The France & Merrick Scholarship Program is designed to recognize and engage students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to become leaders in providing service to the community. This merit scholarship opportunity seeks to fund tuition for talented undergraduates at UMBC as France &Merrick Scholars and Fellows.

Who are France & Merrick? In 1996, the France & Merrick Scholarship Program was established with a $1 million grant form the Jacob and Annita France and Robert G. and Anne M. Merrick Foundations to provide full and partial scholarships to promising, socially involved undergraduates at UMBC. The program gives scholarships to students in recognition of their academic achievement and commitment to becoming leaders in service to their community. All scholarship recipients are actively engaged in direct service through the programs of The Shriver Center.

The France & Merrick Scholars Program is for students who have a commitment to community service, and who seek to expand their knowledge and understanding of community issues and gain leadership skills to address these issues through direct service, academic courses, and faculty guidance.

Awards
Scholarships are awarded as follows:

• Fellows receive a full scholarship, including tuition, mandatory fees, and room & board. The Fellows also serve as co-chairs in convening group meetings and planning service projects for the France and Merrick Scholarship Program.
• Scholars receive $1,000 for the year and attend group meetings, assisting in  planning service projects each semester.

2009-2010 Award Availability
The Shriver Center is currently accepting applications for 2 Fellows positions and 5 Scholars positions in the program.

Application Process and Deadlines
Interested candidates must submit a France and Merrick Scholarship Program application, an unofficial copy of academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a 2-page essay. Finalists will be invited for an interview. See application materials for additional details.

Applications are available in the lobby of The Shriver Center and must be received before Spring Break on Friday, March 13, 2009.

To download and application, click here.

For more information, please contact Lori Hardesty at lhardesty@umbc.edu.