What will I get out of ESP?
You will get a unique opportunity to develop lasting friendships with highly motivated students in the field.
You will also develop skills in core principles like algorithmic thinking and problems solving that will benefit
your scholarship. Finally, you should have lots of fun with your peers!
The Emerging Scholars Program started at Tufts in 2020, and it has been modeled
on a program at Columbia University. Here are what some students had to say about the program there:
The Emerging Scholars Program was a great asset to the introductory level Computer Science class.
It helped me to think outside of just programming and more into developing problem-solving skills.
I loved being in a small group because it forced us all to participate and I also loved having a
workshop leader that was close in age and encouraged creative thinking.
ESP helped to ignite my interest in Computer Science. Through the
varied workshops, I was exposed to interesting people and ideas, realizing the breadth of an entirely
fascinating subject in which I had no previous experience. I really looked forward to the workshops
because they were very fun. It was extremely rewarding to participate in something in which I not only
found academic value but also social and recreational value.
I love being part of ESP because it challenges me to think with a
different perspective and then apply it to computer science. What I've learned in the workshops has
helped me grasp and understand many topics in my classes.
What are the requirements?
The only requirements are attendance and participation. There will be nine workshops (each one is 75 minutes)
on Fridays over the course of the semester, and we expect you to participate in group problem solving.
There is no homework and no programming.
The weekly workshops are led by an undergraduate student peer leader. This specially selected and
trained student will lead sessions designed to solidify your knowledge of Computer Science, but
more importantly, to demonstrate that Computer Science is a collaborative activity that involves much
more than just programming. In addition, there will be periodic social gatherings in future semesters to meet
friends from your program as well as other young students involved in ESP
and Computer Science. (These are, of course, voluntary, but we suspect you will have had such a good time
at the start that you will come!)
Will I receive academic credit for participating?
Yes, the program will be a one credit course graded pass/fail. Students who are at the credit limit are still welcome to participate, but may not receive credit. Tufts is very strict about the total credit hour limit. Students are not encouraged to drop any courses in favor of credit from ESP.
Who supports the Emerging Scholars Program?
The program is sponsored by the Computer Science department. Professor Richard Townsend, PhD students Alexandra Scott and Faith Ocitti are coordinating the program.
Is there anything else I should know about the Emerging Scholars Program?
This program is not remedial computer science and it is not extra tutoring or office hours. Rather, you will work with other participants and the peer leader to come up with solutions to interesting problems related to computer science and discuss those solutions' pros and cons. Also, there will be no homework and no required preparation for the meetings. All you need to do is show up, participate, and have fun!
How do I apply?
The Emerging Scholars Program will be having its ninth semester at Tufts in Fall 2024, and the application is opened the first week of classes!
Application is out now!
Applicants should be:
- a freshman or sophomore
- interested in exploring CS at an introductory, conceptual level
- available for one of the weekly section times. Please mark your preferences
when you fill out the application.
For Fall 2024 (subject to change):
- Fridays 9:00-10:15am
- Fridays 10:30-11:45am
- Fridays 12:00-1:15pm
- Fridays 1:30-2:45pm
How does the application process work?
We will only be selecting 40-50 participants, depending on the
number of applications we receive. There are no
prerequisites! We do not assume that you have any prior
knowledge of Computer Science. We are looking for students who
are interested in learning more about the field of computer
science but are not quite sure about their major or whether
they will take another Computer Science course. Most
importantly, we are looking for interesting, outgoing young
people who will help make this program a success.
I want to be a peer leader or assist with ESP. How do I apply?
If you are an ESP alum or are just interested in participating contact the ESP Coordinators to ask about the peer leader or workshop assistant positions.
How do I get more information?
Contact the ESP coordinators (emerging-scholars@elist.tufts.edu) with any questions or for more information.
