UMB CURE Scholars Program

The UMB CURE Scholars Program is a groundbreaking year-round program that seeks to empower middle school and high school students in West Baltimore for competitive and rewarding research, health care, and STEM-related career opportunities.
A CURE Scholar explains her project during programming.
With a focus on academic and career success, UMB CURE Scholars is setting a path toward empowering students in Baltimore's underserved and vulnerable communities. The program is committed to mentoring, training, and empowering students toward high academic achievement, college entrance, and a competitive and rewarding future in research, STEM, or health care professions.
A CURE Scholar presents his research poster at the American Association of Cancer Research.
By introducing students to these fields at a young age, UMB CURE Scholars hopes to inspire dedication to higher education and STEM careers that will empower the students and their community to help alleviate medical and educational disparities.
91% Scholar Retention (Over 4 Years), 76% Improved in Math, 60% Improved in Reading/Language Arts, 41% GPA 3.0 or Higher, 746 Total Mentors
Launched in 2015, the UMB CURE Scholars Program is the only program of its kind in the country that has mentored and supported students from middle school all the way to entering college. Among the scholars, 76 percent show improvement in math, 60 percent show improvement in reading, and the program can claim a 91 percent retention rate, all possible thanks in part to a growing support system of mentors in research, health care, and other STEM-related fields.

Documentary

The UMB CURE Scholars Program has been featured in an acclaimed documentary series on Maryland Public Television (MPT) that follows CURE Scholars Shakeer Franklin, Tyler McKenzie, Princaya Sanders, Courtney Jacobs, and Davioin Hill as they continue their life journey and work to complete their education goals. The first film, From West Baltimore, was nominated for an Emmy Award by the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
A poster teases 12th Grade: From West Baltimore, the fifth in a series of documentaries about five CURE Scholars.
The next three documentaries followed the five scholars through the eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades. The latest in the series, 12th Grade: From West Baltimore follows these students as they navigate their senior year. Watch the documentary series.

Testimonials

CURE Scholar Princaya Saunders
When Princaya Saunders joined the UMB CURE Scholars Program in sixth grade, she wanted to grow up to be a professional wrestler. Through the program and its mentorship, she was introduced to STEM opportunities that inspired her to shift her career aspirations to an anesthesiologist.
CURE Scholar Ke'ron Jones (left) stands with her mentor, Adrienne Kambouris.
“I grew up in Baltimore City public schools. I became a mentor because I wanted the students to be able to understand that not only are their dreams possible, but there also are people out there who can help you accomplish them.”

Adrienne Kambouris, MD/PhD student at UMB and CURE mentor
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