Affiliates

Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program Affiliates

In honoring UMBC’s commitment to inclusive excellence, the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program has created an Affiliates Program to support more undergraduate students in pursuing their public service goals. The Affiliates Program creates an opportunity for UMBC students who did not apply for or were not selected for the Sondheim Program as prospective freshmen, but whose qualities and goals align with the Sondheim Program.

Eligibility

  • Applicants may be:
    • Freshmen
    • Sophomores
    • Juniors
    • Transfer students with at least two years remaining at UMBC
  • Seniors, graduate students, and current Sondheim Scholars are not eligible to apply
  • Applicants must have a 3.0+ GPA.

Application and Selection Process

Deadline: July 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET

The application process will include completing an online application form, and submitting a resume and unofficial transcript by email to sondheimscholars@umbc.edu.

Only complete applications that are submitted by July 15 at 11:59 p.m. will be reviewed and considered for the Affiliates Program. 

A complete application includes

  1. The online application form
  2. Submission of a resume and unofficial transcript to sondheimscholars@umbc.edu

The application should demonstrate that the student has goals that are aligned with the mission of the Sondheim Scholars Program, and is working toward those goals through involvement in public service and/or leadership activities such as community engaged learning (CEL) or independent volunteer work, social activism or issue advocacy, activities related to government, politics, or public policy, and/or participation in campus student organizations or initiatives.

Sondheim Program staff will review applications after July 15. Sondheim Program staff may ask students to participate in a short interview and/or contact the references listed on the application. All applicants will be informed of their status before the fall semester begins.

New Affiliates will sign an agreement stating that they will represent UMBC and the Sondheim Scholars Program in an appropriate and professional manner, and attend a brief orientation to the program at the beginning of the academic year.

The Sondheim Scholars Program will accept a maximum of 10 new Affiliates for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Benefits for Sondheim Affiliates

  • Sondheim Affiliates will have the option to participate in the following:
    • 1:1 advising with the Program Director or Associate Director
    • All Sondheim activities and events throughout the year (except the Sondheim Retreat and Scholar Selection Day)
    • Peer mentoring (depending on availability of older Sondheim Scholars)
    • Sondheim Steering Committee (a new Affiliate role may be created with SSC input and approval)
  • All Sondheim Affiliates will receive the weekly emails sent by program staff, which include public service-oriented events/activities, internships, and opportunities.
  • After one year of being active and in good standing as a Sondheim Affiliate, a student may apply for:
    • the Sondheim Academic Enrichment & Professional Development (AEPD) Award of up to $550 to attend a conference, professional development opportunity, or other approved activity
    • and the Sondheim Experiential Learning Award (ELA) of up to $5,500 to fund an unpaid internship, study abroad experience, or research.

Affiliates will follow the same process as Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars to apply for these awards. Affiliates who show a commitment to the Sondheim Scholars Program and are actively involved will be more likely to receive these awards.

  • Sondheim Affiliates will not be eligible for:
    • Annual merit scholarships
    • Sondheim Scholars first year classes (ENGL 100P/281 and PUB 150H)
    • Participation in the Sondheim Retreat or Scholar Selection Day
    • The Sondheim scholarship for PUB 300 study abroad course in South Africa (however, eligible Affiliates may apply for the Sondheim Experiential Learning Award to use toward PUB 300)

Maintaining active status in the program

To remain a Sondheim Affiliate, a student is required to:

  • attend at least one Sondheim event/activity per academic year
  • maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
  • complete the Sondheim Affiliate Renewal Form annually by July 15

Questions? Email sondheimscholars@umbc.edu

This program is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy.