What would the world look like if you had 24 hours to change it?
The prestigious Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program honors the legacy of Howard Peters "Pete" Rawlings and the work he did as a Maryland delegate. Participants in the Fellows program are provided multiple opportunities--both academic and experiential--to grow as leaders and become champions for those whose voices may otherwise go unheard in the leadership and decision-making process. Maintaining a commitment to those historically underrepresented in leadership positions is central to this program.
If you have at least two semesters remaining at the university and a commitment to public leadership, you are strongly encouraged to apply. Fellows design and implement their own community action projects, take courses on leadership, serve at an internship, and meet elected officials, community advocates, and non-profit leaders.
Program Structure
The prestigious Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program honors the legacy of Howard Peters "Pete" Rawlings and the work he did as a Maryland delegate. Participants in the Fellows program are provided multiple opportunities--both academic and experiential--to grow as leaders and become champions for those whose voices may otherwise go unheard in the leadership and decision-making process. Maintaining a commitment to those historically underrepresented in leadership positions is central to this program.
If you have at least two semesters remaining at the university and a commitment to public leadership, you are strongly encouraged to apply. Fellows design and implement their own community action projects, take courses on leadership, serve at an internship, and meet elected officials, community advocates, and non-profit leaders.
Announcing the Spring 2014 Rawlings Program Information Sessions!
To learn more about the program, and get all your questions answered during an informal, face-to-face information session, please visit us on any of the following dates. All sessions will take place in Taliaferro Hall, room 1126. (No RSVP necessary!)
Wednesday, March 12, at 2 PM
Thursday, March 13, at 12 PM
Thursday, March 27, at 5 PM
Friday, March 28, at 12 PM
Monday, March 31, at 12 PM
Program Structure
The Rawlings Program is a holistic experience comprising two consecutive semesters. Students apply in the spring for the cohort that enters the following fall. Participants begin the program with an inaugural team-building challenge course at the UMD Outdoor Recreation Center. Specialized activities and experiences throughout the year-long fellowship further empower students to learn about ethical leadership and advocate for issues important to them. Successful participants earn a Certificate of Completion and recognition at an annual ceremony at the Maryland School of Public Policy.
Semester One (FALL): Fellows take a three-credit leadership course, PUAF 302, “Leadership: Philosophy, Policy, and Praxis,” which introduces them to public policy and social justice issues. Structured as a 15-week lecture and discussion series, the course empowers Fellows to engage directly with leaders from local and federal government, from the non-profit sector, from the University of Maryland campus community, and of course, with their peers. The course also includes journal exercises, in-class debates and other structured discussion activities, and a final project and presentation outlining the Fellows' community action projects.
Semester Two (SPRING): Fellows select and take a three-credit PUAF course related to public leadership. In addition, they pursue an internship in Annapolis during the legislative session, on Capitol Hill, with a federal or state agency, or with a recognized non-profit entity dedicated to "the public good." To receive credit, Fellows enroll in PUAF349 for either three credits, corresponding to 120 hours spent at their internship, or six credits, corresponding to 240 hours spent at their internship. Finally, Fellows attend monthly leadership-development workshops, participate in site visits to Washington, DC, and Annapolis, and conclude thier community action projects.
Program Benefits
- Teambuilding activities
- Mentoring relationships with elected officials, state leaders, and community advocates
- Access to renowned leadership scholars and policy faculty
- Site visits to public and non-profit entities
- Work on a community action project
- Placement in a political or non-profit internship
- A Certificate of Completion
- Participation in courses and conferences designed to promote a greater understanding of leadership in public life
