With generous contributions from the UMB community, each graduating scholar received a gift card of $575 to put toward their needed supplies.
In May, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) CURE Scholars Program graduated its first cohort of scholars, coinciding with their graduation from high school. To assist with their entry into college, UMB ran a successful fundraising campaign, CURE Senior Send-Off, from April to July to help them with the needs and expenses they faced preparing to enter college in the fall.
The cost of furnishing a dorm room, buying school supplies, and other expenses not covered by financial aid and scholarships creates an economic barrier that delays or prevents students from continuing their academic dreams. With generous contributions from the UMB community, each graduating scholar received a gift card for $575 to put toward their needed supplies.
The scholars were surprised and thrilled to receive their gift, writing and calling to express their thanks and gratitude to all of those involved. As one scholar said, “I don’t know everyone who contributed to the gift card, but I just wanted to say thank you so much and I greatly appreciate it!” Another shared, “I feel so grateful and blessed. Thank you for continuing this journey with me and helping to provide me with the things I need while attending college. I miss you all and will try to visit when I’m back home.”
Many of the scholars who graduated have participated in the program since middle school with CURE’s inception in 2015. Through mentoring and internships, CURE offers a comprehensive pipeline to prepare students for health care, cancer research, and STEM careers, transforming their academic journey.
This month, the latest installment of the “From West Baltimore” documentary — “12th Grade” — aired on Maryland Public Television. The documentary series features students in the CURE program, and “12th Grade” follows five high school seniors in West Baltimore as they complete their final year of high school and prepare for their next steps. You can watch the documentary here and learn more about the UMB CURE Scholars Program at www.umaryland.edu/cure-scholars/.