Students are invited to become Simmons Scholars during their first fall semester at Cornell.  In addition to being a first year student (or 2-1 first year transfer) enrolled in the College of Engineering, applicants must meet one (1) of the following requirements in order to be considered for Simmons Scholar recognition:

• Hail from a background traditionally underrepresented in engineering and STEM fields and academic spaces (Black, Hispanic, Indigenous);
• Be a First-Generation College Student;
• Identify as Neurodivergent;
• Identify as living with a disability;

Helpful Clarifications:

Disability:  A student who experiences “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment” is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and as amended (Americans with Disabilities Act, § 12102), as well as § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  A student does not have to be registered or associated with Student Disability Services to apply to become a Simmons Scholar, nor are students required to disclose or provide proof of a medical diagnosis.  We do, however, encourage all students to whom disability protections apply to explore accessibility options through the SDS office.

First-Generation College: Cornell University “considers you a first-generation college student if you come from a family in which neither of your parents or guardians has obtained a four-year college degree.”  More information can be found here.

Please feel free to reach out to Chris Casler-Gonçalves directly at cc2445@cornell.edu or drop by my office at 146 Olin if you have any questions/clarifications.

Neurodivergent: Neurodivergence describes natural, biological variation in terms of the manner in which individuals’ brains process information. Individuals with an Autism Spectrum, ADD, and /or ADHD diagnosis often identify as neurodivergent, although not all neurodivergent individuals possess a formal medical diagnosis.  Such a diagnosis is not necessary for consideration to become a Simmons Scholar.  Students are invited to confidentially self-identify through the application process.