A generous $25,000 grant from the Apgar Foundation has enabled Chapman University’s Smith Institute for Political Economy and Philosophy to expand its Summer Scholars program, opening doors for more students to participate in this unique educational opportunity.
The Summer Scholars program allows students to immerse themselves in an intellectually stimulating, five-week experience, embracing the academic ideal of “living the life of the mind.” Students gain firsthand experience as research assistants, collaborating with esteemed faculty mentors from the Smith Institute.
“I am deeply grateful to the Apgar Foundation for their generous support, which has allowed us to broaden the scope of our Summer Scholars program,” said Bart Wilson, Professor and Donald P. Kennedy Chair in Economics and Law and Director of the Smith Institute. “Their commitment has enabled us to include more students and extend opportunities beyond Chapman’s campus.”
During the program, students meet daily as a reading group, engaging in rich discussions on topics encompassing experimental economics, philosophy, and literature.
“We are especially pleased with the Summer Scholars program because of how it integrates humanities and economics,” said Frederic Fransen, Apgar Foundation Advisor. “At its heart, economics is the ‘science of choice,’ and choices are human things, not formulas. By helping the Smith Institute combine seminal readings in Western Civilization with world-class research, they are helping form a new generation of scholars in how to think about economic problems.”
One previous participant of the Summer Scholars program gained greater confidence in reading difficult texts and examining philosophical and economic theories. Another student enjoyed the whole-class discussions that brought forward diverse ideas and viewpoints that allowed for varied learning from different interpretations of the same text.
“The Summer Scholars dynamic environment has been a launchpad for many past participants who have subsequently pursued advanced degrees and academic careers,” Wilson shared.
The Smith Institute at Chapman University was founded to bridge the gap between economics and the humanities, fostering a comprehensive understanding of societal issues. Inspired by Adam Smith’s seminal works The Theory of Moral Sentiments and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, the institute’s mission is to re-unify the study of economics and the humanities. The Institute also embodies the vision of Vernon Smith, the trailblazer of experimental economics, by promoting a discovery-based integration of research and undergraduate education.
The Institute’s faculty come from diverse departments across campus, creating interdisciplinary connections that enhance its educational offerings. This network includes faculty from the Argyros College of Business and Economics, the Economic Science Institute, Schmid College of Science and Technology, and Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
“This past year, we expanded our Summer Scholars program to welcome participants from outside Chapman University. With the Apgar Foundation’s support, we aim to sustain and grow this initiative,” Wilson added.
The Apgar Foundation’s dedication to advancing education is evident in its consistent support to Chapman over the past four years. Their contributions have empowered Chapman’s undergraduate programs across political science, philosophy, economics, literature, business, and the arts.
Applications for the Smith Institute’s Summer Scholars 2025 program are now open, inviting students from diverse backgrounds to apply and be part of this enriching academic journey.
