Independent College Fund of Maryland (iFund)

Scholarships

Urban Scholars Program

" The financial support and honor of being an Urban Scholar has made my college experience more productive and fulfilling...the freedom of mind from financial stresses has allowed me to better focus on my studies."
—Christopher Robinson Urban Scholar Loyola University Maryland graduate Class of 2011

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 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

^{2011-2012 Urban Scholars Program Participants}
Olusegun Alade.....	McDaniel College
Maria Almojuela.....	Loyola University Maryland
Sharon Anaba.....	Goucher College
Autumn Cadogan.....	Johns Hopkins University
Keiva Cole.....	Notre Dame of Maryland University
Wayne Cole.....	Stevenson University
Gesley Fisher.....	McDaniel College
Andrea Judkin.....	Hood College
Maurice Oldham.....	Mount St. Mary's University
Wykeema Stanley.....	McDaniel College
Ruben Torres.....	Loyola University Maryland
Hershel Waites.....	Mount St. Mary's University
Rebekah Wheatley.....	Johns Hopkins University
Bradley Whitted.....	Goucher College

Urban Scholars Program: Constructing a Better Future

“The I-Fund scholarship has contributed financially but also allowed me to benefit from networking receptions and workshops designed to help build confidence...Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to focus on my college career—Thank You! ”

—Keauna Fullard, Urban Scholar
Hood College graduate—Class of 2011

Program Funders & In-Kind Gift Contributors		Summer Internship Sponsors

Associated Black Charities		Abrams, Foster, Nole & Williams, P.A.
Carrollton Bank		AfroAmerican Newspaper
Compass Group/Bon Appetit		Baltimore Algebra Project
Constellation Energy Group/BGE		Baltimore Life Insurance Company
Greater Baltimore Committee		Bon Secours Hospital
Harbor Bank		Carrollton Bank
Legg Mason		Comcast
Lord Baltimore Capital Corporation		Constellation Energy/BGE
MattGrayPhotot.com		Erickson Retirement Communities
M&T Bank		Gallagher, Evelius & Jones
PNC Bank		Harbor Bank Maryland
Proctor & Gamble		Johns Hopkins Hospital
Saul Ewing LLP		Johns Hopkins University
Shawe Family Foundation		LifeBridge Health System
SunTrust Bank		M&T Bank
Travelers		MDOT
T. Rowe Price Associates Foundation, Inc.		The Maryland Zoo
Wachovia		Parks & People Foundation
		Plexus Communications
		Provident Bank
		St. Agnes Hospital
		VMG Marketing

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

Contact the I-Fund today!