computer science scholar success Program
St. Thomas Aquinas College is proud to announce the Motorola Solutions Foundation Computer Science Scholar Success Program will continue for the 2025-2026 academic year. This program is for Computer Science majors at St. Thomas Aquinas College built around a cohort model.
Program Benefits
The Motorola Solutions Foundation Computer Science Scholar Success Program combines a community of peer support with academic enrichment, mentorship, and financial assistance. Acceptance into the program provides:
- Monthly Journal Club – Every month, participants will have a private cohort event with refreshments, that will feature a discussion facilitated by faculty and/or alumni, of a thought-provoking issue related to computer science.
- Professional Mentorship – We will pair every participant with a professional mentor from the field of computer science. Mentors will share their own educational/career path, provide encouragement and advice, and answer questions that the participants may have. Mentors will meet (virtually or in-person) at least once per semester, may meet more often, and will communicate via email.
- Success Event – In the Fall of 2025, St. Thomas Aquinas will host an evening Motorola Solutions Foundation CS Scholar Success Event featuring an exciting motivational speaker from a high-profile firm or a prestigious academic institution who will address increasing diversity in STEM, among other topics.
- XLab Research Team – Participants will take part in XLab, a project-based course that uses a multidisciplinary approach to develop a solution to educate or raise awareness about an identified challenge. Past projects have included creating virtual reality educational environments focused on understanding the effects of climate change, the historical and psychological effects of WWII, and mitigating microaggressions.
- Financial Assistance – For the 2025-2026 academic year, all participants will be given a scholarship and/or financial aid commensurate with their demonstrated need, in order to relieve the financial burden of attaining their degree, and may be eligible for a housing stipend (up to $1,500) to subsidize their ability to live on campus. In addition, all students will be reimbursed (up to $500 per student) for hardware or software purchased to enhance their participation in the program, i.e. laptop, design software, VR equipment, etc.
In today’s world, computer science is not only a dynamic and innovative field but also a place where individuals with diverse backgrounds can make a unique and significant impact. At St. Thomas Aquinas College, we understand that diversity is a driving force behind progress, and we are committed to providing an inclusive and empowering environment for all who aspire to excel in computer science.
Interested in joining the program?
In order to be considered for the Motorola Solutions Foundation CS Scholar Success Program, you must first apply and be accepted to St. Thomas Aquinas College. If you’ve already applied and been accepted to the College, please complete this interest form and we will reach out to you.
If you are a high school student who has not yet applied, we strongly encourage you to apply to St. Thomas Aquinas College. Once accepted, you will be invited to apply to the Program.
Have Questions? Contact:
Dr. Robert Vermilyer
Director of Motorola Solutions Foundation CS Scholars Success Program
Professor of Computer Science
rvermily@stac.edu