UMBC Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program


The Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program supports a diverse pool of talented undergraduates to become effective leaders in government, non-profits, corporations and the community. Sondheim Scholars understand and address the urgent social problems of American cities and communities through:

• Service Learning with vulnerable populations that help students increase their empathy and understanding while connecting their service experiences with academic courses • Internships in local, state, national government, non-profits, and law, taking advantage of the wealth of opportunities in the Baltimore-Washington corridor • Opportunities to complete original research or activism projects as undergraduates, with support from UMBC's extraordinary faculty, and present their results to the campus community and for publication • Positive advising and mentoring guidance from faculty and staff, exploring multiple academic and career options
Read a message from the Director, Dr. Roy T. Meyers, Professor, Political Science

The scholarship program is inspired by Walter Sondheim Jr.:
	"Sondheim - a one-time department store executive better known as an adviser to mayors and governors, the man who helped oversee both the desegregation of the city schools and the transformation of Baltimore's Inner Harbor- has won nearly every civic award Baltimore's organizations give and has been linked in some way to every important moment in the city for much of the last century. He is a living history lesson." From "At 94, still humble, still vital" The Baltimore Sun June 20, 2003.


Meet the Scholars		Applications and Awards

Learning Community		Mentors and Research

Service Learning		Alumni

Internships		Walter and Janet Sondheim