CWIT Spring Welcome Back Social Let's reconnect and enjoy some pizza and cupcakes! With the spring semester quickly approaching, we'd love for you to kick things off with us at CWIT's Spring Welcome Back Social! Join us to reconnect, meet new faces, and enjoy some delicious pizza and cupcakes. Join us for the CWIT Spring Welcome Back Social will be held on January 26, 2026 from 12pm-1pm in the ENGR Atrium. Pizza and cupcakes will be served!



]]> With the spring semester quickly approaching, we'd love for you to kick things off with us at CWIT's Spring Welcome Back Social! Join us to reconnect, meet new faces, and enjoy some... Flyer https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/5ea4dce43e8e6263f86b43a7ac38c609/6a072b92/news/000/155/694/a2a149ddb04862c521626b4cbf405262/Spring Welcome Social Flyer 1.26.26.png?1768410018 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/155694/guest@my.umbc.edu/ef0201ad87c24b7de37b74ff7b190554/api/pixel CWIT Affiliates https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/cwitaffiliates https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/215/ed0dde28b964e06263b6aa35dc2ee277/xsmall.png?1724681280 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/215/ed0dde28b964e06263b6aa35dc2ee277/original.png?1724681280 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/215/ed0dde28b964e06263b6aa35dc2ee277/xxlarge.png?1724681280 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/215/ed0dde28b964e06263b6aa35dc2ee277/xlarge.png?1724681280 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/215/ed0dde28b964e06263b6aa35dc2ee277/large.png?1724681280 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/215/ed0dde28b964e06263b6aa35dc2ee277/medium.png?1724681280 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/215/ed0dde28b964e06263b6aa35dc2ee277/small.png?1724681280 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/215/ed0dde28b964e06263b6aa35dc2ee277/xsmall.png?1724681280 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/215/ed0dde28b964e06263b6aa35dc2ee277/xxsmall.png?1724681280 CWIT 0 0 true Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:08:58 -0500 AI4LL Ignite 2026 summer program Free online summer program for undergrads interested in AI

Applications for the 2026 free AI4ALL Ignite summer program are now open.  It is a free virtual career accelerator designed to prepare undergraduate students—particularly those from communities historically excluded from the tech industry—for professional roles in AI.
Over the summer, participants work in small teams to build a comprehensive AI portfolio project under the guidance of industry mentors, allowing them to apply technical skills to real-world problems. The program also provides career readiness training, including resume reviews, technical interview preparation, and direct networking opportunities with corporate recruiters.
In the program, which starts on May 12 and ends on October 15, students will:

Get more information and apply here. The deadline to apply has been extended to 11:59 ​pm. Monday, April 20th.  

]]> Applications for the 2026 free AI4ALL Ignite summer program are now open.  It is a free virtual career accelerator designed to prepare undergraduate students—particularly those from communities... https://ai-4-all.org/ai4all-ignite/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/155679/guest@my.umbc.edu/cdbea6b9acc2a9285b49611763dc33ae/api/pixel ai ai4all free student undergraduate UMBC AI https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbc-ai https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/original.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/large.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/medium.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/small.png?1691095779 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxsmall.png?1691095779 UMBC AI https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/679/5f3c0f1d166b72e447c3e15634e3b662/xxlarge.jpg?1768343352 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/679/5f3c0f1d166b72e447c3e15634e3b662/xlarge.jpg?1768343352 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/679/5f3c0f1d166b72e447c3e15634e3b662/large.jpg?1768343352 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/679/5f3c0f1d166b72e447c3e15634e3b662/medium.jpg?1768343352 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/679/5f3c0f1d166b72e447c3e15634e3b662/small.jpg?1768343352 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/679/5f3c0f1d166b72e447c3e15634e3b662/xsmall.jpg?1768343352 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/679/5f3c0f1d166b72e447c3e15634e3b662/xxsmall.jpg?1768343352 AI4All applications open for free summer 2026 program 0 0 true Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:29:32 -0500 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:31:21 -0400 Financial Literacy for Postdocs: Home Buying Tips - NPA Today-learn from an industry insider!

Learn from an industry insider about loan approval process for Postdocs. Covering the basic requirement, to in depth income and visa requirements.

Speaker: Sam Hogan, senior loan officer, Truist Bank

Senior loan officer with Truist Bank, Hogan has been helping early to late career doctoral students since 2019. Has firsthand experience helping the doctoral/postdoc community secure mortgage loan approvals on non-typical stipend/ fellowship income. A long time Virginia resident, his wife Kelly and son Grant live on Liberty Loom Farm Nokesville VA. They have four alpacas, and an Alaskan husky, Zoe. Summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2023 - 19,340 ft.

REGISTER AND JOIN HERE:
https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2013055&group=
]]> Learn from an industry insider about loan approval process for Postdocs. Covering the basic requirement, to in depth income and visa requirements. Speaker: Sam Hogan, senior loan officer, Truist... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/155691/guest@my.umbc.edu/587ceffad640abc51f6f73a393359ed5/api/pixel grad graduate postdocs tips Grad Student & Postdoc Development https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/gspd https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xsmall.png?1695134616 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/original.jpg?1695134616 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xxlarge.png?1695134616 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xlarge.png?1695134616 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/large.png?1695134616 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/medium.png?1695134616 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/small.png?1695134616 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xsmall.png?1695134616 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xxsmall.png?1695134616 Grad Student & Postdoc Development 0 0 true Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:20:37 -0500 Registration for 2026 Country-to-Country CTF is open!

The International Cyber Security – Center of Excellence (INCS-CoE) is once again inviting students to participate in the 2025 international, Country-to-Country (C2C) Capture the Flag (CTF) competition.

The final round of the competition will take place at the University of  Indonesia (UI), Bali, from 10–14 August 2026.

For more information, please visit: https://c2c-ctf2026.ui.ac.id/
Registrations for the C2C CTF 2026:  https://c2c-ctf2026.ui.ac.id/registration/

(Disclosure:  UMBC is a co-founder of INCS-CoE and both Dr Anupam Joshi and I are on the INCS-CoE Board)
]]> The International Cyber Security – Center of Excellence (INCS-CoE) is once again inviting students to participate in the 2025 international, Country-to-Country (C2C) Capture the Flag (CTF)... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/155689/guest@my.umbc.edu/d89f4f988037cd071ca5cd140038e91c/api/pixel CyberDawgs https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbccd https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/621/7b9c59d91852846aefcd25d162d2ef57/xsmall.png?1725599607 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/621/7b9c59d91852846aefcd25d162d2ef57/original.png?1725599607 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/621/7b9c59d91852846aefcd25d162d2ef57/xxlarge.png?1725599607 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/621/7b9c59d91852846aefcd25d162d2ef57/xlarge.png?1725599607 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/621/7b9c59d91852846aefcd25d162d2ef57/large.png?1725599607 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/621/7b9c59d91852846aefcd25d162d2ef57/medium.png?1725599607 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/621/7b9c59d91852846aefcd25d162d2ef57/small.png?1725599607 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/621/7b9c59d91852846aefcd25d162d2ef57/xsmall.png?1725599607 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/621/7b9c59d91852846aefcd25d162d2ef57/xxsmall.png?1725599607 CyberDawgs 0 0 true Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:10:24 -0500 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:14:18 -0500 Would you like $1000? Here's your chance! Apply Now! Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award

The Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award is bestowed in recognition of the numerous contributions that Dr. Sorensen has made over many years to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and especially to the former five-campus chapter, University of Maryland Chapter 22 UMBC.  Each spring, this chapter invites applications from its undergraduate student members. One $1000 award will be distributed each year to the selected awardee.


Eligibility criteria for the award are as follows:  
(1)   Each undergraduate student applicant shall be a current member of Chapter 22 UMBC

(2)   Each undergraduate student applicant shall be selected on the basis of Academic Excellence as demonstrated by outstanding grades, academic honors, awards and recognition, and activities in the University and in the Community

(3)   Each undergraduate student applying for the Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award must complete and submit the online application form no later than March 30, 2026


Click below to access the award application in Google Drive.

Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award

]]> The Shirley C. Sorensen Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award is bestowed in recognition of the numerous contributions that Dr. Sorensen has made over many years to The Honor Society of Phi... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/155688/guest@my.umbc.edu/434dc31c0dd8b3b24c080bc8344ca961/api/pixel aid award money scholarship The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/phikappaphi https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/xsmall.png?1285100670 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/original.png?1285100670 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/xxlarge.png?1285100670 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/xlarge.png?1285100670 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/large.png?1285100670 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/medium.png?1285100670 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/small.png?1285100670 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/xsmall.png?1285100670 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/xxsmall.png?1285100670 The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi 0 0 true Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:07:11 -0500 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:07:41 -0500 Are you a Graduate Student? Would you like $500? Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award

The Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award is bestowed in recognition of the many significant contributions made by Dr. Marilyn Demorest as a key founder and seminal leader of Chapter 22 UMBC of Phi Kappa Phi.  Dr. Demorest's clear-eyed determination, detailed planning, and appreciation of both tradition and innovation infused the infant chapter with the carefully-built scaffolding needed for it to grow into the chapter we enjoy today.  Marilyn's dedication to PKP and her own love of learning are the foundation for this award.


Each spring, this chapter invites applications from its graduate student members. Two $500 awards will be distributed each year to the selected awardees.

Eligibility criteria for the award are as follows:  
(1)   Each graduate student applicant shall be a current member of Chapter 22 UMBC

(2)   Each graduate student applicant shall be selected on the basis of academic excellence as demonstrated by outstanding grades, academic honors, awards and recognition, and activities in the University or in the Community as well as through a clearly articulated essay (no more than 500 words) explaining what the PKP Motto means to them:
o Philosophia Krateito Photo: Let the Love of Learning Rule Humanity

(3)   Each graduate student applying for the Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award must complete and submit the online application form no later than March 30, 2026

The winning applicant(s) will be notified by email by the end of April 2026.

 

Click below to access the award application in Google Drive.

Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award

 

]]> The Marilyn Demorest Love of Learning Award is bestowed in recognition of the many significant contributions made by Dr. Marilyn Demorest as a key founder and seminal leader of Chapter 22 UMBC of... https://forms.gle/hVfNsAfV6r1eC2Fz9 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/155687/guest@my.umbc.edu/18984c0d2676d6bf2a9de9661202d57d/api/pixel award money scholarship The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/phikappaphi https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/xsmall.png?1285100670 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/original.png?1285100670 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/xxlarge.png?1285100670 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/xlarge.png?1285100670 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/large.png?1285100670 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/medium.png?1285100670 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/small.png?1285100670 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/xsmall.png?1285100670 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/083/acb5d1120b8a0b8d3d97905ba9a72dc4/xxsmall.png?1285100670 The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi 0 0 true Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:05:34 -0500 Do you receive pay from UMBC? - Address Verification required be sure your home address is updated - for tax forms I am writing to share an update regarding the university-wide effort to verify employee home addresses. To remain compliant with local and federal regulations, Human Resources must ensure that all active employee data in PeopleSoft is accurate.  
Here are step-by-step instructions:
  • Log in to PS HR
  • Click on the "MyWorkView" box
  • Click on "Personal Information" in the left menu, and then Personal Information Summary
  • If the home address is correct, click the "Acknowledge Current Home Address" box. If your home address needs to be updated, select the "Change Home Address" Button. This will take you to a screen to edit your home address.
]]> I am writing to share an update regarding the university-wide effort to verify employee home addresses. To remain compliant with local and federal regulations, Human Resources must ensure that all... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/155686/guest@my.umbc.edu/b77b07f7c737747517b62c06f04269ff/api/pixel Mechanical Engineering https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/me https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/096/f53891bd1b141a18c1dbc498e1eda286/xsmall.png?1359683367 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/096/f53891bd1b141a18c1dbc498e1eda286/original.jpg?1359683367 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/096/f53891bd1b141a18c1dbc498e1eda286/xxlarge.png?1359683367 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/096/f53891bd1b141a18c1dbc498e1eda286/xlarge.png?1359683367 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/096/f53891bd1b141a18c1dbc498e1eda286/large.png?1359683367 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/096/f53891bd1b141a18c1dbc498e1eda286/medium.png?1359683367 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/096/f53891bd1b141a18c1dbc498e1eda286/small.png?1359683367 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/096/f53891bd1b141a18c1dbc498e1eda286/xsmall.png?1359683367 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/096/f53891bd1b141a18c1dbc498e1eda286/xxsmall.png?1359683367 Mechanical Engineering 0 0 true Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:52:21 -0500 TODAY Winter Wednesdays: Indigenous Voices Exhibiting Latin America Stories at The Walters Art Museum
Today at noon, Join UMBC's CoLab team as they share their hands-on experience reshaping the Walters Art Museum's current 'Latin American Art / Arte Latinoamericano' exhibition.

Join virtual event

]]> Today at noon, Join UMBC's CoLab team as they share their hands-on experience reshaping the Walters Art Museum's current 'Latin American Art / Arte Latinoamericano' exhibition. Join virtual event https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/155685/guest@my.umbc.edu/1133836ad96682e12fbe9df0901c09c2/api/pixel Winter Session: Beyond the Classroom https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/summerspecialprograms https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/372/f9d56e4df9f4a94e2a2ef288d126f9da/xsmall.png?1588965795 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/372/f9d56e4df9f4a94e2a2ef288d126f9da/original.png?1588965795 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/372/f9d56e4df9f4a94e2a2ef288d126f9da/xxlarge.png?1588965795 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/372/f9d56e4df9f4a94e2a2ef288d126f9da/xlarge.png?1588965795 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/372/f9d56e4df9f4a94e2a2ef288d126f9da/large.png?1588965795 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/372/f9d56e4df9f4a94e2a2ef288d126f9da/medium.png?1588965795 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/372/f9d56e4df9f4a94e2a2ef288d126f9da/small.png?1588965795 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/372/f9d56e4df9f4a94e2a2ef288d126f9da/xsmall.png?1588965795 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/372/f9d56e4df9f4a94e2a2ef288d126f9da/xxsmall.png?1588965795 Winter Session: Beyond the Classroom https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/685/7afa3ac7dbc2a3f8b0c14a7cfa87a160/xxlarge.jpg?1768397800 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/685/7afa3ac7dbc2a3f8b0c14a7cfa87a160/xlarge.jpg?1768397800 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/685/7afa3ac7dbc2a3f8b0c14a7cfa87a160/large.jpg?1768397800 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/685/7afa3ac7dbc2a3f8b0c14a7cfa87a160/medium.jpg?1768397800 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/685/7afa3ac7dbc2a3f8b0c14a7cfa87a160/small.jpg?1768397800 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/685/7afa3ac7dbc2a3f8b0c14a7cfa87a160/xsmall.jpg?1768397800 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/685/7afa3ac7dbc2a3f8b0c14a7cfa87a160/xxsmall.jpg?1768397800 1 0 true Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:37:30 -0500 Choice's Legislative Agenda 2026 Advocacy in Annapolis for the Maryland General Assembly lists legislative priorities with red, blue, and yellow graphics of a pipe, two people, and scales of justice
The Choice Program at UMBC is a mentoring, diversion, and workforce development program serving young people across Maryland. For nearly 40 years, Choice has partnered with youth and families to strengthen communities through innovative, family-focused strategies that connect young people to opportunities for positive choices. Generations of UMBC students have engaged with Choice youth—most often through College Nights, a longstanding and meaningful tradition for CEL students. 

Choice's work extends beyond direct services. We also advocate for policy and legislative change during the Maryland General Assembly, which begins today Wednesday, January 14. Our policy agenda is grounded in our core values and guided by an explicit commitment to anti-racism.

We acknowledge that the legacy of white supremacy culture continues to disadvantage Black and Latine youth. Choice works to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities (RED) in Maryland’s youth-serving systems. While Black and Latine youth make up 47.2 % of Maryland’s overall youth population, they account for 90.6 % of youth in detention—a figure that represents an 11 % increase in the past decade.*

In 2021, Choice ratified the following issues as our advocacy and policy priorities:

Disrupt the School to Prison Pipeline 
  • Due process with the use of reportable offenses
  • Police free schools
  • Decriminalize disruptive behavior

Reform Youth Legal System 
  • Stop the automatic charging of youth as adults
  • Remove barriers for diversion
  • Close youth prisons

Embrace Positive Youth Development 
  • Invest in culturally-responsive, trauma-informed wellness practices
  • Change the narrative about youth from under-resourced communities
  • Mentor, hire and offer youth internship opportunities

We will continue to work for systems changes in Annapolis during the next 90 days. If you are curious about how you may engage with youth legal system reforms–from writing your legislator to attending a rally–please contact me: kquinn@umbc.edu 

In solidarity, --Kelly Quinn, Ph.D. Managing Director 






*Source: Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT Data Center and Department of Juvenile Services, Department of Juvenile Services Data Dashboard

]]> The Choice Program at UMBC is a mentoring, diversion, and workforce development program serving young people across Maryland. For nearly 40 years, Choice has partnered with youth and families to... https://choice.umbc.edu/ Document https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/3b938f8d3cb1c80287d1a953135cc12d/6a072b92/news/000/155/684/19e45a80f7f5887db111e8de4f1ac818/Choice leg priorities MGA 2026 .png?1768396168 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/155684/guest@my.umbc.edu/e7a381a7669060add08818707b8ff536/api/pixel The Shriver Center https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/shriver https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/008/0bfad113286cf6b1bc6dedbdbfc7e5ef/xsmall.png?1441293069 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/008/0bfad113286cf6b1bc6dedbdbfc7e5ef/original.jpg?1441293069 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/008/0bfad113286cf6b1bc6dedbdbfc7e5ef/xxlarge.png?1441293069 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/008/0bfad113286cf6b1bc6dedbdbfc7e5ef/xlarge.png?1441293069 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/008/0bfad113286cf6b1bc6dedbdbfc7e5ef/large.png?1441293069 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/008/0bfad113286cf6b1bc6dedbdbfc7e5ef/medium.png?1441293069 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/008/0bfad113286cf6b1bc6dedbdbfc7e5ef/small.png?1441293069 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/008/0bfad113286cf6b1bc6dedbdbfc7e5ef/xsmall.png?1441293069 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/008/0bfad113286cf6b1bc6dedbdbfc7e5ef/xxsmall.png?1441293069 The Shriver Center 3 0 true Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:12:47 -0500 Are you looking for another spring class? Check out ENTR 201, 320, and 340! Are you looking for another Spring class?

You could sign up for... 

ENTR 201: The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Learn to think like an innovative entrepreneur!  This course will guide you using real-life problems, to acquire personal attributes shared by successful social innovators and business entrepreneurs.

Or ENTR 320: Entrepreneurial Marketing   
Being able to communicate and market effectively are essential skills for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs!  In this course, develop a high-level understanding of the planning and execution of messaging and engagement within new marketing media. 

Or ENTR 340: Innovation, Creative Problem-Solving & The Social-Preneur
The world we live in is complicated and this course seeks to help you explore approaches to solving specific social problems that are too ambiguous, complex, or messy to be addressed directly through traditional strategies!   Students will work with a local, socially conscious entrepreneur (socialpreneur) and their organization to develop a solution to a real-world problem.

If one of these classes sounds interesting, be sure to enroll and add it to your class schedule!

]]> Are you looking for another Spring class? You could sign up for...  ENTR 201: The Entrepreneurial Mindset Learn to think like an innovative entrepreneur!  This course will guide you using... https://entrepreneurship.umbc.edu/entr-minor/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/155681/guest@my.umbc.edu/ee86dea3b02cd7eaeb5202bf0cd088dd/api/pixel alexbrowncenter entrepreneurship Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/entrepreneurship https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/xsmall.png?1771000363 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/original.jpg?1771000363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/xxlarge.png?1771000363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/xlarge.png?1771000363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/large.png?1771000363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/medium.png?1771000363 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/small.png?1771000363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/xsmall.png?1771000363 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/xxsmall.png?1771000363 The Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/681/caa69d7fda1d7ba005f28bbe4e0d0237/xxlarge.jpg?1768414904 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/681/caa69d7fda1d7ba005f28bbe4e0d0237/xlarge.jpg?1768414904 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/681/caa69d7fda1d7ba005f28bbe4e0d0237/large.jpg?1768414904 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/681/caa69d7fda1d7ba005f28bbe4e0d0237/medium.jpg?1768414904 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/681/caa69d7fda1d7ba005f28bbe4e0d0237/small.jpg?1768414904 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/681/caa69d7fda1d7ba005f28bbe4e0d0237/xsmall.jpg?1768414904 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/681/caa69d7fda1d7ba005f28bbe4e0d0237/xxsmall.jpg?1768414904 Spring 2026 Entrepreneurship Classes 0 0 true Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:53:51 -0500 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:22:25 -0500