Simmons Scholars students belong to an inclusive scholarly community, and are presented with myriad opportunities to establish strong personal, academic, and professional connections within the College of Engineering and beyond.

Simmons Scholars are Connected With:

Peer Mentors;
Engineering Affinity Professional Organizations;
Organizations, teams, and student groups across the Cornell campus; and
Cornell’s global alumni network.

These opportunities for community engagement and immersion contribute to a positive overall college experience, while simultaneously preparing students for success in meeting their academic, personal, and professional goals.

Key goals of the program

Creating a positive, inclusive, and caring community among engineering students
Providing a professional identity upon matriculation
Bolstering Scholars’ overall college experience
Providing a holistic, enhanced student support system
Developing meaningful connections between new and more experienced students
Building Scholars’ agency, social capital, self-esteem, self-confidence, and sense of belonging

DPE Community Programming

Simmons Scholars meet as a cohort several times throughout the semester with the broader DPE student community for events designed to foster a sense of belonging, strengthen bonds, build literacy surrounding University resources, and leverage resources to support students’ academic success, professional development and networks, goal attainment, social support, and wellbeing.

Peer Mentoring

Simmons Scholars receive a peer mentor through CU EMPower; a peer mentoring program that supports Scholars’ personal and academic development and achievement in their first year. Scholars meet monthly with mentors and attend monthly group programming.