Program Components

The Maryland Promise Scholarship Program emphasizes four important components to help cultivate the next generation of leaders and community change agents:

Academic Excellence
Professional Development
Leadership Development
Community Engagement

Maryland Promise Scholars participate in annual events, monthly community meetings, workshops, specialized leadership programming in partnership with the Maryland LEAD program, community service, supplemental advising sessions. In addition, Scholars will build their network by engaging regularly with both University and program leaders, as well as representatives from the Clark Foundation.

Focus Areas

Year 1

Scholars enter the university with their own passions, stories, and experiences that make them unique. During their first semester, Scholars will participate in regular community meetings where they will have the opportunity to reflect on their past while also looking towards the future. Scholars will participate in goal setting activities, learn how to cultivate their own personal brand, and journey to become more confident in sharing their own story.

Year 1

During their second semester, Scholars will have the opportunity to explore the various levels of community engagement: cohort level, institution level, and the local community. Scholars will participate in several community meetings and events designed to teach them how to leverage the support that these various levels of community provide, while also building their networking skills. This semester will end with a program-wide service project, where Scholars work together to give back to the local community in College Park and surrounding areas.

Year 2

Scholars will begin a two-year leadership development curriculum designed to equip them to be socially responsible leaders. Scholars will begin by exploring individual standards of leadership, focusing on ethics and values, self-awareness, and commitment. After participating in the Winter Leadership Conclave, Scholars will end the year by discussing group values of leadership, collaboration, and navigating team dynamics.

Years 3 & 4

Scholars will continue the leadership development curriculum by learning about community values of leadership, and the importance of an engaged citizenry. During this year, they will participate in the advanced track at the Winter Leadership Conclave where they gain a deeper knowledge of leadership topics. Additionally, Scholars will participate in career readiness sessions and post-baccalaureate preparation and support sessions. Scholars will also have the opportunity to mentor latter cohorts within the program.

Specialized Summer and Winter Programming

Summer Catalyst: Prior to the start of their first semester Maryland Promise Scholars participate in a summer enrichment experience that introduces them to the Maryland Promise Scholarship Program, builds community, and helps them successfully transition to the University.
Winter Conclave: Each winter all Maryland Promise Scholars participate in a leadership retreat that introduces them to the values of leadership, as a group and personally.

Programming at a Glance

Events: Summer Catalyst, Fall Welcome, Meet & Greet with UMD President, Clark Day, Community Service Day, Scholarship Dinner
Meetings: Monthly Community Meetings, Supplemental Advising