Vanderbilt University
Our Commitment
As part of the STARS Network, Vanderbilt University recognizes our responsibility and commitment to rural students, families, and educators. Because of our location in Tennessee, a top five state for percentage of rural high school students, we are uniquely positioned to specifically work with these talented students who live in our own backyard. To elevate and empower rural populations, Vanderbilt will implement a comprehensive, integrated statewide outreach plan including on-the-ground outreach, programming on the Vanderbilt campus, and professional development opportunities for rural educators. We know that students who live in small town and rural areas play a unique role at Vanderbilt as we dare to grow!
Learn more about Vanderbilt University's Rural and Small Town Programming
Learn more about Vanderbilt University's Admissions
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View news coverage on Vanderbilt University's participation in STARS
Vanderbilt University Events
Virtual Event
STARS Virtual Panel: Spring & Summer Programs
January 7th 2025, 7:00 pm CST
Every month, STARS College Network member schools host Zoom webinars featuring a variety of perspectives on the academic programs, philosophies, and traditions that make our colleges great places to live and learn. Join the STARS College Network this month to learn more about upcoming spring and summer programs designed to bring rural and small-town high school students (of all grade levels!) to different college campuses so they can “test drive” the college experience at little or no cost.
Host: The University of Chicago, Washington University in St. Louis, Vanderbilt University, Northwestern University, University of South CarolinaOn-Campus Event
Vanderbilt Summer Academy
March 3rd 2025, 12:00 am CDT
Vanderbilt Summer Academy (VSA) provides the perfect balance of an intensive academic environment combined with a community-driven residential experience.
At VSA you will join peers from around the world and stretch your intellectual boundaries through a wide range of course options. Courses vary each session and are taught by Vanderbilt faculty, Ph.D. students, and content experts.
As a part of Vanderbilt’s commitment to rural and small-town students, select STARS scholarships will be awarded to rising junior or senior students who live or attend school in a rural and small-town area in the United States, and present some level of financial need. The scholarship covers full tuition and travel costs for a student to attend a 1 week or 2 week VSA session offered in summer 2025.
The priority deadline is December 17, 2024. After the priority deadline, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until early March, if space remains available.
Host: Vanderbilt University