Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program
Open for Fall 2026 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 2026 Freshmen: Please note if you are selected as a finalist, then you will be invited to attend a Scholar Selection Day on Saturday, February 28, 2026. 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
- 01/15/2026
- Supplemental Questions
- 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.
- Goals: What are your educational and career goals?
- Resume: Upload a resume that outlines your educational and career goals and highlights your extracurricular activities, including leadership positions, awards, and honors.
- Policy Essay (maximum 850 words, including references): Identify and describe a serious policy problem facing the United States or world. Describe why this problem concerns you, and what you think should be done about it. Cite all of your sources. Note: The selection committee expects that this essay will reflect YOUR original thinking and way with words, as well as the integrity for which our namesake Walter Sondheim was known.
- 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.
- Honors College: Indicate if you are interested in also applying to the Honors College.
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