“This is the school I want. This feels like home."
That reaction from a Next Generation Scholar captured the heart of the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education’s (MBRT) recent visit to the University of Maryland, College Park. For many students, the day was more than just a campus tour – it was a powerful opportunity to see themselves in a college space and begin imagining what’s possible.
The spring visit began with an engaging information session, where students learned about the University of Maryland’s academic programs, campus culture and the admissions process. This foundational overview provides students with a better understanding of what it takes to apply and succeed at a large university.
One of the most impactful moments of the day came from a student panel, featuring current UMD students who shared honest, authentic college experiences. Among the panelists were MBRT alumni Madison Messick (Kent County High School) and Taryn Waters (Colonel Richardson High School), who offered relatable perspectives and encouragement to the group. They were joined by students selected specifically for their background coming from small towns and rural communities, ensuring that Eastern Shore and Western Maryland high school students would see experiences that reflected their own.
Following the panel, students participated in a guided tour of UMD’s expansive campus. Many enjoyed seeing the campus and learning about the wide variety of clubs available. As one student shared, “There is something here for everyone!” Others commented on the strong sense of community and how welcoming the campus felt. The day concluded at Yahentamitsi Dining Hall, where students experienced campus dining and got a taste of everyday college life.
Student feedback reflected the impact felt throughout the day:
- 94% of students reported the visit was a positive experience, the information was useful and the activities added value.
- 100% of students shared that they understood the purpose of the visit.
But the most telling were the conversations that followed. Several juniors shared that they plan to apply to UMD this fall. Aidan, a senior at Kent County High School, already committed to UMD College Park for Fall 2026 and was excited to deepen his connection to the campus he will soon call home.
Leonard Webb, MBRT Next Generation Scholars Program Sr. Manager for Allegany County, reflected on the significance of the experience:
“College visits are an experience that goes far beyond the campus. Our students were exposed to a student panel sharing real, unfiltered college experiences and a firsthand look at campus life and academic expectations. Moments like this matter. Exposure creates vision. Vision creates opportunities. For our scholars, this isn’t just a trip. It’s a chance to see themselves in a space they can work toward. [We are] grateful to continue creating pathways and opening doors for students.”
The connection between MBRT and UMD College Park will continue this summer as the MBRT NextGen NextLevel Student Leadership Conference will be hosted at UMD College Park on June 24. Hosting this event on campus further reinforces students’ exposure to college environments while supporting leadership development during their transition to post-secondary pathways.
A special thank you to the STARS College Network at University of Maryland for partnering with MBRT to bring this impactful campus visit to life.
