UIA STARS Program

As a member of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA), UMBC is committed to your success as a transfer student. The mission of the UIA STARS Program is to close the achievement gap by supporting and promoting the success of Black, Male, STEM Transfer students. The UIA STARS program is open to incoming transfer students of all backgrounds who plan to pursue a degree in science, technology or engineering and who are interested in the advancement of Black, male, transfer students in those fields. The cohort-based program provides high-impact academic enrichment opportunities (seminars, mentoring, tutoring, etc.) that encourage scholars to maximize their honors university experience while making timely progress to degree completion.

UIA STARS Scholarship Program recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship ($500 per semester) for their first year at UMBC. To be considered for the UIA STARS Scholarship Program you must complete the application in Scholarship Retriever and participate in the following required program activities:

University Seminar Course (UNIV) Course:* All UIA STARS Program members MUST register for a special section of UNIV 301 ((Section 13 – Class Number 7110) during the Fall 2024 semester. UNIV 301 is a two -credit course designed for transfer students in their first year at UMBC to assist students in achieving academic success. Additionally, the course will provide students with resources to help connect to the greater campus community and provide support throughout their UMBC experience. This course will meet on Wednesdays, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM.* When creating your Fall 2025 schedule please make sure to let your advisor know and they will help you build this course into your schedule. Once accepted into the program you will already have permission to enroll. *