BJK Scholars Program

Overview

The Brother James M. Kelly, C.F.X. Scholars program was created in honor of The Mount's president from 2001–2011. Brother James stressed the importance of education to all students enrolled at The Mount, and he pushed the students he taught to strive for excellence in their studies. The Kelly Scholars program has evolved into a highly competitive, integrated program of study designed for the ambitious student who seeks to move more quickly into upper level honors and Advanced Placement coursework.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants for this space-limited program score very highly on the High School Placement Test and have exceptional academic records throughout middle school. Note: Rising sophomores can be invited into a Kelly Scholar cohort based on academic achievement during the freshman year.

Curriculum

The Kelly Scholars Program offers a challenging and flexible curriculum with over 65 Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and Honors level courses to choose from. Selected students can pursue academic schedules tailored to their unique interests and talents, ranging from STEM disciplines to the arts & humanities, or from business & economics to civics.

Extracurricular Engagement

In addition to being challenged in the classroom, all Kelly Scholars participate in a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including guest lecturer symposia, summer internships or career shadow days, and field trips to cultural events, academic seminars, and other points of interest.

Additional Requirements & Offerings

List of 5 items.

Internships & Career Exploration
Kelly Scholars are encouraged to apply for internships that take place during the summer prior to their senior year. Faculty advisors mentor Kelly Scholars through the application process and connect them with alumni and parents who work in their fields of interest.

Examples of previous internship placements:
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory ASPIRE – STEM High School Mentoring Program
- Plano Coudon Construction (Civil Engineering & Construction)
- Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital
- NASA OSTEM Internship
- CrossFit (Business Management)
- Howard EcoWorks
Those Kelly Scholars who do not commit to a longer-term internship are required to participate in two or more job-shadowing "Insight Days," which provide authentic experiences that allow students to learn firsthand about a career or research discipline.

Examples of Insight Day placements:
- T. Rowe Price
- Oella Physical Therapy
- Gerstel Lab
- Oxenham FInancial
- Johns Hopkins Hospital
- TCA Architects
Field Trips

Tangible, shared field experiences enable students to expand their horizons and connect classroom learning with the real world.
Guest Lectures

Experts share unique, personal insights and detailed perspectives about their fields, inspiring Kelly Scholars to consider their own future plans and career aspirations.
Mentoring by Faculty Advisors
Kelly Scholars meet as a group and individually with program mentors to receive guidance and support in various programs, including:
- PSAT/NMSQT exam practice & prep junior year, including personalize review of a full-length practice exam
- Facilitation of internship placement in the summer after junior year, including assistance with the application process for competitive programs
Leadership
Kelly Scholars are expected to embrace the call to leadership while at Mount Saint Joseph, and the program helps them develop interpersonal skills that can be put into action immediately as well as be applied to future endeavors. Opportunities include:
- Kelly Scholars "Skills for Success" seminars during freshman & sophomore years. Topics include emotional intelligence and empathy inventories, or coaching for future interview preparation and performance
- Direct enrollment (waived fee) in the three-day Xaverian Leadership Institute summer program

For more information on the Brother James M. Kelly, C.F.X. Scholars program, please contact Mr. Marc Hoffman at mhoffman@msjnet.edu or call 410-644-3300.