UMBC--Step outside the Classroom

A Meyerhoff Scholar is expected to be committed to hard work in the pursuit of academic excellence. But being a Meyerhoff Scholar isn't only about making grades.

Scholars become actively engaged in scientific research early in their college careers. In fact, many make presentations of their research at professional meetings and publish with their mentors in scholarly journals.

Scholars are also encouraged to step outside the confines of the classroom and the laboratory and explore what else UMBC has to offer. While at the university, many Scholars continue already established interests, from athletics to the arts. Other Scholars seek out new interests, signing up for nonscience courses or joining one or more of the over 120 different student groups, organizations, and societies.

Meyerhoff Scholars are required to participate in at least two cultural events a year. This is done as a way of developing not only an accomplished scientist, but a well-rounded, accomplished individual. Many Scholars are also actively involved in community outreach. Some students visit local schools and talk about educational opportunities in science, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Still other Scholars volunteer as mentors, counselors, and tutors with various programs at UMBC, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Youth in Progress, the Upward Bound Program, and the Choice Program, among many others.