Through courses, speakers, field trips, research, service-learning, and internships, Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars gain an interdisciplinary understanding of important global, national, and local issues. As they think critically and creatively about how to address those issues, they also learn about human behavior, public policy, and major social, economic, and political institutions. Students acquire analytical and expressive skills and explore various roles through which they might serve the public and impact society inside or outside of government. Meanwhile, students progress through a major in their desired discipline, and often also through additional majors, minors, or certificate programs.
As serious scholars, “Sondheims” do more than earn good grades–they search for knowledge because doing so fascinates them and has the potential to solve important problems of our time. As members of an exceptionally diverse university that is supported by the state’s citizens, they also have opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills off-campus, helping UMBC make major contributions to Baltimore, Maryland and beyond. Many Sondheim Scholars also help shape the campus by becoming leaders in UMBC student government and organizations.
Program Overview
Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars receive generous four-year awards, often covering the greater part of the cost of attendance at UMBC. Students must apply in the senior year of high school for entrance into the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program. Selected scholars will be offered scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 annually for in-state students or $10,000 to $22,000 annually for out-of-state students.
Scholars are selected based on factors such as the strength of their written application, their demonstrated commitment to public service, and the impression made in their interview. Students of all majors who demonstrate a strong interest in public issues and policy are welcome in the program. Please visit our Eligibility page for more details.
Benefits
The Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program is more than a scholarship. Sondheim Scholars are part of a learning community of students unified by their interest in public service and public policy. Students take courses together and become actively involved in the campus and community through service-learning and leadership positions. They meet with well-known researchers and public leaders to discuss career opportunities and the important problems of society. Our program emphasizes involvement in service, internships, and research in order to prepare Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars for their future careers in the public interest and for lives as involved citizens.
Scholar Cohorts
Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars enjoy active friendships with like-minded, involved students. Each Scholar enters the program as part of a small cohort of peers, about 15 other new Scholars. They bond with their cohort members through participation in orientation, a retreat, shared first year classes, and social activities. New scholars are mentored by upperclassmen, which incorporates freshmen into the UMBC community for both academics and extracurriculars.
Activities
Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars participate in activities together throughout the academic year. The year kicks off with a social event where incoming scholars get to know one another and connect with the other cohorts of scholars. Each semester we go on field trips, such as to governmental institutions or to plays or museums with themes relevant to our work in improving society. We sponsor annual panel discussions with policy experts, and all Sondheim Scholars contribute to an annual day of service. At the end of each academic year, we celebrate our graduating seniors. Our student Steering Committee organizes additional community-building social events, including the first-year retreat. First-year Sondheim Scholars (and often older ones too) participate in service-learning in the community, while students complete an internship and at least one other experiential learning activity (such as study abroad, a formal research experience, or another internship) before graduation.
Advising
Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars receive intensive advising and mentoring. Each student is treated as an individual who has unique strengths and needs. Dr. Laura Antkowiak, Director, and Associate Director, Jessica Cook, are always available for advising Scholars. Both have been recognized at UMBC and at the UMD system level for their commitment to student support and mentoring.
With faculty and staff assistance, Scholars are accepted at high-quality, professional graduate and law schools, compete successfully for prestigious awards, such as the Truman Scholarship, and are linked to excellent first jobs in public service fields.