The start of college for a first-time student can be full of questions and uncertainty.    One group of incoming Padnos College of Engineering freshmen is entering the year with a lot more confidence and answers, thanks to a new program that launched this summer.

The STAR (Scholarly Training for Academic Resilience) camp took place over four weeks in July and August.  A cohort of nine incoming freshmen spent their days learning engineering and college prep tips from faculty, while living together in a GVSU residence center.  The students also worked on two engineering projects, an experience that culminated in them displaying their work during the Senior Project event as part of the Engineering Design Conference.

The camp is funded by a nearly $2 million NSF (National Science Foundation) grant that aims to remove financial barriers and create academic support systems for students to earn engineering degrees. The grant provides scholarships to the students that will support them until graduation.

“Every aspect of the camp was designed meticulously, based on extensive scientific and literature review, to maximize its impact on students' technical, social, and psychosocial development,” said PCE Associate Professor Sanjivan Manoharan. 

 Participants in the first cohort say it was a valuable experience on many levels.

“Getting to learn about GVSU in this atmosphere has been an awesome opportunity,” said Madison Meeusen, incoming GVSU student.  “Being able to get a reality check on what we don’t know and getting to experience what engineering at college looks like is very helpful.”

Not only did the students learn how to manage and complete a college-level project from start to finish, but they also developed connections and life skills that will help them as they begin their college careers.

“Knowing everyone in this group and all of the faculty and staff that we met makes starting the year a lot more comfortable,” said Aiden Wellman, incoming GVSU student.

With the start of the freshman year being such a crucial factor in a student’s long-term success, Manoharan says the camp gave the students vital skills to help them throughout their higher ed journey.  

“The camp created a special bond among the scholars, prepared them for their freshman courses and made them comfortable in seeking help from professors and tutors, which is something many students avoid because they don’t want to be a burden or show vulnerability,” said Manoharan.

A second cohort is in the works for next year and Manoharan says feedback from the students, their families and everyone who helped this year’s cohort take place will help them build on this year’s success.  From PCE, Manoharan credited Nick Baine, Shabbir Choudhuri, Tim Bon, Sara Maas, Kathryn Christopher and Ryan Aldridge for their support. From around GVSU, he thanked John Wilson and Brynne Roberts (Financial Aid & Scholarships), Amanda Rainey and Melanie Retberg (Enrollment Development and College Futures), and Melanie Grover (Housing and Resident Life) for their work to help the camp go from an idea to reality.