Civic Engagement at Scholars
Advocacy Projects
College Park Scholars is an active community of students that are deeply involved in the Cambridge Community and the University at large. Scholars are leaders across campus in many organizations and have played a great part in making the University of Maryland one of the nation's highest ranked institutions. In addition to the University Community, scholars make an impact off campus. College Park Scholars has a deep commitment to civic life reaching beyond campus. Voter Registration Drives, lobbying efforts and legislative action are a few of the civic endeavors that Scholars participates in.
Scholars on the Hill
"Scholars on the Hill" is one of the Civic Engagement opportunities offered within College Park Scholars that allows students to visit nearby Washington, D.C. to get an up-close and personal look at the federal government in action. Scholars on the Hill began as a joint effort between The Office of the President - Federal Relations, the Alumni Association, and College Park Scholars, in the fall of 2003. After the success of the initial event, Scholars received a grant from the Dean of Undergraduate Studies to continue and expand the program to have one trip each semester. Since its inception, Scholars have traveled to Capitol Hill twice and spoken with Maryland Congressman Chris VanHollen and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. In addition, our students also received tours of the Capitol and were able to witness key debates on the House Floor. Scholars have also visited the Federal Department of Commerce and had the rare opportunity to go into the Secretary's office. Most recently, Scholars have visited the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (PTO), visiting with key officers and learning about career tracks and PTO systems and processes. On each trip students have made valuable networking contacts and assisted the University in locating numerous alumni working on the Hill. With each event, "Scholars on the Hill" reaches more students allowing them to experience the federal government and learn that their government is open to them and that their voices can be heard.
Our next "Scholars on the Hill" events will occur in fall 2007, and will take place at the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Department of State, located in Washington, D.C.
Scholars on the Hill -- Capitol Hill
The first Scholars on the Hill trip will be taking place on on Friday October 19, 2007. Busses will depart from the University of Maryland at 9:00 AM and will arrive back from Capitol Hill at 4:00 PM. The lead scholars program will be Advocates for Children; however, the trip is open to all Scholars students. Interested non-Advocates students should contact Greg Stewart at gstewart@umd.edu to confirm participation. The trip will consist of meeting with Senator Hoyer & Senator Mikulski's office staff and taking a tour of the Capitol to various representatives' offices. Students MUST bring with them their student ID and a form of government ID (driver's license or passport). Foreign students are advised to bring their passports along with their student ID in order for speedy security screenings.
Scholars on the Hill -- State Department
The next Scholars on the Hill trip will take place on Friday November 2, 2007. Time of departure (TBA) will not be before noon. Students will be attending an information session at 2 PM at the Department of State. It is imperative that students bring a government ID (e.g. driver's license, passport) along with their student ID. Foreign students are also advised to bring their passports along with their student ID.
For more information, or to register, please contact Greig Stewart, Executive Director of College Park Scholars.
Click here for recaps on past "Scholars on the Hill" events.
Terrapin Pride Day
College Park Scholars takes great pride in supporting the University's Terrapin Pride Day. Many of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni make this annual trip to Annapolis to share this day with our state's elected officials. Terrapin Pride Day allows participants to connect with state legislators to highlight the university's accomplishments and ensure our forward momentum. Help us build support for our flagship institution by rallying in Annapolis and help us Maintain the Momentum!
This event is set for February 14, 2006 and will occur in downtown Annapolis. Transportation is provided for all participants roundtrip from UM. Lunch will be served to all participants before the program begins. To register, please follow this link and be sure to indicate your affiliation with College Park Scholars.
Click here for the University's Terrapin Pride Day site.
Click here for recaps on past Terrapin Pride Day events.
Advocacy Resources and Links
UM Career Center Internship Information
UM/GVPT Internship Program Information
Locate and contact your Congressman
Locate and contact your MD state representatives
