In 2017, a visionary $15 million gift from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation to Vanderbilt University established the A. James Clark Scholars Program at the School of Engineering. The Clark Scholars Program is a selective program which enables talented undergraduate students to become engineering pioneers who reflect the character, passion, and vision of the program's namesake.
It emphasizes three key components -- engineering excellence, business acumen and service learning -- characteristics the late A. James Clark embodied and wished to cultivate in others.
Why Become a Vanderbilt University Clark Scholar?
Academic Excellence
As a Vanderbilt University Clark Scholar, you gain access to one of the nation’s leading engineering programs. Located in the vibrant city of Nashville, TN the School of Engineering combines the resources of a major university with the benefits of a city campus, giving students the tools needed to succeed.
A Supportive Community
You and your fellow scholars will form a cohort, working together with your mentor to navigate life at Vanderbilt University. You will help each other to achieve your goals, while developing life-long friendships along the way.
Career Launch Pad
During your four years as a Clark Scholar, you will receive educational and developmental opportunities with financial support to explore research and business on and off Vanderbilt’s campus. Vanderbilt and the surrounding area are home to some of the most cutting-edge research in engineering and science, along with a strong culture of entrepreneurship and business partnership. Whether you want to be a research engineer in R&D, or create your own startup, Vanderbilt sets you up for career success. Scholars must remain active participants in Clark Scholars programming throughout their undergraduate experience.
1st Year Summer FEST
The Clark Scholar’s experience at Vanderbilt begins prior to the fall semester on campus with a required 4-week summer program in July. This program, supported by the Scholarship, enables entering 1st year students to prepare for the courses which they will be taking in the fall, familiarize themselves with the Vanderbilt campus and City of Nashville and most importantly get to know their fellow 1st year Clark Scholars.
For more information about FEST, go here.