TESTIMONIALS

"The James Scholar program is an excellent opportunity for driven students to get the most out of their time in college. Allowing early class registration and the taking of courses for honors credit, the program makes it easier for students to select subjects they're passionate about and explore them on a deeper level. Furthermore, James Scholars get access to various skill and career building opportunities and chances to meet new and interesting people. As a senior graduating in a semester, I've been in the program for the entirety of my time at UIUC and found it to be a rich and rewarding experience."

"Being part of the Grainger Engineering James Scholar program has created so many great opportunities for me, especially as a first year student. Getting early registration for classes made me feel much less nervous when choosing classes for the first time; all the networking opportunities are amazing as well! I was also given the opportunity to travel to Jamaica with some other James Scholar students, which was one of the best experiences of my life. Living with a Jamaican host mom and experiencing authentic Jamaican culture made me super happy, and the new friends I made there made me even happier! I learned so much from those kids and their perspectives on the world that I will never forget, and we have still called each other almost every day since the trip ended."

"It's a thrilling honor to be named a 2023 Goldwater Scholar! As a representative James Scholar, I am eager to continue the research I have conducted thus far, and I deeply thank the James Scholar program and the Grainger Engineering College for the resources they have provided in my research activities, ranging from workshops to symposiums where I have been able to present my work. Combined with my CS minor as supported by the James Scholar program, I am able to carve a highly interdisciplinary path that prepares me for exciting materials engineering for the years to come."

"As a James Scholar, I was challenged to enrich my academic experience through Honors projects and take additional courses beyond my curriculum. Not only did I form relationships with faculty, but I also gained valuable skills and knowledge that helped me become a competitive candidate in my field. This program rewards students with the drive to succeed and engage with their community."