Every summer, you step into a high-pressure, professional environment that challenges you to think critically, solve problems, and lead. Through project-based learning, site visits, and direct access to industry leaders, you’ll build the skills and perspective to thrive in college and graduate ready for high-demand careers. And because your time and talent have value, Scholars also receive a stipend each summer - removing barriers to participation and reinforcing the professional nature of the experience. Whether you pursue energy, finance, healthcare, technology, or another field, Atlas Scholars equips you with the tools to succeed.

Every site visit and speaker makes this experience possible. See more of these experiences in our Stories & Impact.

Experiential Learning

As a Scholar, you’ll take on projects that mirror the professional world - working in teams, tackling complex issues, and presenting solutions under pressure. Projects tie directly to current events - from energy transition and global markets to geopolitics and foreign affairs - so you develop an informed worldview alongside your professional skills. These experiences build the critical thinking, communication, and collaboration employers value most and prepare you for success in college and beyond.

Interest in a career in energy / finance is not required. Scholars have gone on to study everything from computer science to physics, engineering, economics, business, kinesiology, and more. Atlas Scholars prepares you for success in any career.

career exposure

You’ll gain access to professionals and workplaces most high school students never see. Our Guest Speaker Series connects you with leaders across industries, while our Site Visits immerse you in trading floors, boardrooms, power plants, city government, and cutting-edge startups.

Past speakers and site visits have included leaders from Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Bank of America, Vitol, Evercore, NRG, Frost Bank, Trafigura, ERCOT, General Atlantic, and The City of Houston.

Each interaction broadens your worldview, fuels your ambition, and shows you what’s possible for your future.

Professional development begins in the Summer Institute and is fostered throughout the year. Atlas Scholars gives you the guidance and practice to become not only a strong student, but a capable leader. Through one-on-one mentorship and progressive leadership opportunities, you gain the confidence and skills to succeed in college and step into competitive careers. And with 80% of jobs found through networking, you’ll also graduate equipped with a growing community of peers, alumni, and professionals who open doors to future opportunities.

Behind every Scholar is a mentor who makes a difference. If you’re interested in guiding a Scholar, contact us here. 

Mentorship

Every Scholar has a mentor and those relationships evolve as you grow. Early on, you’re paired with near-peer college students who understand the transition and can help you find your footing. As you advance, mentors include experienced partners who guide you through the college process, and professionals who advise you as you prepare for internships and careers.

Beyond those one-on-one matches, the broader Atlas Scholars network means you’re never alone - alumni, peers, and partners continue to support you as you move through college and into the professional world. These layered relationships give you the kind of community that not only helps you succeed in the program but helps you land the opportunities that come after.

Leadership Development

In a classroom, leadership can be abstract—something you read about or discuss. At Atlas Scholars, leadership is practiced. From your first summer, you’re setting goals, presenting in front of peers, and working in teams where your performance matters. As you advance, you take on greater responsibility: leading projects, managing departments, and mentoring younger Scholars.

At the same time, we’re addressing what employers say is missing in young professionals: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and initiative. These experiences give you the confidence to walk into college and professional environments ready to contribute, influence, and lead.

Atlas Scholars doesn’t stop at acceptance, we stay with you through college and into your first career. With 100% of Scholars accepted, matriculated, and to date graduated from college, we’ve built a proven track record of turning ambition into achievement. And through our new College Alumni Success Program (CASP), we’re expanding that impact by ensuring every Scholar not only enters college but finishes ready to launch a successful career.

Together, we prepare the next generation of leaders for college and career success. Discover alumni stories in our Stories & Impact.

college preparation

From your very first year, Atlas Scholars begins preparing you for the college journey. You’ll visit universities across Texas, giving you firsthand exposure to campus life, academic expectations, and the confidence that you belong.

Test prep is central: Scholars receive individualized ACT and SAT tutoring, with regular check-ins to ensure steady progress. As you advance, mentors and staff support you through essay writing, school selection, and identifying the best academic and financial fit. By your third year, you have a complete application strategy and the backing of a network that knows what it takes to succeed.

The results are proven: 100% of Atlas Scholars are accepted into college, including top universities such as Harvard, Yale, MIT, Princeton, Rice, UT Austin, Texas A&M, and many more.

Alumni Success

Through the College Alumni Success Program, Scholars stay connected with monthly virtual sessions, in-person intensives on financial literacy and networking, and flexible support funds to cover unexpected needs like plane tickets or interview attire. These resources keep Scholars on track to accomplish their goals and ensure every Scholar finishes college ready to launch a career.

And because we know cost can derail even the strongest student, Atlas Scholars awards performance-based scholarships that remove barriers and reward growth. To date, more than $850,000 in scholarships have supported our Scholars on the path to and through college.

The results speak for themselves: 100% of Atlas Scholars to date have not only enrolled but graduated from college. From there, alumni step into competitive industries ranging from energy and finance to technology and healthcare. Many return as mentors, speakers, and champions for the next generation - building a powerful alumni network that opens doors long after high school.

ready to take the next step?