Summer Scholars @ Chautauqua
Educational, cultural, and social capital enrichment experiences for underserved & underrepresented college students
Our Program
Selected college students come from across the country or the region to live together in Chautauqua for 7 days. They attend lectures, art exhibits, concerts, readings, classes, and more (see chq.org). They will have opportunities to engage with speakers, authors, and artists, as well as new friends and mentors interested in helping them to expand their social capital. Our Scholars will, in turn, enrich the Chautauqua community with their diverse life experiences and perspectives.
Why Chautauqua
Chautauqua has one of the nation’s largest concentrations of "social capital" (as well as intellectual and cultural capital) in one small area. According to David McCullough, renowned historian and author, "There's no place like it. No resort. No spa. It is at once a summer encampment and a small town, a college campus, an arts colony, a music festival, a religious retreat, and the village square. There's no place─no place─with anything like its history."
In Their Own Words!
"Chautauqua made me more confident in myself. I’ve always had self-doubts about my capabilities and how far I’m able to go. Meeting the people that I met was life-changing for me. I personally feel like a whole new woman. I’m more assured in myself with a whole new vision of where I’m going." ~ Julie
“I would describe Chautauqua as a center of learning and growth. It’s where perspectives, ideas, nature, and art collide and where individuals can find connection and be exposed to wholly new experiences. The connections you make and the opportunities you find at Chautauqua are unlike anything else you’ll find." ~ Mars
"Chautauqua is a place for the soul. This place is magic... like magical realism. It is a utopic place where your soul is the most important part. From the music, the deep discussions, to the natural environment, everything just uplifts your soul. Be you and know that this is your place as well." ~ Juan
"Chautauqua is an incredible environment for growth. Chautauqua challenges the mind on all fronts and encourages you to embrace different ideas, ideals, and even diversity." ~ Chad
"Chautauqua is a community for the people. Everybody is your neighbor there 🙂 Summer Scholars really catered to my professional goals and helped me advance in significant ways that I’m carrying with me even after the program ended!" ~ Mickie
"My favorite part of Chautauqua was the excitement of learning something new every day. The amount of lectures and events going on allowed me to be exposed to new people from all backgrounds and experiences. I was left wanting to talk to so many new people. Every person I talked to at Chautauqua showed me that there are infinite ways to view the same thing." ~ Fabian
How Our Program Supports Our Mission
Our program provides an environment in which students can develop social capital by:
- Meeting and engaging with renowned speakers, authors, thinkers, performers, and other experts from a cross section of disciplines
- Building ongoing connections with Chautauquans
- Traveling for the first time outside their local regions
- Participating in a wide variety of activities and programs which encompass and integrate the arts, education, recreation, and religion
- Becoming part of a community which values their diverse life experiences and perspectives
- Living with other students from different parts of the country who have shared experiences
Program Dates
Our 2023 Sessions (7 days each) will take place during the last two weeks of July.