Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars' Experience

Sondheim Scholars begin their college careers as a cohort of peers who share common interests. They combine service with learning by helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds and researching the public policy issues affecting the people they serve. New scholars are paired with upperclassmen as learning partners, which quickly incorporates freshmen into the UMBC community. All Sondheim Scholars participate in one or more internship experiences. UMBC's proximity to Washington, D.C., federal and state government, interest groups, foreign embassies and international organizations allows students to gain experience in a wide range of organizations and policy issues. The scholars are also invited to attend lectures and dinners with respected thinkers in the social sciences, leaders of important organizations and professionals tackling difficult policy problems.

In Their Own Words

Josh Michael
"I want to help children lead successful lives. From volunteering at West Baltimore Middle School to being appointed to serve as the University System of Maryland's student regent, the experiences I have had through the Sondheim program are helping me to be the best educator I can be."

Sondheim Scholars Program