The University System of Maryland (USM) Langenberg Legacy Program invites applicants for the 2nd class of Langenberg Legacy Fellows. Students who are motivated to improve the world we live in through local, justice-oriented action are encouraged to apply. Each institution with USM is invited to nominate one Langenberg Legacy Fellow and by completing this application you will be entered into the selection process of College Park undergraduate and graduate student applicants at the University of Maryland. There will be one Legacy fellow selected for the University of Maryland – College Park to take their place among others from within the USM institution fellows.
Program Description: USM is committed to civic education and civic engagement, and the Langenberg Legacy is a grant program that supports this priority by funding student-led projects dedicated to civic engagement. The Langenberg Legacy evolved out of the Langenberg Lecture and Award program, which was originally established to honor former USM Chancellor Donald N. Langenberg on his retirement in 2002. The existential threats of our time include wealth inequality, the climate crisis, voter suppression, and widespread disinformation campaigns, among others. Students are invited to propose projects that aim to combat these threats on a small scale, promoting justice within their university community. USM encourages participation from students representing a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.
➢ Projects must take place on campus or within the campus community.
➢ Projects are action-oriented. You are welcome to include a research component in your project, but you must include an activity (e.g., event, lecture, panel discussion, volunteering).
➢ Projects must involve a faculty or staff sponsor. As part of the application process, you are responsible for finding a faculty or staff member on campus to act as your sponsor to assist in project implementation.
➢ Projects may be completed in the summer of 2023 or fall of 2023.
Program Benefits:
Through the Langenberg Legacy, students will receive:
Ø $1,000 stipend at the beginning of the project
Ø $500 at the end of the project, following completion of all program requirements
Ø Invitation to participate in community building activities hosted by the USM during the coming year, such as networking meet-and-greets, professional development webinars, and events to recognize Fellows and their work
Through the Langenberg Legacy, faculty/staff will receive:
Ø $500 at the end of the project
Ø Invitation to participate in community building activities hosted by the USM during the coming year, such as networking meet-and-greets
Program Requirements:
➢ Complete and submit your application by the deadline of March 10, 2023 and submit your completed application to Dr. Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, Director, Adele H. Stamp
Student Union – Center for Campus Life (see Application Questions and Application Submission sections below)
➢ Find a faculty/staff sponsor to write you a letter of recommendation by the deadline for applications, and advise you on your proposed project. This is the individual that would be compensated for your project advisement.
➢ Complete a final report after completing your project. The report should include a brief description of project and a personal reflection on how the project impacted you and the campus community. (1,000-word maximum, due March 10, 2023; complete instructions will be sent to student Fellows).
Application Questions
1. Civic Engagement (max. 500 words)
What does “civic engagement” mean to you? How do you see civic engagement contributing to a more just society?
2. Project Description (max. 500 words)
Describe your proposed project, making sure to include the scope, potential participants, intended goals, and anticipated outcomes. Your goals should be clearly stated and related to civic engagement, however you may interpret that. Goals should be measurable and realistic, though ambitious.
3. Resume (max. 1 page)
Attach your current resume, making sure it includes experience that has prepared you to accomplish your proposed project. This experience may be paid jobs, volunteer commitments, internships, campus involvement, or relevant coursework.
4. Letter of Recommendation (max. 1 page)
Attach a letter of recommendation from your faculty or staff sponsor. The letter should speak to your strengths as a Langenberg Legacy Fellow candidate and your capacity to complete the project you have proposed.
Application Submission
Before submitting your application, look over it and make sure you have addressed all of the criteria listed in the evaluation rubric. You may ask your faculty/staff sponsor to review your application as well.
Submit all required components listed above to the link below no later than March 10, 2023. If you have questions about the Langenberg Legacy program, you can contact cece@usmd.edu. If you have questions about the application process at the University of Maryland – College Park, you can contact Marsha Guenzler-Stevens Ph.D. at mguenzle@umd.edu and/or at (301) 314-8505.
