The Rawlings Fellows Program is a year-long experience where students develop their entrepreneurial spirit through designing a model of their own nonprofit, called the Community Action Project (CAP). In the Fall semester students take a leadership development seminar (PLCY 388N) titled “Advancing Justice through Leadership and Social Change." During the spring semester, Rawlings Fellows, in groups of two - four students, then implement and execute their CAP project they designed during the fall semester.
The program offers opportunities for mentorship, professional development events, potential engagements with local & state leaders, the opportunity to intern with a government agency, political organization or nonprofit and gain hands-on experience actively serving in the local community. These program components help Rawlings Fellows realize their commitment to public service and further develop critical leadership skills necessary for a career in government, nonprofits or private sector jobs related to public leadership and advocacy for the underrepresented.
Ideal Rawlings candidates for the Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows 2023 - 2024 cohort must have two remaining semesters prior to beginning the fall 2023 semester so they can finish the one-year program that will end in May 2024. The most competitive candidates will also be driven and motivated change-makers with long-term goals or interests related to topics such as public leadership, community service, advocacy, or community organizing.
Other Information to Share with Prospective Students: The Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program honors the legacy of Howard Peters "Pete" Rawlings. Delegate Rawlings was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing the 40th district for more than two decades. The Rawlings Program provides students the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Delegate Rawlings and develop as a champion for those that are less represented in public leadership & decision-making processes.
Working with faculty, alumni and local leaders, Rawlings Fellows develop skills and resources needed to take on leadership roles during the program and into their careers. Fellows will also grow to understand the importance of cultural pluralism and advocacy for unheard voices while developing leadership skills needed to adequately address these inequities.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 5th
Application where prospective students can apply is available at this link: (https://spp.umd.edu/your-
Points of contact: Any questions can be directed to the Rawlings graduate assistants: Cody Arigo (carigo@umd.edu) & Solomon Lawrence (sol7@umd.edu)
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