2021 Maryland Summer Scholars Program

 The Maryland Summer Scholars Program (MSS) provides opportunities for University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) undergraduates to spend much of the summer working closely with faculty mentors on ambitious research, scholarly, or artistic projects. The MSS program provides awards of $3,000 to approximately 25-30 undergraduates each summer.

Many Summer Scholars expand their summer research into an independent study or honors thesis project the following autumn semester, and find that their research experience helps distinguish their applications for graduate study, fellowships, internships, employment and other competitive opportunities.

Maryland Summer Scholars (MSS) may conduct their summer research on the College Park campus or elsewhere in the U.S. or abroad as required by the nature of the project. Students whose projects require travel for an extended period of time to off campus locations (not to include regular commuting) may submit a travel supplement request as directed in the online application form. Travel supplements will not exceed $1,000.

Eligibility: You are eligible to apply for an MSS award: if you have earned 12 or more UMD course credits (not including AP or IB credits) by the date of the application deadline; if you have a cumulative UMD GPA of 3.40 or higher by the date of the application deadline; and if you expect to receive your undergraduate degree no earlier than December 2021. All academic majors are eligible.

Application Deadline: The deadline to apply for summer 2021 awards will be Thursday, February 14, 2021. It is important that candidates begin developing their proposals as soon as possible.

A presentation about the MSS program is available on our website as well as on ELMS, along with presentations about additional summer research opportunities - for ELMS access please click here to complete a brief questionnaire. 

Important Tax Information: Please note that MSS awards are subject to taxation as personal income, and awardees should plan accordingly; tax withholding may apply. 

The Maryland Summer Scholars Program is sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Studies, the UMD Division of Research, UMD Schools and Colleges, and the Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research. 

QUEST Info Session Dec 9

 Attention all freshmen in the Clark School of Engineering, Smith School of Business, and/or CMNS! The QUEST Honors Program is a hands-on learning community for motivated students with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Over the course of three years, QUEST students take classes focused on experiential learning projects. These projects solve complex problems for real-world clients and enable you to gain teamwork skills and new perspectives from students outside of your major.

We will have an information session where you can learn more about QUEST and the application process on:

• Wednesday, December 9th, 8:00PM, Register Here: https://ter.ps/qinfodec9

If you are interested in learning more about QUEST please register for the information session above, fill out the form at ter.ps/questupdates, and follow us on instagram @questumd. Applications open over Winter Break!  

Graphic Design Research Assistant

 The Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention (CECEI) is a joint initiative between the Department of Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education (CHSE) and the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology (HDQM). The mission of CECEI is to conduct high quality research on early childhood education and early intervention programs in order to inform State and Federal policy, to translate research into scalable education programs and best practices, to build capacity in schools and communities, and to promote family engagement in their children’s education.

Children Study Their World (CSW) is an early childhood curriculum for 4-year-olds, based on principles of project-based inquiry and driven by evidence-based practices that build teacher capacity and support successful implementation. CSW was developed by the Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention with funding from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Childhood.

The Graphic Design Research Assistant (GDRA) will primarily assist with tasks for the CSW curriculum and may also assist with related curricula projects. This is a great opportunity to build a project portfolio and gain applied graphic design and illustration experience.

Specifically, the GDRA will develop the visual assets for a picture book for early learning educators, using the existing CSW art style and graphics in addition to developing new graphics specific to the book. The Graphic Design RA will be responsible for design of original picture book scenes/backgrounds, editing and placement of existing character designs, text placement, cover design, and any other design tasks needed to complete the book. Existing CSW art files use the Adobe Illustrator format. The GDRA will additionally assist with developing needed artwork for other CSW and curricula-related materials.

Minimum Requirements:

● Currently enrolled in an academic program related to graphic design, illustration, or a closely related field

● A strong portfolio that includes relevant examples of graphic design and illustration projects

● Experience using Adobe Illustrator and related graphic design and illustration tools

● Evidence of strong communication skills, both oral and written

● Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills

● Attention to detail and ability to work autonomously

● Proficiency in using Google Suite

In the spring 2021 semester, the GDRA is to enroll in an independent study for which their work will count for course credit. The position would require 10 hours per week, which is generally the equivalent of 3 credit hours. The GDRA may be considered for a second semester based on performance and Center needs. 

Graduate AND undergraduate students may be considered.

To apply, please email a resume, cover letter, portfolio samples, and unofficial transcript to Naomi Patton at CECEI@umd.edu by 5 p.m., Monday, November 30th, with the subject line “CECEI Graphic Design RA 2021.”

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please email us with any questions or for more information.

For more information about our Center and the project, please visit our CECEI and CSW websites.

The Answer Class is Hiring Online SAT/ACT Prep Teachers

 NOW HIRING ONLINE SAT/ACT PREP TEACHERS

Join a dynamic and growing educational organization in Maryland!

We are looking for highly motivated University of Maryland Honors College students to teach live, virtual SAT and/or ACT prep classes to area high school students.

Flexible schedule – evenings and weekends available.

Immediate openings for those available to teach weeknight classes.

Training, curriculum and materials are all provided.

Competitive pay: $17-$25/hour based on experience, with bonus potential.

We currently employ several UMD Honors College students & alumni and welcome the opportunity to work with you as well!

Send resume or letter of interest to: info@theanswerclass.com

**********

And here’s what our teachers say about working at The Answer Class ….

“…a fun and convenient way to make a positive impact on the community and also make extra money.”

“I love the people I work with and also I think it serves an important purpose. . .it’s a great job and really rewarding.”

“This is probably one of the best jobs I've ever had (My bosses) are so kind! They really care about their employees! It's also a very low stress job.”

**********

**Our mission: We feel strongly that all students, regardless of family income, location, school and extra-curricular schedules should have the opportunity to present their strongest college application. For this reason, we founded The Answer Class as a way to make SAT & ACT prep as accessible as possible to as many students as possible -- and in some small measure work to even the playing field for students taking the SAT & ACT. **

McNair Scholars - PhD Prep Program

 Thinking about Graduate School and Pursuing a Ph.D.?

 

The McNair Scholars Program Can Help You Get There!

 

The Academic Achievement Programs' Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is a graduate school preparation program designed to identify high academic achievers from traditionally underserved groups and to prepare its Scholars to matriculate into graduate programs & to earn doctoral or terminal degrees.

 

Benefits of Being a McNair Scholar:

-- Paid Summer Virtual & In-person Research Experience with Faculty

-- GRE & Graduate School Application Fee Waivers 

-- Graduate School Application Preparation Assistance

 

Online Information Sessions:

November 2         12:00 -1:00 pm

November 5         12:00 -1:00 pm

December 7         12:00 - 1:00 pm

December 10       12:00 - 1:00 pm

February 1           12:00 - 1:00 pm

February 4           12:00 - 1:00 pm 

Zoom Link

https://umd.zoom.us/j/92048380676?pwd=VlIyWDdyeCt6UzBMeWNOK0RBRjBUQT09

Application: 

Priority Deadline: December 31, 2020

General Deadline February 13, 2021 (rolling admission based on space availability thereafter)

Visit: http://ugst.umd.edu/AAP/mcnair-about.html

 

Contact:  

Rhea Roper Nedd, Ph.D.

(301) 405-4749 or  rnedd@umd.edu 

Quest Program

 Attention all freshmen in the Clark School of Engineering, Smith School of Business, and/or CMNS! The QUEST Honors Program is a hands-on learning community for motivated students with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Over the course of three years, QUEST students take classes focused on experiential learning projects. These projects solve complex problems for real-world clients and enable you to gain teamwork skills and new perspectives from students outside of your major.

 

Learn more about QUEST and the application process.

• Thursday, November 19th, 8:00PM, Register Here: https://ter.ps/qinfonov19
• 
  

If you are interested in learning more about QUEST please register for the information session above, fill out the form at ter.ps/questupdates, and follow us on instagram @questumd. Applications open over Winter Break!  

Leadership & Involvement Scholarships

 

Summer 2021 Research Opportunities in STEM / Social & Behvioral Sciences

 Are you a freshman, sophomore, or junior interested in PAID SUMMER 2021 research opportunities in the life or physical sciences, engineering, mathematics and computer science, or  the behavioral/social sciences?

The Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research has an informative ELMS resource site that will help you learn about the hundreds of PAID summer placement opportunities offered by National Science Foundation REU’s, National Institutes of Standards and Technology SURF, and other programs. Many summer 2021 programs will have application deadlines beginning December through February.

Our ELMS resource also highlights programs seeking to increase participation by UNDERREPRESENTED students in grad study and research careers. These include opportunities offered by National Science Foundation REU’s, National Institutes of Standards and Technology SURF, the Big Ten SROP, the Leadership Alliance SR-EIP, and other programs.

To gain access to our ELMS resources for summer 2021 research opportunities please click here to complete a brief questionnaire.

Visit the Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research Website by clicking here.

NEW 1-Credit Spring 2021 course for first-year students addresses global challenges!

• IDEA200/PLCY200: Designing the World’s Future: The UN Sustainable Development Goals (1 credit)

• Monday/Wednesday, 9 - 9:50 a.m.

• Dates: Begins March 1 and runs for 8 weeks.  

• This course is best suited for all first year students.

 

The University of Maryland is committed to addressing and proposing solutions to the grand challenges facing the world today.  In this dynamic course, first year students will be introduced to the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a blueprint for addressing grand challenges to achieve a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Students will work virtually and collaboratively on projects with peers from across UMD’s global network using design thinking methods and the SDGs framework to engage in creative problem-solving for the improvement of the common good through a series of guest lectures featuring the founders of the SDGs and international practitioners, 

 

The Office of International Affairs, the School of Public Policy and the Academy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship have teamed up to launch this new and innovative one-credit course for Spring 2021

Click here for additional course information and to register!

Moving back Home? Donate Unneeded Food

 

Spring Volunteer Opportunity

 I am reaching out to you on behalf of PALS Programs, a nonprofit organization creating inclusive camp experiences for people with and without Down syndrome. Our volunteer-led programs change attitudes, transform lives, and inspire a world of belonging. This year, we are fortunate to be in a pivotal position to host hybrid programs this spring of 2021 to serve our communities.

PALS is excited to be back this spring, and will be hosting one-week hybrid spring programs in cities across the country between February 22nd and April 10th. These events will be made up of two in-person events on consecutive Saturdays “sandwiched” with virtual, evening 1-hour Zoom calls during the week. All volunteers will be paired 1-1 with a peer-aged partner with Down syndrome for all of the events of the week. Dates, locations, and more information can be found here.

Our volunteers do not need to have prior experience with Down syndrome or the disability community, and training is provided at the beginning of each program. Volunteers must be 15 or older to be eligible. PALS is committed to keeping all participants safe during all events, which will be fully outdoor with masking and social distancing requirements for all participants, as well as small cohort teams made up of no more than 10 individuals. 

PALS is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all of our participants with and without Down syndrome to create a world of belonging, where all people are valued for their unique perspectives and lived experiences. There are no costs associated with volunteering at PALS.

Best,

Rosemary

Rosemary Corcoran

she / her / hers

Volunteer Associate

PALS Programs

267-477-PALS

www.palsprograms.org

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter