Your Life as a Highlander Scholar

Community, Growth, and Opportunity

The Highlander Scholars Program (HSP) at Gordon State College offers more than an academic pathway—it’s a transformative experience built around community, collaboration, and preparation for success at Georgia Tech and beyond.

A Living-Learning Community Built for Success

As a Highlander Scholar, you’ll live and learn in a dedicated section of a campus residence hall, surrounded by peers who share your goals and ambitions.

Residential Experience Highlights:

  • Small Cohort, Strong Connections: Each cohort includes just 14 Scholars, creating a tight-knit, supportive group that quickly becomes like family.

  • Shared Living Space: Scholars live together in the same area of the residence hall, promoting collaboration, accountability, and friendship.

  • On-Site Tutoring: Professional and peer tutors are available within the residence hall, making academic support convenient and accessible.

💡 Living and learning together builds confidence, belonging, and lifelong professional relationships.

Engaged Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Highlander Scholar experience extends far beyond lectures and labs. Scholars participate in hands-on learning and professional development that connect academic studies with real-world engineering opportunities.

As part of HSP programming, students will:

  • Visit educational and industry sites, including the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia.

  • Tour manufacturing plants, engineering firms, and Georgia Tech’s campus.

  • Participate in social and academic activities designed to build teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

🌍 Through exploration and exposure, Scholars see how engineering impacts communities and industries across Georgia.

Active Engagement in Campus Life

Highlander Scholars are active members of GSC’s on-campus community, engaging in events that promote academic, professional, and personal growth.

Participation includes:

  • GSC Career Fair and Graduate Expo

  • Major Fest

  • Engineering Club projects and activities

  • Speaker series and workshops focused on academic success, leadership, and professional development

🎓 These experiences help Scholars expand their networks, discover opportunities, and prepare for future careers in engineering.

Leadership Through Service: Second-Year Tutoring

In their second year, Highlander Scholars grow as leaders by giving back to the Gordon State College community. Each second-year Scholar is required to tutor for five hours per week in the Student Success Center, helping peers strengthen their understanding in math, science, or other academic subjects.

This tutoring commitment gives Scholars the opportunity to:

  • Reinforce their own academic mastery through teaching others

  • Build leadership, communication, and service experience

  • Add a valuable credential to their résumé, strengthening transfer and career prospects

🤝 Tutoring transforms second-year Scholars into mentors and role models while preparing them for success beyond Gordon State College.

A Transformative Experience

Being a Highlander Scholar means joining a small, supportive community dedicated to growth and excellence. Scholars gain:

  • A sense of belonging in a 14-student cohort that learns and grows together

  • Real-world exposure through field experiences and professional events

  • Leadership and service opportunities through on-campus involvement and tutoring

  • Preparation for preferred admission to Georgia Tech

🚀 From residence hall to research, from classroom to community, Highlander Scholars build the skills, confidence, and character needed to excel in engineering and beyond.