Tuesday, November 24, 2009

 

Outreach

 

As part of our commitment to Baltimore City and Prince George's County high school students who are striving to succeed, participation in the Incentive Awards Program requires that students visit their former high school at least once a semester. Together with Incentive Awards staff, they will coordinate visits to develop outreach activities specific to their school's needs. Incentive Award Scholars should meet with high school students in a variety of settings, such as classes and/or school assemblies, college information sessions and club meetings. It is important that they meet with students at every grade level so they can motivate and inspire students of all ages to greater academic achievement. Their outreach efforts will likely have a powerful and beneficial impact on student morale and instill a sense of optimism in their peers. By reaching out to younger students they have the opportunity to be a formidable influence at a critical time in their lives.

 

While we encourage Incentive Awards Scholars to talk about the benefits of the Incentive Awards Program, we ask that they do more than promote this program. We want them to stress the importance of a high school education and the value of early academic preparation. Their accomplishments make them a positive role model for others and, as such, they perform a valuable service by helping to inspire and motivate younger students.

 

The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program values a spirit of reciprocity. Scholars embrace this spirit by maintaining strong ties to their home and school communities. Thus, each student is expected to complete at least one community service project per year within the Baltimore/Washington corridor. Not only is this an opportunity to be actively involved in society, it empowers students to assume leadership roles and develops their ability to identify and address the needs of their community. Students' participation is greatly appreciated, as it will make a difference in the lives of those around us!