Call for Applications: UMBC Entrepreneurial Learning Lab (ELL)

Application Link: https://forms.gle/k3gNEAfn2bdKDJhU8

Dear UMBC faculty,

We are thrilled to invite applications for the Entrepreneurial Learning Lab (ELL)—UMBC's newest professional development experience designed to equip faculty with the tools, frameworks, and confidence to innovate within their teaching, research, and scholarly activities. 

The ELL is a hands-on, cohort-based learning community that helps faculty transform ideas into impactful, scalable opportunities. Whether you are exploring the translational potential of your research, reimagining a course, launching a new initiative, or developing your entrepreneurial mindset, this program provides the structure and support to elevate your goals.

A partnership between the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ABCEI) and the Engineering and Computing Education Program (ECEP), ELL strengthens faculty capacity to identify opportunities, solve meaningful problems, and expand UMBC's culture of innovation and real-world impact. 

What You'll Gain

Throughout the semester, participants engage in interactive workshops aligned with core entrepreneurial competencies such as:

Opportunity recognition, Value delivery, Entrepreneurial mindset, Storytelling

By the end of the program, each faculty member will complete:

• A Lean Canvas mapped to their project, idea, or research
• A clear action plan for applying entrepreneurial mindset principles
• A pitch deck presented during the final ELL Showcase

Participants also gain an enhanced ability to integrate innovation into curriculum, proposals, and research, along with access to a cross-disciplinary community of faculty innovators. 

Eligibility

The Spring 2026 cohort is open to:

• All full-time UMBC faculty (tenured, tenure-track, and non-tenure-track lecturers)

Participants must commit to attending all workshops and completing one project over the semester.
Upon successful completion, faculty receive a $1,500 professional development stipend. 

Applicants should discuss their project idea with their department chair before applying. Selected participants must have approval prior to the cohort start.

Workshop Series (Spring 2026)

Workshop dates will be announced after cohort selection.
Beginning late January/early February, five workshops will be held in 2-hour block sessions.

Important Notes

• We aim to form a cohort representing the diversity of UMBC's programs and project visions.

• Application Deadline: Tuesday, December 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM 

• Apply here: https://forms.gle/k3gNEAfn2bdKDJhU8

• Notifications will be sent in early January.

• Attendance at all workshops is required.

Questions?