About Leland Scholars
Leland Scholars participate in a three-week residential program in the summer prior to arrival on campus. This fully-funded program has a carefully crafted schedule of activities, coursework, seminars, and trips designed to facilitate the transition to Stanford. During the academic year, Leland Scholars will have access to additional advising and freshman seminars that sustain the community and reinforce the skills and strategies acquired during the program.
How it Works
- Leland Scholars live on the Stanford campus during the summer and enroll in a two-credit chemistry-based science course that will prepare them for the fall quarter—especially the introductory science courses in which first year students typically register.
- Hands-on, small group-oriented courses focus on enhancing students’ analytical thinking and sharpening their problem-solving abilities.
- Students also participate in a host of seminars, presentations, and activities that will introduce students to Stanford, acquaint them with faculty and peers, and familiarize them with campus resources and the larger San Francisco Bay Area.
History
In 2008, Stanford proposed the creation of a new summer transitional program for incoming freshmen, though due to economic challenges, the final implementation was delayed until 2011. The President’s Office approved funding for the Leland Scholars Program as an official Stanford Introductory Studies pilot initiative within the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. With its inaugural class in 2012, LSP selected 33 students to take part in this new program with expanded enrollments planned in subsequent years.
