Helping high-potential youth gain access to the nation's most selective colleges and universities.
Leadership & Personal Development
The goals of this program area are to help scholars better understand their strengths and developmental opportunities, broaden a variety of skill sets, apply leadership skills in real world scenarios, act upon what they have experienced in the Scholar Program, and work to their fullest potential.
During the summer before freshman year all scholars spend 10 days in the northern woods of Wisconsin at Camp Manito-wish YMCA. The first five days of camp focus on collaborative leadership while the next five days are spent canoeing, camping and putting to use the skills developed during the in-camp session.
Watch a video of Schuler Scholars at camp
During the summer after junior year, scholars who are in the top 5% of their class are eligible to apply to an international leadership program. These programs are offered through a partnership between the SSP and the Experiment in International Living and Global Leadership Adventures.
Schuler Scholars have spent from 4 -6 weeks in various countries, including: Ghana, India, South Africa, Brazil, Morocco, New Zealand, Spain, Japan, and Poland. Most programs include a service component and many include a home stay. The experience builds self esteem, fosters a commitment to serving others , and provides experiential learning opportunities.
Scholars also participate in programs focused on personal development planning, ethical decision making, and conflict resolution.
MEHS Scholars engage in an intense tug o' war at the MEHS 2011 Schuler Picnic
Class of 2016 WTHS Scholars enjoy a beautiful day of canoeing on trail!
Scholar Spotlight: Evelyn Fraga
Waukegan High School, Class of 2009
Swarthmore College, Class of 2013
After only her first year at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, Evy’s impact on the campus has been great. She and two of her peers founded the organization “Swatties for a DREAM,” which seeks to make higher education more accessible for lower-income high school students. Swarthmore even provided funding for the group to attend a rally in Washington, DC. Evy attended the Empowering Women of Color Conference at UC Berkeley during which she gained meaningful exposure to women’s issues faced around the world and in academia. She… Read more