IDEA Scholars by IDEA Engineering Student Center
About the Program
The goal of the Jacobs School's IDEA Scholars Program is to foster community building and academic excellence among our top incoming freshman engineering students from diverse backgrounds. As an IDEA Scholar, you will join a select group of students who will serve as ambassadors for the Jacobs School throughout your time at UC San Diego.
- Started 2011
- 185 Current Participants
- 220 Alumni
- IDEA Scholars graduate with an engineering degree at a higher rate than Jacobs School students
- 2011 cohort: 77% graduation rate (23% higher than retention rate among engineering freshmen from underrepresented student groups who were admitted at the same time, and were not IDEA Scholars)
- 2012 cohort: 74% graduation rate (14% higher than retention rate among engineering freshmen from underrepresented student groups who were admitted at the same time, and were not IDEA Scholars)
Watch this recording of the 2022 IDEA Scholars Information Session for an inside look at the benefits of participating in the IDEA Scholars program and tips to make your application stand out!
Events & Appointments for Current IDEA Scholars
To make an appointment or sign up to attend IDEA Scholars events, use the following link:
How to Apply
The application for the IDEA Scholars program is at the end of the Summer Engineering Institute application. Please visit the SEI page for deadline to apply. All IDEA Scholar candidates must apply to and participate in both programs. If offered admission to the IDEA Scholars program, candidates must attend SEI in Summer and ENG 5 in Fall. Applications for the IDEA Scholars program is a one-time window. The IDEA Scholars program is currently not available to transfer students or students entering their second year.
Learn More and Apply to Summer Engineering Institute
For questions about the IDEA Scholars Program, contact: idea@ucsd.edu
IDEA Scholar Achievements
Admitted into Graduate Programs at
Other IDEA Scholar Achievements
Academic/Research
- Churchill Scholars
- McNair Scholars
- Gilman Scholars
- California Louis Stokes Minority Alliance Scholarship (CAMP)
- TRELS Quarterly, Summer, and International
- Summer EnVision Experience (SEE)
- UC Leads
- Purdue (University) Summer Research Fellowship
- Cornell University Summer Research Fellowship
Student Leadership
- Triton Engineering Student Council (TESC)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
- Students for Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS)
- Triton Racing
- Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (RPL)
- Engineers without Borders
Non Discrimination Statement
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the IDEA Scholars does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.
More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.
More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.