The Center for Democracy and Civic Life hosts a reflective journaling project to create space for individual reflection on personal experiences with important civic implications. UMBC student, faculty, staff, and alumni journal bearers respond to prompts from the Center by creating entries in their journals, and sometimes submitting photos of their entries to be shared publicly. This sharing can take the form of social media posts like this, art projects, or conversations at journal bearer gatherings.

If you’d like to be involved with the journaling project, send us an email: civiclife@umbc.edu.

UMBC’s STRiVE leadership and social change retreat has inspired hundreds of undergraduate students in the past 10 years. Now it's your turn.

This year’s STRiVE retreat will take place January 7-11, 2019. STRiVE participants will make new friends, learn about themselves, reflect on values and ethics, work in teams to envision contributions they could make at UMBC, and tackle both simulated and real leadership and social change challenges. Past STRiVE participants have gotten deeply involved in campus organizations and initiatives, and have made phenomenal contributions.

To apply for a spot in STRiVE 2019, complete this form by Sunday, November 11, 2018. 

STRiVE is hosted by UMBC's Center for Democracy and Civic Life, and sponsored by the UMBC Student Government Association. More information on this program is available below.

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STRiVE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is STRiVE?

STRiVE is an intensive, engaging and exhilarating off-campus leadership retreat (5 days, 4 nights) developed by UMBC to help students become more effective leaders on campus and throughout their lives. STRiVE participants will make new friends, learn about themselves, reflect on values and ethics, work in teams to envision contributions they could make at UMBC, and tackle both simulated and real leadership and social change challenges. The STRiVE experience will include a bonfire, challenge course, games and other fun activities.

Do I have to be an “involved” student to attend STRiVE?

Absolutely not! STRiVE will be helpful to any student regardless of previous involvement or leadership experience. No prior experience is necessary! We are looking for a diverse group of students committed to developing their leadership skills and applying them to create positive change in the campus community. The application asks about campus involvement only to give the STRiVE planning team a sense of the different perspectives participants will bring to the retreat.

When is STRiVE?

The dates for STRiVE will be January 7 - 11, 2019.

Where is STRiVE being held?

STRiVE will be held at Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, Maryland. Participants will stay in motel-style rooms (sharing a room with 1 other student) and all activities will be held on site. Bus transportation between UMBC and the retreat site will be provided.

How much does it cost to attend STRiVE?

UMBC covers most of the cost of each participant’s attendance. However, there is a participation fee of $100 that helps cover some of the cost of transportation, lodging and food. Money should not be a barrier to attendance, however, and participants will be able to complete a form to request financial assistance.

When is the application due?

Original deadline: Sunday, November 4, 2018. Extended deadline: Sunday, November 11, 2018.

When will are accepted applicants informed?

Applicants will receive an email in late November with additional details about participating in STRiVE.

How can I find out more information about STRiVE?

Please contact David Hoffman at dhoffman@umbc.edu.