Our Crowdfunding Groups
The Terp DREAM Scholarship was established at the University of Maryland in September 2015. It offers financial assistance to first-generation college students seeking undergraduate degrees at UMD. Everyone needs assistance to learn, achieve and be successful and that help can come from a variety of sources - through policy changes; supportive mentors, family members and communities; and scholarships. Some students grow up in communities where college education is simply not possible without help. The Terp DREAM Scholarship can mean the difference between being the first in a family to graduate or having to put educational goals on hold.
YOUR contribution is important and will go toward increasing the Terp DREAM Scholarship to the endowment level at $50,000. This would allow for roughly $2,500 to be awarded annually to one or more first-generation students seeking an undergraduate degree at UMD. By reaching the endowment level, the Terp Dream Scholarship becomes a permanent, annual scholarship.
***$1,000 Matching Gift Challenge***
"As an educator, I understand that undocumented students have multiple identities. For many, in addition to being undocumented, they are also first-generation students. These students are just as talented, motivated, and deserving as their peers. However, given their multiple identities, many have access to fewer resources and opportunities that would help them achieve their dreams. I feel deeply compelled to do my part to create greater equity in our learning environments and I hope this matching gift of up to $1,000 will encourage community members to join me in support of our undocumented students."
-Sarah Longwell, Resident Director
Support for First Generation and Undocumented Students is a priority at the University of Maryland. Currently, we estimate 150 students who fall into the category of first generation or undocumented (Dreamer). Most of these students are undergraduates, the majority of whom have DACA or applied through the Maryland Dream Act. Unfortunately, some are still forced to pay out-of-state tuition even if they grew up in Maryland. The University of Maryland provides access to emotional health and well-being, UndocuTerp training, networking, and a full-time Undocumented Student Program Coordinator. The coordinator informs students about their rights and provides support through scholarships, contingency plans, community networking, on-campus outreach, workshops and events.
Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents. Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.
Learn More:
Groceries are expensive, especially for college students living on their own for the first time.
Cover transportation costs to campus or an internship and greatly reduce a student's financial stress.
Many students are paying their own way through college and even those who are helped by the Maryland Dream Act, receiving in-state tuition, struggle to cover all of the costs as they are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Covers processing fees for legal documentation to renew immigration status thus alleviating financial and emotional stress.
Many of our students hold different responsibilities within the community and their families. Sometimes financial burdens are placed on them forcing them to make tough decisions such as paying for rent or paying for their tuition.