Civic Engagement at Scholars
Advocacy Project Recaps
Scholars on the Hill | October 7, 2005
On October 7, 2005, "Scholars on the Hill" visited the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, Virginia. The staff at the USPTO had many interesting activities planned for our students, and were very enthusiastic about our being there. The participants were able to get a lot out of the trip. We were able to talk first-hand with many of the USPTO employees, including the Commissioner for Patents, a Supervisory Patent Examiner, and a Senior Staff Attorney. Each presenter shared information with the participants on how they made it to their positions, and what students needed to do to pursue similar careers. Talking with these employees was extremely beneficial to the students who could ask questions and gain perspective into some very interesting jobs. We were also able to visit many different areas of the USPTO including the Patent Search Facility, a Universal Public Workstation, the Scientific and Technical Information Center, and the USPTO museum. We even had the opportunity to talk with University of Maryland alumni who now work at the USPTO, including a young alumni of College Park Scholars. The experience was very beneficial and enjoyable for all who attended!
Scholars on the Hill | April 21, 2005
On Thursday April 21, 2005, College Park Scholars returned to Capitol Hill for the third Scholars on the Hill event. Each semester Scholars collaborates with the Office of the President to travel to Washington D.C. to witness and explore aspects of our federal government which, in the past, have included federal agencies and Congress. This semester twenty Scholars had the opportunity to help the Maryland Alumni Association and Office of the President Federal Relations in their ongoing project to canvass Congressional offices for Maryland alumni working on the Hill. In addition students received a tour of the Capitol from members of Congressman Steny Hoyer's staff and bumped into Congressman Elijah Cummings of Baltimore. The highlight of the event was the chance to speak with Congressman and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer who spoke to students about his experiences in public service, his role as a Congressman as well as his role in party leadership. In addition, he stressed the importance of being involved in politics and being active in the local community. Before leaving participants had the rare opportunity to witness a floor session of the House of Delegates from the gallery debating the Energy Bill. Students returned to campus with a renewed dedication to civic engagement and deeper understanding of public service.
Terrapin Pride Day | February 10, 2004
For another year, College Park Scholars joined the University of Maryland community to show support for higher education for the Eighth Annual Terrapin Pride Day. On February 10, 2004, Maryland students, faculty, staff and alumni traveled to Annapolis and met with state legislators to lobby in support of the continued affordability and quality of public higher education. The day featured several speakers, including Head Football Coach Ralph Friedgen, University President Dr. Dan Mote, and Maryland Speaker of the House Michael Busch. Scholars students carried the day, making up almost half of all in attendance. Participants were then able to visit their legislators' offices to voice concerns, taking an active role in the democratic process.
Scholars on the Hill | October 17, 2003
On October 17, 2003 close to 50 Scholars and 5 Civicus students arrived on Capitol Hill to reconnect with Maryland Alumni that work on the Hill. Students administered surveys and found approximately 100 Alumni. In addition to locating alumni, students toured the Capitol and were able to witness the vote on the House Resolution to recommit support to Iraq and Afghanistan. After the tour, former Public Leadership Scholar Erica Rossi, now of Steny Hoyer's Office shared thoughts on her undergraduate and professional career. Congressman Chris Van Hollen of Maryland's District XIII also spoke about the importance of civic engagement. The day was a success and all participants left with a renewed commitment to involvement in the legislative process.
Terrapin Pride Day | March 4, 2003
Threats of budget cuts and tuition increases were made a reality throughout the 2002-2003 academic year. The state legislature was faced with its most drastic budget crisis to date and it was paramount that the University of Maryland show their pride to fight increased cuts that would affect the quality higher education in College Park. College Park Scholars rose to the occasion with close to 200 students attending the seventh annual Terrapin Pride Day. Members of the University community including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends traveled to Annapolis to show their Terrapin Pride. Students in attendance had a chance to connect with their legislators and be active participants in the democratic process.
Student Reflection on "Scholars on the Hill"
Though I had been interested in politics since my first days at the University of Maryland, the Scholars on the Hill program was my first opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and interact with Congress members and their staff. We met with Congressman Chris Van Hollen and his Chief of Staff, Kay Casstevens.
Following the program, I applied for, and received an internship in Congressman Van Hollen's office. I currently am serving in my second Congressional internship, this time with the Senate Judiciary Committee.
These internships have been invaluable to me and have been essential to my education. Scholars on the Hill gave me my first opportunity to observe the legislative process first-hand and provided me with the information necessary to seek a Congressional internship.
Dave Ginensky,
Media, Self & Society Citation Scholar
