Community for Opportunities in Research Excellence (CORE)

CORE Scholars are students who have a passion for science, are dedicated to making a positive difference in the world, and are committed to fostering excellence in STEM education.

CORE Scholars Program rests on three key pillars:

Why be a CORE Scholar?

The CORE Scholars program provides a small cohort experience for students who have a passion for science, are dedicated to making a positive difference in the world, and are committed to fostering excellence in STEM education.

• receive priority registration for classes
• participate in exclusive STEM career treks (1-2 days) and academies (3-5 days) to network with employers
• have priority access to academic coaching for your STEM classes
• learn about and prepare for internships, undergraduate research, and study abroad opportunities
• have dedicated faculty and peer mentors
• have access to financial support for summer research, internships, or other experiential opportunities to deepen your STEM engagement

Which programs are part of STEM?

We recognize that incoming students still have many decisions to make about what their lives at UVA will look like. If you think you may enjoy majoring in engineering, math or science, the CORE Scholars Program is for you. CORE Scholars are selected based on their interest in pursuing a degree in one of the many programs included in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. For the purposes of this program that includes all engineering majors, as well as astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, math, neuroscience, physics, and statistics. 

What do we look for in a future CORE Scholar?

CORE Scholars will use their lived experiences and unique perspectives as the backdrop to creating an environment of collaboration - not competition - in and out of the classroom. Students who are a good fit for the CORE Scholars program will demonstrate the ability to persevere in the face of obstacles and will contribute to the goals of the program.

Community

Excellence

We look for students who challenge themselves inside and outside of the classroom and are dedicated to pursuing excellence at UVA, not only for themselves but also their peers.

Opportunity

We look for students who are eager to learn and grow as they explore research and career opportunities. 

What is expected of CORE Scholars?

We want our CORE Scholars to reflect on how their personal strengths, motivations, and creativity will benefit this group of academic learners. Scientific achievement requires active participation in a collaborative process. As such, we ask our CORE Scholars to learn from one another in activities held throughout the year by:

• attending a new CORE Scholar Orientation at the start of the program
• enrolling in a 1-credit class during Year 1
• meeting with the Program Coordinator twice each semester
• attending the annual CORE Scholars retreat
• meeting with a Peer Mentor in Year 1 and Faculty Mentor in Year 2

Core Leadership

Note: This program is designed for students who are not already participating in other UVA Scholars programs. The UVA 2030 Plan emphasizes our commitment to "the development of the full potential of talented students from all walks of life." In alignment with this mission, we are inviting applications from students attending selected high schools in the Commonwealth that have not historically sent a large number of students to pursue STEM at UVA.