Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program

Open for Fall 2024 Incoming Freshmen ONLY

The Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program supports talented undergraduates aspiring to careers in a wide variety of public service fields, including government, law, non-profit leadership, education, healthcare and environmental sustainability. Sondheim Scholars address urgent social problems alongside communities through service-learning, internships, activism, and research.
The program honors Walter Sondheim, a champion of Baltimore’s renewal, a business leader, and an advocate for public education.

For more information on the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program

Fall 2024 Freshmen: Please note if you are selected as a finalist, then you will be invited to attend a Scholar Selection Day on Saturday, February 24. During this program, you will participate in an interview and have a chance to meet other finalists. Please be sure to save this date in your calendar.

Award
$5,000 - $22,000
Deadline
01/15/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. Public Service: Describe a significant and meaningful public service experience you have had. Examples may include serving the community through volunteer work, taking on a leadership role in an organization or club, or another relevant experience. Relate the public service experience to your life currently and in the future.
  2. Goals: What are your educational and career goals?
  3. Resume: Upload a resume that outlines your educational and career goals and highlights your extracurricular activities, including leadership positions, awards, and honors.
  4. Policy Essay: Upload an essay (maximum 3 pages, double-spaced, PDF or Word document) on a serious policy problem facing the United States or world. Why does this problem concern you, and what do you think should be done about it? Include a list of principal sources you cite (the list of sources does not count toward the 3 page limit).
  5. Recommendations: Submit 2 letters of recommendation. The letters should speak to your ability to succeed in the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program and address your analytical ability, writing skills, community engagement and/or leadership. One recommendation should be from a high school teacher and one from another adult member of the community who knows you well (teacher, volunteer supervisor, advisor, etc.). NOTE: If 2 letters of recommendation were submitted with your Common App, those letters may count as part of your Sondheim Program application. The Common App letters do not need to be re-submitted. HOWEVER, it is recommended that you request letters of recommendation that specifically speak to your ability to succeed in the Sondheim Scholars Program. Two letters of recommendation - either through Common App or this application - are REQUIRED for Sondheim Program consideration.
    • Please list the name and email address of a recommender.
    • Please list the name and email address of a recommender.
  6. Honors College: Indicate if you are interested in also applying to the Honors College.
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