Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience
Enterprising Leader (BMGT262) Course
Launched in 2015, the SELF program is an inspiring and unique summer program that accepts applications from innovative and motivated high school students. The course empowers students to become the CEO of ME (My Enterprise), Inc. while exploring the power of individual creativity and free markets to deliver solutions to problems in the world that they are passionate about solving. The student “fellows” are introduced to a life philosophy rooted in self-reliance and self-discovery while learning how to develop a personal leadership plan.
Working in teams, students engage with leading faculty and business executives to proactively apply what they learn to real-world problems while gaining a better understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset. Work is done in a highly collaborative group setting and culminates in the presentation of a venture pitch. Additionally, students are exposed to marketing, strategy, market-based economics and personal finance. They will learn the value of business in society as they develop enterprise and leadership skills that enable personal happiness and upward mobility, all while forging friendships that will last through and beyond college.
Nearly 350 students have participated in SELF since 2015 and in summer 2024, we are excited to again offer the SELF program experience as a 3-credit undergraduate course through Terp Young Scholars. Offered, in-person on the University of Maryland's College Park campus or online through the UMD's web-based learning management system, as BMGT262 “Enterprising Leader” the course is a three-week pre-college experience where students learn about leadership, teamwork, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Students who select the commuter in-person option discover UMD’s outstanding facilities and amenities while living at home and commuting daily to College Park. Students who select the 100% online learning option engage in interactive virtual activities that provide insights into the UMD experience. (Note: the program does not offer an option that provides campus housing).
About the Course
- Become the CEO of ME (My Enterprise), Inc
- Test creative ideas and receive feedback from industry experts
- Gain a competitive edge by solving real-world problems under the guidance of award-winning faculty
- Network with current and future thought leaders
“I quickly learned that succeeding in business is as much about knowing yourself as it is about knowing your discipline.” — Kavon (SELF program alum)
“This is the time to discover the “why” of your life and learn the mindsets and tools that will create deep personal fulfillment and self-confidence. That’s the best preparation for success in any career!” — Rajshree Agarwal, Director, Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets
To enroll in this course, an application to Terp Young Scholars must be completed and the application must be accepted.
See sample syllabus and schedule. A formal syllabus and schedule will be sent to accepted students.
Questions? Please email edsnidercenter@umd.edu and include SELF in the subject line to ensure a response.
Testimonials
"SELF was the most rewarding high school program ever I attended, and now as a University of Maryland student, it continues to offer me countless opportunities. Beyond helping me select my business major, SELF provided me with skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and design thinking, which are applicable in any field of study. The value of SELF doesn’t end after the summer is over; my closest friends on campus are other SELF alumni, and as an executive board member of the SELF-based club on campus, Snider Leadership Development Club, I get to continue my personal growth while making an impact on campus. I cannot imagine my life without SELF, it helped me discover my passion for business, redefined what I thought I was capable of, and inspired me to come to the University of Maryland!” - Sarah Lodder, SELF Cohort 1, UMD Class of 2020, Marketing and Information Systems double major
“The SELF program was very eye-opening for me. I learned many important business concepts such as how to construct a business model canvas and how to deliver the perfect speech. SELF allowed me to experience what it is like to be a part of the Smith School prior to college and left me in awe. I was inspired by the brilliant, enthusiastic, and kind faculty. They not only gave me key insight into what major I would intend to pursue but also taught me how to be the best version of myself. I can confidently say that attending this program has been one of the best decisions I have made. I am so lucky to have had this opportunity and am grateful every day for being a part of the third cohort of the Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows.” - Jake Maggid, SELF Cohort 3, UMD Class of 2022, Marking and Finance major
“Before SELF I hadn't really been exposed to the world of business. Through the program, I quickly learned that succeeding in business is as much about knowing your discipline as it is about knowing yourself. After my fellow SELF students and I embodied this idea, we all quickly jumped into the case were given and found balanced roles within our respective teams. This program stirred a passion for entrepreneurship in me that is now in full force in my Sophomore year of college right now. I can't wait to see the next class of young business leaders.” - Kavon Badie, SELF Cohort 1, UMD Class of 2020, Finance & Operations Management and Business Analytics double major
“The SELF program was one of the most challenging yet most rewarding programs I’ve ever participated in. My favorite part about SELF was being able to experience what college life is like for a UMD student. From sleeping in dorms to eating in the dining hall, I got a good feel for what it would be like to be a Terp and I learned that the large size of the university was not as intimidating as I had thought. I also really enjoyed meeting so many new and amazing people and sharing this experience with them.” – Gabriela Winter, SELF Cohort 3, UMD Class of 2022, Supply Chain Management and Marketing major