UMBC’s STRiVE retreat has inspired hundreds of undergraduate students in the past 14 years. Now it's your turn. Spend five days building community and developing skills while exploring leadership for social impact. You will emerge with greater clarity and confidence about the contributions you want to make.
This year’s STRiVE retreat will take place January 9-13, 2023. STRiVE participants will make new friends, discover their strengths and values, learn how to work more effectively in groups, 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 2023, complete this form by Monday, November 7, 2022.
The Center for Democracy and Civic Life hosts STRiVE in partnership with the Student Government Association, with support from PNC Bank. More information on this program is available below.
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STRiVE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is STRiVE?
STRiVE is an intensive and engaging, five day leadership for social impact retreat that helps inspire and support students in becoming more effective leaders and contributors to their communities, especially the UMBC community. STRiVE participants develop friendships; discover strengths and values; learn how to work more effectively in groups; envision contributions they could make at UMBC; engage issues relating to identity, privilege, and systemic oppression; and tackle both simulated and real leadership and social change challenges.
Do I have to be an “involved” student to attend STRiVE?
STRiVE will be helpful to any student regardless of previous involvement or leadership experience. No prior experience is necessary. For many participants, STRiVE will be their first step on the path to deep engagement at UMBC. We are looking for a diverse group of students committed to developing their skills and applying them to contribute to 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?
STRiVE 2023 will take place from January 9-13, 2023. To participate, you must be available to attend the entire retreat.
Where will STRiVE be held?
We are planning to host STRiVE 2023 in-person with appropriate COVID safety measures at Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, MD (round trip bus transportation from the UMBC campus will be provided to participants). Participants will stay in motel-style rooms and all activities will be held on site.
How much does it cost to attend STRiVE?
UMBC covers most of the cost of each participant’s attendance. However, each participant pays a $100, non-refundable contribution toward the retreat's cost. Financial assistance is available. If you are selected to participate in STRiVE 2023, we will send you a form that includes the financial aid request. We do not want the $100 contribution to be a barrier to anyone’s participation.
When is the application due?
Monday, November 7, 2022.
When will accepted applicants be informed?
All applicants will receive emails in late November letting them know about the status of their applications.
How can I find out more information about STRiVE?
Please contact UMBC's Center for Democracy and Civic Life by sending an email to civiclife@umbc.edu