Welcome to Scholars
A nationally acclaimed living–learning program
The attention of a small college, the opportunities of a cutting-edge research university.
Here's what to do next
1. If you were unable to join us for an Admitted Student Open House or an In-Person Info Session, register to attend UMD's Next Stop Maryland! The next one is Friday, April 26.
2. Did you miss our online info session? Don't worry! You can view the replay on the Scholars YouTube channel.
3. Dig deeper into all things Scholars! Read up on our 13 unique programs and check out the 'About' and other pages on our website.
Programs that enhance your studies
Each College Park Scholars program covers a thematic area that allows students to connect their major and other interests and gain new perspectives
Learn About Our Programs28th Annual Academic Showcase
We look forward to seeing our Scholars, mentors, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests on May 3, 2024!
View the map of 2024 Academic ShowcaseThis program sends me forward equipped with knowledge, skills, a network and the courage I need to continue my growth.
Important Upcoming Dates
Scholars Info Session Webinar replay from February 1, 2024
Scholars In-Person Info Session #5 - April 26, 2024 (session is full)
Scholars Academic Showcase - May 3, 2024
Scholars Field Day (formerly Kickball) - May 4, 2024
Latest News
Two Scholars Programs Receive New Do Good Campus Fund Awards
Dozens of projects were recently awarded $460,000 from the University of Maryland’s new Do Good Campus Fund. The Fund is part of a suite of new campuswide investments to expand the university's leadership and impact to advance the public good. These investments also include the Do Good Campus Strategic Leadership Council, composed of senior administrators from colleges, schools, and units across campus to celebrate the social impact already being made by faculty and staff across campus.This year's 27 grantees include faculty, staff, and student groups and two recipients are Scholars programs. Congratulations to Justice and Legal Thought and Media, Self and Society!
PL Alum Receives Student Award from BSU-UMD Social Justice Alliance
The Bowie State University and University of Maryland Social Justice Alliance (SJA) recently hosted its sixth annual Symposium at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center on the College Park campus.The Bowie State University and University of Maryland Social Justice Alliance is dedicated to eradicating the ideology of intolerance, while confronting individuals and combatting systems that normalize indifference, justify injustice, perpetuate hate and inflict violence. The SJA is committed to social justice change through advocacy and action that impacts local, state, national, and global challenges.
First at Creating a Healthier Global Community
It can be as simple as a high-five from a kid while prepping an anti-bullying workshop in Prince George’s County. Or seeing a family equipped with tools like mosquito nets to reduce their malaria risk in Sierra Leone.“Every time I travel with our students, I’m so impressed with the work they put in,” said Clinical Professor of family science Elisabeth Maring and director of the Global Public Health Scholars program. She has advised the group since its inception and led its first trip to Peru in partnership with EWB, where the engineers built a water chlorination system while the public health students surveyed the local community on health needs.
Three Scholars Advance to Do Good Challenge Finals
The Do Good Institute recently announced the selection of the 2024 Do Good Challenge finalists. The teams were selected from groups and organizations across campus that are tackling issues ranging from providing health education to reducing health disparities around the world to educating low-income youth on how to become entrepreneurs. On April 30, the finalists will share more about their work and impact with an audience of hundreds and a panel of expert judges at the Clarice to compete for a share of more than $20,000.Three of the six finalists are College Park Scholars. Congratulations to Sara Blau (International Studies), Elias Laskey (Global Public Health), and Takiyah Roberts (Science, Technology and Society)!
PL Alum Reflects on Making the Most of Her Smith School Experience - Miriam Oke ’24
When she walks across the Commencement stage to collect her diploma, Miriam Oke ’24 can undoubtedly say she left her mark on the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.Oke, a Public Leadership Scholars alum and finance major with a minor in nonprofit leadership and social innovation at the Smith School, knew even before she took her first steps on campus as a student that she wanted a college experience predicated on forging connections and building communities. During the next four years, she did that and more.
Five Scholars Named 2024 Do Good Challenge Semi-Finalists
The Do Good Institute recently announced the selection of the 2024 Do Good Challenge semi-finalists. These student-led teams will compete for the opportunity to advance to the Do Good Challenge Finals on April 30 where they will present in front of a panel of expert judges and an audience of hundreds and vie for a share of more than $20,000 in prizes.Five of the 14 semifinalists are College Park Scholars. Congratulations to Ethan Adler (MSS), Sara Blau (IS), Mohammed Ndiaye (GPH), Srivishnu Piratla (IS), and Takiyah Roberts (STS).