Six students from Austin Community College’s Honors Program have been selected for the 2026 Summer Scholars Program at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York. Emily Carbajal, Amelie MacLay, Sydney Deramus, Dean Legend, Jules Ramirez, and Raniyah McIntyre are among just 24 students selected nationwide.
The Chautauqua Institution is a nonprofit community dedicated to exploring the best in humanity through conversations around art, education, culture, and civic engagement. Each summer, thousands gather for lectures, performances, and interdisciplinary learning experiences.
This July, the ACC students will participate in the Summer Scholars at Chautauqua Program, an all-expenses-paid, week-long program featuring academic enrichment, cultural experiences, and opportunities to connect with thought leaders and peers from across the country. They represent the largest group of Honors Riverbats chosen for the program to date.
Learn more about these outstanding Riverbats and what this opportunity means to them:
Emily Carbajal:
Emily, an Austin native studying business administration, plans to transfer and pursue accounting. She is excited to learn from diverse perspectives and continue growing both academically and personally.
“I believe there’s real beauty in failure—as long as you get back up, you can grow into something stronger.”
Amelie Maclay:
Amelie, a social work student born and raised in Austin, recently joined the Honors Program. She looks forward to meeting new people and hearing new perspectives.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity to explore different areas and ideas of advocacy and social change with my peers in such a beautiful setting.”
Sydney Deramus:
Originally from Houston, Sydney is studying biology with plans to pursue medicine. Her work with SAFE Austin has shaped her passion for trauma-informed care and creating safe, inclusive spaces.
“I value meaningful conversations and look forward to connecting with others who are committed to creating change.”
Dean Legend:
A second-year mechanical engineering student, Dean is passionate about space exploration and community impact.
“I am especially excited to explore perspectives outside of engineering and learn how the arts can influence civic engagement and community resilience.
Raniyah McIntyre:
Raniyah is finishing her second year studying psychology, with plans to earn a Ph.D and become a clinical psychologist and work in research.
“There is so much knowledge in the world, and as a “baby adult,” there is so much more I want to know. I’m looking forward to learning about myself, my future career, and the world around me while I embark on this amazing opportunity.”
To learn more about the ACC Honors Program and how to get involved, visitaustincc.edu/honors.