Bridget Blount

University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program University of Maryland Sep 2004 The University of Maryland, College Park initiated the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program in 2001 to recognize and reward young people who want to better their opportunities through a college education. Modeled on a similar program at UC-Berkeley, the program is specifically targeted toward students who demonstrate academic ability, uncommon persistence and maturity despite adverse life situations.The pilot program focused on Baltimore City and over the past several years… Show more The University of Maryland, College Park initiated the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program in 2001 to recognize and reward young people who want to better their opportunities through a college education. Modeled on a similar program at UC-Berkeley, the program is specifically targeted toward students who demonstrate academic ability, uncommon persistence and maturity despite adverse life situations.The pilot program focused on Baltimore City and over the past several years, has grown to reach its full complement of students who receive full financial support (tuition, fees, room and board) to the University of Maryland. While the award is directed toward students who demonstrate a great need for financial assistance, the scholarship component is only a small part of the program. At the heart of the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program is the development of individual character, community responsibility and leadership within an intimate community of peers, advisors and faculty mentors. The cohort of students that form the core of this community benefit from outstanding academic and support programs and are also active in their home communities as role models for future Incentive Award candidates. Show less