UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars Program
Summary
The Meyerhoff Scholars Program is a comprehensive scholarship and support program to advance minority student participation in STEM fields. Nominated students apply to the program, and approximately 50 are chosen. After removing the financial barriers, the program also provides counseling, study groups, tutoring, and a supportive culture of academic achievement. Each student is paired with a community mentor from the same discipline, as well as faculty members who provide research opportunities. Students must maintain a B average in a math or science major to continue in the program.
Target Population
Goal(s)
Program Highlights
- Scholars receive full scholarships for tuition, books, and housing
- The summer before freshman year, students attend a six-week program to prepare them for the expectations of college, and build a supportive cohort
- The program keeps parents involved in their child’s progress through the Meyerhoff Parents Association
The Facts
Partners
Higher Education
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- The Leadership Alliance
- Meyerhoff Graduate Fellows Program
Business
Non-Profit / Philanthropy
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- Marc U*Star
Government
Evidence of Impact
Level 3- Participating African American students were significantly more likely to graduate with a STEM degree than a matched comparison group. Further, they were more likely to continue to STEM PhD and MD programs. Regarding all Meyerhoff students, participants were felt significantly less stress and more support than similar students who had declined participation in the program.
Maton, K. I., & Hrabowski III, Freeman A. (2004). Increasing the number of African American PhDs in the sciences and engineering: A strengths-based approach. American Psychologist, 59(6), 547-556. (Available online) Outlines the history of ethnic underrepresentation in STEM fields, and ways to remediate the problem, including mentorship, and integration into academic and social communities. Continues with a description and evaluation of the Meyerhoff program as an example of a program with positive effects. The article concludes with an analysis of interviews regarding African American academic success.
Contact Information
Academic Services 106C
Baltimore, MD 21250
410-455-3139
http://www.umbc.edu/meyerhoff/index.html
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