Clark Engineering Scholars
The Clark Engineering Scholars Program was established at GW in January 2011 with a generous gift from the late A. James Clark, Eng.D. '10, former chairman of the board and CEO of Clark Enterprises, Inc. In 2017, the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation doubled the program’s endowment with an additional investment of $8 million, further enhancing the program for scholarship recipients.
Today, the Clark Scholars Program is the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation’s signature academic program, combining engineering, business, leadership and community service.
As part of a commitment to building the pipeline of future engineers, the Foundation has partnered with some of the nation’s leading engineering institutions to financially supporting students who exhibit strong academic and leadership potential. Each student selected as a Clark Scholar is awarded an annual need- and merit-based scholarship, renewable each year based on academic performance and participation in the program.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for the program, students must have a GPA of 3.3 or greater and be:
- In their first year of college
- Majoring in a BS degree program within SEAS
- Enrolled full-time
- A US citizen
Students will be selected based on their:
- Financial need
- Academic performance
- Engagement in engineering
- Leadership skills
Application Process:
Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year will open in January 2024. Applicants are invited to apply based upon demonstrated financial need (from the FAFSA -- Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and superior academic performance.
Selection Process:
Applications will be evaluated by a panel of faculty, practicing engineers, alumni, and current Clark Scholars. The panel may solicit additional input. Based on the application materials submitted, the panel will select finalists who will then be required to appear for an interview before the selection panel. The final selection of new Clark Scholars will be based on both the interviews and the students' applications.
Scholarship Requirements:
The core curriculum reflects Mr. Clark’s values in business and in service to his community. The selected Clark Scholars will be required to attend a leadership boot camp, scheduled for late August every summer, and must participate in internships, study-abroad, and regularly- scheduled seminars. Additionally, scholars must maintain an overall 3.30 GPA or better, and are required to complete a business or management course and take part in community service.
Point of Contact:
Professor Royce Francis, Clark Scholars Faculty Director, [email protected], 202-994-3892.
About A. James Clark:
A. James Clark never forgot that his business successes began with an engineering scholarship. That is why the Clark family has long supported extending engineering education to talented students from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation college students.
Mr. Clark’s belief in the power of hard work enabled him to grow a local construction company into a national success. And it guides the philanthropic giving the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation continues in his name today — from scholarships for engineering students to better schools for D.C.’s children to veteran reintegration programs and support of the D.C. community.