Sondheim Public Affairs Scholarship
The Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program provides generous four-year awards often covering the greater part of the cost of attendance at UMBC. Students selected for the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program receive scholarships for 4 years of undergraduate academic study. In-state students receive scholarships of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 per year. Out-of-state students receive scholarships of $10,000, $15,000 or $22,000 per year.
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.
Sondheim Experiential Learning Award
Each Sondheim Scholar may apply for a Sondheim Experiential Learning Award of up to $5,500 to be used towards pursuing experiential learning opportunities. Sondheim Scholars can use the Experiential Learning Award to pursue:
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- An unpaid internship
- Full-time summer service-learning
- A summer research experience
- Summer or semester study abroad
Evan Avila (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.
Sondheim Scholars who have received Experiential Learning Awards have:
- interned with government agencies and non-profit organizations, such as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights
- 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
- joined a UChicago Data and Policy Summer Scholars program
- participated in the Johns Hopkins Genomics and Society Mentorship program
Academic Enrichment and Professional Development Award
Each Sondheim Scholar may apply for an Academic Enrichment and Professional Development Award (AEPD) of up to $550 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
