October 1, 2015
First and foremost, thank you for your interest in the DeSousa-Brent Program at St. Mary’s College of
Maryland, and in joining the 2016 cohort for DeSousa-Brent.
Attached to this letter you will find the application for acceptance to the DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program
(DBSP). Candidates should complete the application in its entirety to be considered for admission to the DBSP.
The DBSP was established at St. Mary's College of Maryland to cultivate the academic and leadership potential of talented students from groups traditionally underrepresented at St. Mary’s. This select program prepares a community of scholars to guide the College’s efforts to increase its understanding and practice of diversity and inclusion. Entering students to St. Mary’s College of Maryland may apply for selection to the DBSP as they apply for admission to the college. Selection to DeSousa-Brent is open to entering students; however, special focus is placed on students how meet one or more of the following criteria:

Students who are the first in their family to graduate from a four year college

Students who are eligible for Pell Grants

Students from urban and rural communities

Students from ethnic minority groups

Students with learning disabilities

Students with leadership potential
Please note that any student can be admitted to the DBSP, t he above are examples of typical factors used in the selection process. Scholars may also be selected at the discretion of the program staff. Some of the unique offerings of the program include, but are not limited to:
1.
A two-week, credit-bearing Summer Bridge Program that introduces you to college life and to the professors, staff, and students who will become some of your best friends over the next four years.
2.
An exclusive CORE 101 First-Year Seminar that critically examines issues of class, gender, ethnicity, disability, and more in America.
3.
A spring semester leadership seminar that propels you into campus leadership.
4.
Workshops on time management, study skills, résumé writing, interviewing, and more.
5.
Academic coaching by college professors committed to the DeSousa-Brent mission, vision and values.
6.
Opportunities to become peer mentors, summer researchers, interns, and more.
7.
A vibrant community of support that ensures you access to people and other campus resources that will help you excel at St. Mary’s and beyond.
To ensure a fair and equitable selection process, please note the following application procedures and requirements.

First, all students seeking admittance to the DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program must also be admitted to St.
Mary’s College of Maryland, as a full-time degree seeking student during their initial semester of enrollment.
This helps us establish a cohesive cohort and better evaluate the overall success of the program.
Next, the DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program staff will evaluate the leadership potential and commitment to service of all program applicants based on the information provided in the application. Please note that selection into the DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program is not automatic. In addition to being admitted to St.
Mary’s College, applicants must demonstrate significant accomplishment and/or participation in the specific areas indicated on the application form.
Third, please be sure that all activities and accomplishments included in the application have taken place during your tenure as a high school student. Please do not include anything that occurred before you were in high school.
Lastly, we ask that you type your application. If you have difficulties or circumstance that prevents you from typing your application. Please contact the DeSousa-Brent office at 240-895-2185. Completed applications may be sent to:
Dr. F. J. Talley, Director
DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
47645 College Drive
St. Mary's City, MD 20686-3001
Or, they may be sent to my email address: fjtalley@smcm.edu.
On behalf of myself and the DBSP staff, want to sincerely thank you for your interest in the program and wish you the best of luck in completing your application.
Warm regards,
F. J. Talley
F.J. Talley, Ph.D.
DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program, Director

Program Application
Please complete all sections. Do not be modest; every component of this application contains important information that will help the selection committee make an informed decision. Note: completion of this form does not guarantee selection.
I. General Information (Please type):
Name :
High School attended and your Cumulative GPA (will be verified) :
II. Co-curricular Activities: (25% of overall score)
List all activities in which you have participated during high school. Include clubs, teams, musical groups, etc., and major accomplishments in each. Also list any leadership positions you have held relative to that activity.
Feel free to attach additional pages if you wish.
Activity 9 10 11 12 Accomplishments/ leadership

III. Community Service/volunteerism/work experience (25% of overall score)
List community activities in which you have participated and note any major accomplishment or leadership positions held in each. These should be any activities outside of school in which you participated for the betterment of your community.
Community Activity 9 10 11 12
Number of
Hours per Week
Leadership positions held/major accomplishments; length of position(s) held
Leadership Position(s); Length:
1.
2.
3.
Major Accomplishments:
Name & Contact Information for
Adult Sponsor*
Leadership Position(s); Length:
1.
2.
3.
Major Accomplishments:
Leadership Position(s); Length:
1.
2.
3.
Major Accomplishments:
* Please include complete contact information so that we can verify your participation in the above activities if necessary. Also, if you have additional activities, feel free to attach a separate page to the application..

IV. Personal Statement/ Essay: (25 pts.)
The last section of your application is a personal statement of no more than 250 words. Please complete your essay in the space provided below. Please address why you want to become a DeSousa-Brent Scholar, and what motivates you to graduate college in four years. In your essay you should introduce yourself, and describe your personal strengths and qualities that motivate you to graduate in four years. Please note: proofreading edits are not available in this application. Students are encouraged to compose your draft in a word processor and copy into the application.
V: Interview: (25 pts.)
Finalists for selection into the DeSousa-Brent Scholars program will participate in an “interview” -- a conversation that will allow the program staff to learn more about you and for you to expand on your essay.
Interviews will be conducted on the campus of St. Mary's College of Maryland or at locations throughout the
State of Maryland depending on the applicant pool. Applicants are expected to dress in professional attire or school uniform.
VI. Comments and questions
Please use the space below to provide any additional comments or questions that you wish to share with the committee.
I understand that if I am accepted into the DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program at St. Mary's College of
Maryland, that I will be expected to attend the Summer Bridge Program, July 15 - July 30, 2016, and to participate fully in all program activities. Further, I will commit myself to full participation in my leadership project during my first year at the college and to continue to demonstrate leadership and service while enrolled as a student.
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Student Signature Date
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Parent/ Guardian Signature
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Date