A consortium of researchers dedicated to improving the understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism

*New!* START Scholarship Opportunity for Maryland Undergraduates

START is now accepting applications for its Undergraduate Career Development Program for students at the University of Maryland, College Park, who are interested in pursuing careers in the field of homeland security. The program will provide high-achieving students who have pursued curriculum relevant to homeland security with professional development opportunities designed to help ensure that they are well prepared for pursuing careers in this field. In addition, students who participate in this program will receive generous financial support to off-set a portion of the costs of their education at Maryland.

Undergraduate participants in the START Career Development Program will be provided:

  • A START Undergraduate Scholarship of $15,000 towards tuition, room and board, and fees for one academic year
  • Support for travel to and registration at one relevant professional conference
  • One-on-one mentoring with a professional in the homeland security arena and from the leadership of the START Center
  • Meetings with officials from the public and private sector working in positions related to homeland security
  • Active involvement in a research project related to improving understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism
  • In return, participating students will commit to working for a minimum of one year in the homeland security arena, following graduation.

Eligibility Requirements: The START Career Development Program is available to highly qualified students enrolled full-time at the University of Maryland, College Park, who have completed coursework related to homeland security generally and/or terrorism studies specifically. The program is designed for students who will be starting their junior or senior years in August 2009. Students enrolled in Maryland's Undergraduate Minor in Terrorism Studies are encouraged to apply, but the program will not be exclusive to this cohort, and students from any College within the College Park campus are eligible. Students from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. In addition, eligible students must meet the following criteria:

  • Agreement to commit a minimum of one year (12 months) of employment in the homeland security workforce (in the public, private, or non-profit sector) following graduation;
  • Maintenance of an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher, with a 3.5 GPA or higher in homeland-security relevant courses (as determined by the selection committee); and
  • Possession of U.S. citizenship.

A total of 4 undergraduate students will be selected for participation in this program for the Fall 2009-2010 Academic Year. An information session for undergraduates interested in the START Career Development Program will be held on Tuesday April 7 from 1:00-1:30 p.m. in 3121 Symons Hall. Applications are due Monday April 20, 2009, at 5:00 pm.

To apply Go to Undergraduate Scholarship Information