Studies have consistently shown that participation in co-curricular activities, as well as financial and infrastructural support, improve enrollment, persistence and completion for marginalized students. To this end, the SHESC Summer Scholars program provides students from historically underrepresented backgrounds a hands-on introduction to social science research, exposes them to SHESC-related careers, and a chance to develop mentoring relationships with staff, faculty and graduate students at no cost to them. Moreover, it strives to minimize potential obstacles by providing stipends so that undergraduate students may forgo a summer job and covers transportation and food for local high school students."