The Board of Regents Student Excellence Scholarships recognize outstanding University System of Maryland students for excellence in leadership, service, creativity, and academics, and each awardee receives a $2,000 scholarship and commemorative stole.
Overview
- The scholarships honor exceptional undergraduate and graduate students across the USM who make significant contributions to campus and community life in alignment with USM’s mission of developing future leaders in policy, science, technology, business, education, arts, and culture.
- Awardees are recognized by the Chancellor and Board of Regents at a ceremony in May, and the scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be enrolled at a USM institution (including via a Regional Higher Education Center) in Spring 2026, be in good academic standing with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and be in good conduct/disciplinary standing.
- Students may submit only one application and are ineligible to apply in the same category if they won a Board of Regents Excellence Scholarship in that category last year.
Award Categories
- Up to two undergraduates (one first- or second-year, one third- or fourth-year) and one graduate student may be selected across four categories: Leadership and Advocacy, Outreach and Engagement, Innovation and Creative Activity, and Academics, Scholarship, and Research.
- Leadership and Advocacy and Outreach and Engagement applications must be based on work that is not part of a course, internship, or job, while Innovation and Creative Activity may build from such work if extended beyond course or job requirements; Academics, Scholarship, and Research emphasizes records such as strong GPA, publications, research, and competitive presentations.
Application Requirements
- By Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST, applicants must submit an online application with: a 300–350-word essay, a resume, and a bulleted list of 2–4 key experiences; Academics category applicants must also upload a Fall 2025 unofficial transcript.
- One recommendation letter must be emailed directly by a non-student recommender to bor-studentexcellencescholarships@usmd.edu, and applications are considered incomplete and not evaluated if any required materials or the letter are missing.
Selection and Impact
- Applications are evaluated on demonstrated success in the chosen category, clear and specific examples of impact, evidence of long-term commitment, and the quality of the written materials and recommendation letter.
- Institutions will verify academic and conduct standing, financial aid offices will apply the scholarship within aid limits and allowable educational expenses, and students should consult IRS Publication 970 or a tax professional regarding any tax implications.
