The University of Maryland School of Public Policy's Institute for Public Leadership (IPL) has announced a three-year commitment to provide fellowship funding to the Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program. This partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding between the two programs, will provide substantial financial support to nurture the next generation of public leaders through 2027.
Under the agreement, IPL will contribute $1,500 per Rawlings fellow, supporting up to 20 fellows each academic year. This commitment translates to a maximum of $30,000 annually, totaling up to $90,000 over the three-year period. The funding will enhance the program's ability to offer robust leadership development experiences to undergraduate students passionate about public service.
The Rawlings program, known for its dedication to developing champions for marginalized voices in leadership and decision-making processes, continues under the stewardship of Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Nina Harris, who stated:
“This is an amazing opportunity to support students who want to go out in the world and make real, substantial change in the State of Maryland and the surrounding communities. This funding deepens our commitment to the year-long Community Action Project and demonstrates the Institute’s investment in the next generation of leaders who serve.”
As part of this collaboration, Harris has been designated as a senior fellow in IPL for the duration of the agreement.
“We are thrilled to support the program and continue honoring the legacy of Pete Rawlings and his longtime leadership in Maryland,” said IPL Director and Associate Professor John Ronquillo. “Dr. Harris’s stewardship of this program is commendable, and her imprint on leadership initiatives at the University of Maryland is admirable. We’re so grateful to have her affiliated with IPL.”
This partnership aligns closely with IPL's mission to advance the practice and study of public leadership. It particularly emphasizes the Institute's commitment to empowering underrepresented voices and cultivating robust experiential learning opportunities for students.
For more information about the Institute for Public Leadership and the Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program, please visit ipl.umd.edu and spp.umd.edu/rawlings-undergraduate-leadership-fellows-program.
