who will become their peers for several years, effectively dismantling initial anxieties about high expectations and intimidating competition. Instead of feeling isolated or overwhelmed, students find a welcoming environment where they can build deep relationships with people who share their intellectual curiosity, creating a supportive network that transforms the daunting prospect of rigorous academics into an exciting collaborative journey.
A central component of the program is its emphasis on bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world impact through various field experiences and industry visits. Students engage in activities such as visiting research vessels to study wildlife, which broadens their perspectives beyond traditional laboratory settings or isolated academic work. The curriculum mandates two internships in fields of the students' choice, encouraging them to explore diverse career paths while learning how their scientific interests can directly benefit communities. These experiences not only clarify future career goals but also instill a sense of purpose by showing how research can be applied practically to solve tangible problems in society.
Beyond academic and professional development, the program places immense value on building a robust support system that extends far beyond the typical teacher-student dynamic. Participants describe their mentors and fellow scholars as both researchers and peers who are willing to help one another navigate challenging courses and maintain accountability. This sense of belonging creates an environment where students feel backed by a large network of people who understand their struggles and aspirations, making the future feel more attainable. Ultimately, the most lasting takeaway for many scholars is this strong web of connections, which provides the emotional and intellectual resilience needed to succeed in tough coursework while pursuing meaningful public service.
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STEM Scholars is a really unique program
which allows students to come to campus
six weeks before their semester starts
and [music] just meet a bunch of
interesting people that they're going to
live with for the next few years.
>> I guess coming in to the program, I was
a little worried about um
just the caliber of expectations. Oh,
no, these 35 people are going to be the
smartest individuals that I've met in my
life and they're going to be so
intimidating and I'm going to have to
keep up with everything and I don't know
if I can
>> [music]
>> if I'm made for this,
but um
yeah, when I got here, actually everyone
was [music]
very welcoming and very kind.
>> I was really um
interested [music] in finding research
opportunities, but especially research
opportunities with real-world [music]
applications. Like I didn't want to work
in isolation in academia [music] without
that having
good impacts on the community. So, I
thought that STEM Scholars [music] would
be a great place to tie together my
interest in research and public service.
>> We did some [music] industry visits
which all kind of changed my perspective
a bit and said, "Hey, maybe I can do
this. Maybe [music] I'm not just limited
to going into the industry or working in
a lab."
>> Definitely [music] my favorite was
visiting the research vessel. It gave me
a great opportunity to see what [music]
field research can look like and um how
we study different kinds of wildlife and
how this helps communities as a whole.
>> Part of the mandate is that you have to
do two internships [music] during your
time here in your field of choice. So,
that obviously kind of gets you thinking
about where you want to go in the
future. [music]
>> They really, you know, took the time to
get to know me and taught me so much
through that. And you're not just
teacher [music] and student, you guys
are both researchers and peers. I have a
lot of people I can lean on
>> [music]
>> now through connections made with the
STEM Scholars program
>> Even though we all come from super
different places, we're interested in
super different things,
>> [music]
>> we've also found great points of
connection.
>> The future feels more possible because
[music]
you know that there are people backing
you and you know that there are also
people alongside [music] you who are
willing to help and we're trying to do
the same things you are [music] and
create the same changes you.
>> So for me the most valuable thing that I
can take away from STEM Scholars [music]
is just the connections. It has really
helped get through these tough courses,
you know, get good grades, you know,
keep myself [music] accountable.
>> The future feels more possible because I
have a huge network of people supporting
me.
>> [music]