About Us
Lacey Edgerton, Program Director
G02-C Sirrine Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
Phone: 864-656-2314
Email: laceye@clemson.edu
Hi! I am Lacey Edgerton, the Director of the Clemson University Summer Scholars Program. I come from a background in student programming and recruitment at the community college level and I’m excited to join Clemson University and the Summer Scholars Program.
I completed my bachelor’s degree at Wingate University with a concentration in history and criminal justice. I have my master’s degree from Clemson University in the Youth Development Leadership program. I’ve loved being able to connect positive youth development theories and best practices to the camps setting!
When I'm not at camp you can find me trying out a new recipe or cozying up with a good book!
Leslie Heffington, Operations Coordinator
I grew up in Gainesville, Florida and attended The Florida State University. I am currently obtaining my PhD in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management with a focus on youth development. Specifically, my research involves staff training at summer camps. In my spare time, I like to hang out at the lake, hike, watch documentaries, and relax with my cat Sophie!
Our Mission
Provide a safe, fun, supportive environment in which scholars explore new, challenging and educational experiences, learn from positive role models, and build skills for life year after year.
Our Vision
Create a rich, multi-faceted, continually evolving program where scholars learn about themselves, develop vital skills, and realize their intellectual potential and leadership abilities. Academic summer camps are one of many Out-of-School time activities effective for building youth-friendly communities.
Our Goals
Provide safe, engaging, academic and social opportunities for scholars | Increase college awareness and postsecondary education attendance | Attract and hire diverse and multiculturally sensitive staff | Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion | Engage in actively antiracist practices | Honor the power of young people with meaningful participation in decision-making
Statement of Inclusion
Summer Scholars believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people of all abilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others.
We strive to become an increasingly inclusive and welcoming environment for our community, strongly affirming the value of inclusivity in all areas of camp life and culture.
Summer Scholars encourages meaningful participation, and when we stumble, because sometimes we are not sensitive, we are committed to learn, invest, and reflect more deeply into the values we strive to uphold.
As a community, we know that an important aspect of inclusion is continually reflecting and evolving as we go. You are always encouraged to communicate with us if you have concerns.
