Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars gain an interdisciplinary understanding of human behavior and of social, economic, and political institutions through courses, speakers, and research. Students earn at least one major in the social sciences and related disciplines; many have double majors. They learn about American and world societies, develop a deep understanding of public policy and acquire analytical and expressive skills.

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 Public Affairs Scholars. They bond with their cohort members through participation in first year classes (English Composition and the Public Affairs Seminar) and social activities. New scholars are mentored by upperclassmen, which incorporates freshmen into the UMBC community for both academics and extracurriculars.

As serious scholars, they do more than earn good grades–they search for knowledge because doing so fascinates them.  But as members of an exceptionally diverse university that is supported by the state's citizens, they also help lead an institution which makes major contributions to Baltimore, Maryland and beyond.

Activities
The Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars participate in activities together throughout the academic year. The year kicks off with a picnic for the scholars at Dr. Meyers' home where incoming scholars get to know the other cohorts of scholars. Each semester we attend artistic performances in Baltimore or on campus, usually plays with themes relevant to our work in improving society. At the end of the academic year we recognize our graduating seniors.

Connect with Experts
The Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program creates unique opportunities for Scholars to have access to experts in the fields of public policy and the social sciences. Scholars attend UMBC's Social Sciences Forum, which sponsors public lecturers on issues of vital importance. See the lists of experts who have visited UMBC under the Social Sciences Forum in previous semesters and the most recent semester.

Scholars have the added benefit of exclusive events with some of these speakers, often at dinners or lunches. There the students ask questions about policies, people, and career options. And each semester, the Program also invites a professor or graduate student from the social sciences to a dinner and talk with the Scholars, providing additional access to the intellectual capital housed at UMBC. Recent special speakers have included Abdulwahab Alkebsi, Middle East program officer for the National Endowment for Democracy, and Dr. Seth Messinger, UMBC medical anthropologist doing research with Iraq war veterans who have undergone amputations.