Additional Awards for Sondheim Scholars

All Sondheim Scholars receive scholarships for 4 years of undergraduate study at UMBC. In addition, Sondheim Scholars can apply for awards to pursue experiential learning and professional development opportunities. These awards are designed to be flexible and support Sondheim Scholars as they explore a wide variety of academic and career pathways.

Madeline Dement ’20, global studies & political science, received a Sondheim Experiential Learning Award to use toward her semester abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Here she is pictured hiking to the base camp of Aconcagua, the tallest mountain outside of Asia.

The Sondheim Experiential Learning Award

Each Sondheim Scholar may apply for a Sondheim Experiential Learning Award of up to $5,000 to be used towards pursuing experiential learning opportunities. Sondheim Scholars can use the Experiential Learning Award to pursue:

  • An unpaid internship
  • Full-time summer service-learning
  • A summer research experience
  • Summer or semester study abroad

Sondheim Scholars who have received Experiential Learning Awards have:

  • interned with government agencies and non-profit organizations, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC)
  • studied abroad in Ghana, Colombia, Argentina and France
  • served with non-profit organizations such as the Maryland Food Bank
  • Conducted research about refugees & faith; mental health & addiction; and computer science & higher education

 

 

The Academic Enrichment and Professional Development Award 

Katie Poteet ’21, political science and global studies, used a Sondheim Experiential Learning Award to participate in an unpaid internship with the Enabling Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC) in Washington, D.C. Here, she is pictured second from left with other EPIC interns.

Each Sondheim Scholar may apply for an Academic Enrichment and Professional Development Award of up to $500 to be used toward participating in co-curricular and educational opportunities that advance the mission and vision of the Sondheim Public Affairs Program.

Sondheim Scholars may use this award to:

  • Attend an academic or professional conference
  • Enroll in a summer or winter training institute (non-credit bearing)
  • Participate in a UMBC-sponsored service immersion trip
  • Represent UMBC at a co-curricular competition, such as Mock Trial, Moot Court, or Model United Nations

 

 

Dominique Henriques Melo ’22, biology and psychology, used a Sondheim Experiential Learning Award for summer study abroad in Barranquilla, Colombia. Here, Dominique (on the right) is pictured with fellow Sondheim Scholars Sonia Anger (left) and Maheen Haq (center).

 

Dominique Melo at a birthday party with her host family.
Dominique Henriques Melo ’22, biology and psychology, with her host family in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Evan Avila ’20, political science and economics, used a Sondheim Experiential Learning Award to intern with the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). Here, he is pictured with Senator Patty Murray (D – WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenn Little ’21, political science and global studies, used a Sondheim Experiential Learning Award to fund a communications internship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Here, Jenn is pictured on a staff trip, kayaking through the “Ghost Fleet” in Mallows Bay- Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. (link to Mallows Bay site: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/mallows-potomac/)