[Apgar Foundation](http://apgarfoundation.org/grantprograms.html)

April 2026 (Application deadline) | May 2026 (Award ceremony)

$1,000 grand prize; $500 for three finalists; awarded annually to four students

Supports University of Maryland students demonstrating leadership, innovation, and enterprise, with awards recognizing achievements in these areas.

Only full-time UMD students with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible.

--- ## Description The Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets, supported by the Apgar Foundation, fosters social progress through interdisciplinary research, educational programs, and outreach focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the principles of free markets. Among its initiatives, the Center offers the annual Leadership Award to recognize University of Maryland students who exemplify leadership, innovation, and enterprise, as well as a variety of development opportunities for students, researchers, and business leaders. --- ## Due Dates - **Application deadline (anticipated):** April 2026 - **Award ceremony (anticipated):** May 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Grand prize:** $1,000 - **Three finalists:** $500 each - **Frequency:** Awarded annually to four students --- ## Eligibility - Full-time students enrolled in any major at the University of Maryland - Minimum GPA of 3.0 - Demonstrated commitment to leadership, innovation, and positive contributions to the campus or broader community --- ## Application Process Applicants must submit: - An unofficial transcript - An essay (500 words or less) explaining how their achievements align with the award’s values, with specific examples - One letter of recommendation addressing leadership and achievements - A current resume Applications are reviewed by a committee, and finalists are honored at a ceremony near the end of the spring semester. The application form is typically available online through the Center’s website. --- ## Additional Information - The Center also offers other programs such as the Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) summer program for high school students, The Intentional Life Lab, and research opportunities for UMD affiliates. - Some programs offer need-based scholarships. - The Apgar Foundation, the funder, is sunsetting in 2026, which may affect future funding cycles. --- ## External Links - [Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets (UMD)](https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/centers-initiatives/snider-center) - [Ed Snider Center Leadership Award Details](https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/centers/snider-center/programs-initiatives/leadership-award) - [Programs & Curricula Overview](https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/centers/snider-center/programs-initiatives) - [Snider Enterprise & Leadership Fellows (SELF)](https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/centers/snider-center/programs-initiatives/self) - [Apgar Foundation Grant Programs](http://apgarfoundation.org/grantprograms.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Ed Snider Center | [edsnidercenter@umd.edu](mailto:edsnidercenter@umd.edu) | 301-405-2970 | 4568 Van Munching Hall, College Park, MD 20742 | | Apgar Foundation | [info@apgarfoundation.org](mailto:info@apgarfoundation.org) | 317-570-2345 | See [Apgar Foundation website](http://apgarfoundation.org/) |

Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets

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