become a Scholar

student being kissed by mom, standing nex to dad

The C.D. Mote, Jr. Incentive Awards Program is granted on the basis of outstanding character, academic commitment, financial need and the ability to prevail against difficult circumstances, among other qualities. The program seeks students with a sense of their potential and belief in their ability to succeed and achieve goals.

The 2027 application will be active in February. If you have any questions, please email incentiveawrds@umd.edu or speak with your guidance counselor.

The application process includes:

  1. Part I: Personal Data Form
  2. Part II: Essay Questions
  3. One letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, employer and/or community leader.
  4. Individual and committee interviews.

Make sure you review and meet the eligibility requirements below.
All students must:

  • Be graduating seniors from Baltimore City, Charles County, Montgomery County, or Prince George's County public high schools or from a select group of Baltimore City private schools.

  • Apply to the University of Maryland by November 1 and be admitted for the fall semester. We regret that students admitted for the spring semester cannot be considered.

  • Be eligible for the Pell Grant as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Candidates who cannot demonstrate significant financial need will not be considered.

All Incentive Awards Program competitions start in the fall, end in the spring and are by invitation only. Express your interest to your guidance counselor and email any questions to us at incentiveawards@umd.edu.

Application Timeline


Nov. 1 - Apply to the University of Maryland.

March 1 - Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Feb./March - Eligible students will be invited to apply to IAP

Submit your IAP application as soon as possible but no later than the deadline in your invitation letter.

April 1 - Notification of final decisions

FAQs

Yes, you must apply and be accepted to the University of Maryland to be considered for the Incentive Awards Program.

Only admitted students from IAP’s target regions can participate in the program.

No, the award is only applicable to the University of Maryland in College Park.

Unlike traditional merit-based scholarships, the Incentive Awards Program has not established minimum grades to determine student eligibility. The program seeks students who have demonstrated a commitment to academic success—in other words, students who consistently exhibit a love of learning, diligence and a desire to perform to the best of their ability. Nevertheless, every student must be admissible to the University of Maryland.

The Incentive Award covers the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for four years, or eight consecutive fall and spring semesters, not to exceed financial need. Students are responsible for purchasing their own books, supplies and personal items.

All students must be eligible to receive the Pell Grant, according to the federal government, which is determined upon completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Incentive Award scholars are not merely scholarship winners; they are also influential members of their communities. As part of the program, they are required to maintain close ties with their home and school communities, returning each year in the fall semester to speak with younger students about the importance of proper preparation for a higher education. This leadership is crucial to raising the aspirations of many, many young people in Maryland communities to include college in their future plans.

Congratulations! Yes, we encourage students who receive an invitation to such programs to accept it. These programs offer numerous opportunities and benefits and will only enrich your college experience.