IDEA Scholars Program

2026 IDEA Scholars Infographic by IDEA Engineering Student Center

About the Program

The IDEA Scholars Program helps incoming engineering students excel in their coursework, explore purposeful career pathways, and build a strong sense of community within the Jacobs School of Engineering. Through supportive peer networks, individualized coaching, and guided academic and career development, the program equips students to take ownership of their success as Triton Engineers—while also growing into leaders who uplift and guide those who come after them. It strengthens students’ readiness to stand out among their peers through skill-building experiences and intentional professional growth.

Students who join the IDEA Scholars Program join an exclusive cohort, with over 220 alumni dating back to the program's inception in 2011. In addition, IDEA Scholars graduate with an engineering degree at a higher rate than Jacobs School students.

IDEA Scholars: A Customizable Experience

The IDEA Scholars Program creates customizable pathways to help students reach their career goals. Whether the goal is to work in industry, conduct research, or explore entrepreneurship, these pathways scale to meet students where they are at in their academic journey. Pathways offer exclusive experiences for IDEA Scholars, such as networking dinners and mentorship events, while also connecting students to services and programs offered by the IDEA Center, Jacobs School of Engineering, and campus partners. Below is an example of the great experiences IDEA Scholars look forward to:

    Year 1

     

    Sip Club mentoring

    Engineering Learning Community Pods

    Year 2

     

    Sip Club mentoring

    Industry Networking Dinner

    Year 3
    (transfers, start here!)

    Alumni mentoring

    ENG2 - Career Readiness

    Grad Roap map Event

    Year 4+


    Alumni Mentoring

    Industry Networking Event

    Graduation Celebration

    In addition, every year students will have access to the following opportunities:

    • 1:1 coaching from IDEA Center Staff
    • Industry tour
    • Socials and celebrations
    • Resources and connection to assist along your pathways
    • Exclusive IDEA Scholars tag on your profile within the Jacobs School of Engineering Job Portal

     

    Do I need to have a clear picture for what pathway I want to take in order to participate in the IDEA Scholars Program? Nope. In fact, we expect most won't have a perfectly linear journey! That's why we're here. We'll help you find your path to achieve your unique goals...as those goals come into existence.

    How to Become an IDEA Scholar

    To ensure all IDEA Scholars have a smooth transition to their Triton experience, IDEA Scholars join the program through participation in one of three experiences:

    1. Summer Engineering Institute
    2. Transfer Prep
    3. ENG5 - Orientation to the Engineering Profession (to be taken their first Fall at UC San Diego)

     

    What if I just learned about the IDEA Scholars Program? Is it too late? Many services, like Engineering Learning Communities, are offered for all Triton Engineers by the IDEA Engineering Student Center. Ensure you are reading e-news for updates on programs, services, and events. If you are not already receiving e-news, subscribe here.

     

    Resources for Current IDEA Scholars

    To make an appointment or sign up to attend IDEA Scholars events, use the following link:

    IDEA Scholars Appointments

    Maximize your program benefits by earning points!

    Learn More

     Meet the IDEA Scholars Team

    Meet the incredible individuals who support the IDEA Scholars:

    Student Success Coordinator

    Tyler V. 😬 - he/him
    Transfer
    Out-of-state-student
    Involvement: Baseball

    Program Assistant

    Ava V.D. 😛 - she/her
    College: Revelle College
    Major: Bioengineering 
    Involvement: Biomedical Engineering Society

    Program Assistant

    Rylee Q. 😛 - she/her
    College: Sixth College
    Major: Mechanical Engineering
    Involvement: Human Powered Submarine Drivetrain

    Program Assistant

    Sarine K. 👹 - she/her
    College: Marshall College
    Major: NanoEngineering & Ethnic Studies Engineer
    Involvement: NanoEngineering & Technology Society

    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

    All Jacob’s School of Engineering students are encouraged to apply. The IDEA Scholars does not consider race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories as part of the application and selection process.

    In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California 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.