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
  1. Choices: I understand that the selection committee expects that all parts of my Sondheim Program application will reflect MY original thinking and way with words, as well as the integrity for which the Program's namesake, Walter Sondheim, was known. I understand that the selection committee will disqualify any application that it has reason to suspect was written with the aid of artificial intelligence.
  2. 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.
  3. Goals: What are your educational and career goals?
  4. Resume: Upload a resume that outlines your educational and career goals and highlights your extracurricular activities, including leadership positions, awards, and honors.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Honors College: Indicate if you are interested in also applying to the Honors College.
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