Notre Dame Summer Scholars Program

This summer of 2023, the University of Notre Dame will again partner with Our Lady of Grace in Edina, Minnesota in hosting six students from Our Lady of Grace Senior High School (OLAG) in Mamponteng, Ghana, a sister school of OLG. These six students will participate in the Notre Dame Summer Scholars Program and will also experience life at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina. The Notre Dame Summer Scholars Program offers them a college experience by studying one course for college credit. For two intensive weeks, they will live on campus, attend classes, meet other college-aged students and learn about college education in the United States. The goal in this program is to encourage these students to make a difference when they get back to Ghana.

The University of Notre Dame covers the entire cost of the Summer Scholars Program. OLG is helping pay for the rest of this experience and finding three families to host them while here in Minnesota.

Here's how you can support these six students:

  • Donate money – we are looking to raise $24,500 to cover their travel, visas, and experience in the U.S.

  • Host two or three of these students June 5 - 10 and/or June 24 - 28 during their stay in Minnesota

  • Host a Minnesota experience, such as a day at MOA, a Twins game, a local Art Fair or a weekend at a cabin

  • Pray for a successful summer experience for our Ghanaian brothers and sisters.

 

The Experience:

"My voyage to the United States of America all seemed to be a dream come true… I was super excited to be selected to attend the Summer Scholars Program at a very prestigious institution like Notre Dame. I was thrilled to meet new people from all over the world. It broadened my prospects about the world and people. I learned a lot both in class and outside class. Every moment spent there brought both happiness and adventure. This was all made possible by the benevolent and welcoming hearts of every parishioner of Our Lady Of Grace... Not only did you treat us with kindness and hospitality, but you also gave us a family despite the fact we are not related in any way… Indeed every experience in Notre Dame and Minnesota was worth it and for that, I am forever grateful for the experience."

~ Timothy Giles, 2022 Participant and OLAG Graduate

 

“Flying to the United States was not only a dream come true for me but also a great privilege that enabled me [to] explore other opportunities for a brighter future. The experience was memorable… all thanks to the collective roles played by the parish mission and warm parishioners [of Our Lady of Grace]. As a participant of the Summer Scholars Program of the University of Notre Dame, I was able to dip my feet in a bright world of community, academics, service, spirituality, fun, as well as multiculturalism. The entire two weeks on campus, though challenging and engaging, offered a true college experience and wholesome college class sessions by the Notre Dame faculty. I owe heartfelt gratitude to God and the OLG parish for bringing my dream into reality in a beautiful way.”

~ Sincere Lugugia, 2022 Participant and OLAG Graduate