Independent College Fund of Maryland (iFund)

Scholarships

Urban Scholars Program

“Not only have you helped with my education, you have also allowed me to gain first-hand experience at one of the best minority accounting firms in the state of Maryland...I have improved with public speaking and networking, learned more ways to become successful in the business world I see myself growing as the years go on—thanks to the I-Fund”
—Shadae Swan, Urban Scholar Goucher College graduate—Class of 2008

The Urban Scholars Program (USP) is a unique partnership among the Independent College Fund of Maryland (the I-Fund), Baltimore City's business community and Maryland's 10 independent liberal arts colleges and universities.

Interested in helping to construct a brighter future for Baltimore City?

Contact the I-Fund today!

Designed to provide access to higher education to more low- and middle-income minority students and those with a demonstrable interest in diversity from Baltimore City, the USP offers financial support, internship and networking experiences that provide a road map to professional employment after graduation. The program also serves as a vehicle for the business community in recruiting talent from Baltimore City.

High School seniors from Baltimore City interested in becoming an I-Fund Urban Scholar should contact the admissions office at the I-Fund college/university to which they have applied and ask to be considered for an Urban Scholar Program Scholarship.

^{Program Components, Scholar Benefits, Eligibility}

Scholars are selected in their senior year of high school by admissions officers of
the I-Fund's member colleges and universities according to each school's unique admission criteria. Incoming freshman are selected from January to September.
Scholarship:

Skill-Building Workshops & Seminars:

Winter Economic Development Retreat held at a downtown Baltimore location, an all-day event that features workshops provided by program funders. Past topics include: "How to Interview", "Business Etiquette", "Social Networking", "Negotiating Your Future". Students lunch with corporate executives and participate in employer/student roundtable discussions of options for internships and/or employment.

Summer - An early summer Wealth Management Seminar conducted by a prominent local financial institution. Over the course of the scholars' academic career, topics range from banking services such as opening a checking account, to the pitfalls of credit, borrowing for a home and saving/investing for their future. Event is followed by a business networking reception.

August

Resume Writing Workshop

Paid Summer Internship Opportunities - Scholars are provided paid internship opportunities each summer of their academic career. The experiences are intended to give them insight into the Baltimore business community as well as opportunities for mentoring from senior level management which may lead to potential employment upon graduation.
Networking Opportunities - Incorporated into each of the three scholar events.

Scholarship Requirements:

Maintain Baltimore City Residency
Maintain a cumulative minimum 2.8 GPA
Attend skill-building workshops and networking events
Complete a paid internship each summer

Criteria Used to Determine Eligibility:

Financial need (preference for student from low- and moderate-income families)
High school academic performance
Leadership potential demonstrated through high school activities and community involvement
A hometown of Baltimore City
Preference is given to minority students and those with a demonstrable interest in diversity

^{2008-2009 Urban Scholars Program Participants}
Syed Ali.....	Loyola College
Brandon Demory.....	Johns Hopkins University
Amia Fowlkes.....	Stevenson University (formerly Villa Julie College)
Keauna Fullard.....	Hood College
Stephanie Gabriel.....	Washington College
Kenisha Graham.....	McDaniel College
Jessica Grant.....	Hood College
Monique House.....	Hood College
Shannon Jackson.....	Johns Hopkins University
Kiara James.....	Goucher College
Trinita Kane.....	Mount St. Mary's University
Kim-Khoi Khue.....	College of Notre Dame of Maryland
Maria Madero.....	Goucher College
Genai Moore.....	McDaniel College
Christopher Robinson.....	Loyola College
Amina Utley.....	College of Notre Dame of Maryland
Hershel Waites.....	Mount St. Mary's University

Urban Scholars Program: Constructing a Better Future

“Receiving the Urban Scholars scholarship meant that I could attend my first choice among schools and my longest shot financially. And as an Urban Scholar, you placed more faith in me than I have ever placed in myself. Because of this program, I am far more emotionally and intellectually prepared to make a mark on the world. I know that there are many other youths in this city that would be just as grateful. Thank you. ”

—Brooks Long, Urban Scholar
Washington College graduate—Class of 2008

Program Funders & In-Kind Gift Contributors		Summer Internship Sponsors

Baltimore Life Insurance Company		Abrams, Foster, Nole & Williams, P.A.
Batza Family Foundation		Baltimore Algebra Project
Carrollton Bank		Baltimore Life Insurance Company
CitiFinancial		Bon Secours Hospital
Compass Group/Bon Appetit		Carrollton Bank
Constellation Energy Group/BGE		Comcast
Erickson Retirement Communities		Constellation Energy Group/BGE
Gallagher, Evelius & Jones		Erickson Retirement Communities
Greater Baltimore Committee		Gallagher, Evelius & Jones
Joseph Meyerhoff Fund		Harbor Bank of Maryland
Legg Mason		Johns Hopkins University
Lord Baltimore Corporation		M&T Bank
MattGrayPhotot.com		MDOT
M&T Bank		The Maryland Zoo
Miles & Stockbridge		Parks & People Foundation
Proctor & Gamble		Plexus Communications
Provident Bank		Provident Bank
Saul Ewing LLP		St. Agnes Hospital
Shawe Family Foundation		VMG Marketing
SunTrust Bank
Travelers
T. Rowe Price Associates Foundation, Inc.
United Parcel Service
Wachovia

Interested in helping to construct a brighter future for Baltimore City?

Contact the I-Fund today!