Tuesday, November 24, 2009
About Us >> The Program >> How it Works
Annually, nine participating high schools in Baltimore City and eight schools in Prince George's County each nominate senior students to compete for an Incentive Award. One student from each high school is selected as an Incentive Award Scholar to enroll at the University of Maryland, in the academic area of his or her choice, with all tuition and living expenses paid up to one's financial need.
The selected students benefit from a supportive program of advisors, faculty/staff mentors and special programming while at Maryland. In return, they will give back to their high schools and neighborhoods through peer advising, high school visits, and other outreach programs, with the intention of inspiring young people to similar academic achievement.
Outreach is a major goal of the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program. By offering one scholarship per year at each participating high school, it is designed to have an impact on a wide range of students. As the program grows, it is expected that the cohort of scholars and alumni of the program will become a critical force in shaping the expectations of students from their home neighborhoods - not just in competition for this Incentive Award, but in raising the sights of young people and their families toward a college education.
The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program is supported by contributions from corporate, foundation and individual donors.
The selected students benefit from a supportive program of advisors, faculty/staff mentors and special programming while at Maryland. In return, they will give back to their high schools and neighborhoods through peer advising, high school visits, and other outreach programs, with the intention of inspiring young people to similar academic achievement.
Outreach is a major goal of the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program. By offering one scholarship per year at each participating high school, it is designed to have an impact on a wide range of students. As the program grows, it is expected that the cohort of scholars and alumni of the program will become a critical force in shaping the expectations of students from their home neighborhoods - not just in competition for this Incentive Award, but in raising the sights of young people and their families toward a college education.
The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program is supported by contributions from corporate, foundation and individual donors.
The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program Offers:
- The cost of tuition, fees, room and board at the University of Maryland, College Park, for four years (or eight semesters), not to exceed financial need.
The award can also be applied to the university's Study Abroad programs. To view more information about studying abroad, please visit the University of Maryland International Programs website at www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad.
- Academic support, counseling and faculty/staff mentorship, as well as dedicated Incentive Awards staff available for advice and referrals on a drop-in basis. Advisors in the offices of Financial Aid, Resident Life, the Counseling Center and the Career Center, familiar with the goals of the Incentive Awards Program, will also be involved in ensuring the progress of program participants.
- A special two-day orientation to the university and the program.
- Freshmen transition and support group.
- Special learning opportunities through workshops on topics like undergraduate research and career choices.
- Leadership standing in the academic community as recipients of a highly competitive award, and leadership opportunities through the program's outreach activities.
- The benefit of networking with important community, business and educational leaders through luncheons, educational programming and an annual spring reception recognizing students and donors.
Incentive Award Scholars are Expected to:
- Participate in a summer transitional program prior to the start of the freshman year.
- Make satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the program's academic requirements.
- Serve as role models for students in their high schools and home communities and participate in a regular program of outreach activities and high school visits.
- Attend group meetings throughout the academic year.
- Complete at least one service project benefiting communities in the Baltimore/Washington corridor.
- Be active in the Incentive Awards Scholars community at the university, participating in the workshops and events related to the program, and serving as a mentor for new scholars as the program grows.
- Communicate regularly with assigned faculty or staff mentors.
- Demonstrate strong character and exceptional behavior that accurately represents the program and the university.
- Maintain communication with donors and high school principals and counselors.
- Enroll in a one-credit intergroup dialogue.
- Get involved on campus.
Go to next: Nomination & Selection Process