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AACTE Holmes Scholars

As a member of the American Association of College and Teacher Education (AACTE), the College of Education is part of the AACTE Holmes Scholars Program. This program is designed to enhance the education profession by recruiting, preparing, and sustaining scholar-leaders who reflect and understand the implications of varied perspectives in the nation’s learning communities. AACTE is the leading voice on educator preparation and represents more than 800 postsecondary institutions.

The Holmes Scholars® Program is designed specifically for graduate students in colleges of education and provides mentorship, peer support, professional development and rich scholarly experiences to graduate students on campuses across the United States.

At the University of Maryland College of Education, we recognize that persistent societal inequalities are often reflected and reinforced in educational settings. The COE Holmes Scholars Program will forge a professoriate and education leadership pipeline of culturally and equity-minded EdTerps who will engage in and lead efforts to advance equity and transform education for good.

Award/Deadline

Application Deadline: September 14, 2026
 

Apply Here

Benefits of Being a Holmes Scholar 

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Monthly Holmes Scholars Program gatherings and professional development

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Access to guidance from the UMD Holmes Scholars Program Coordinator and Faculty Mentor

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Access to a national network of faculty and peers, professional development, and more

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Funding to attend the Holmes Preconference at the AACTE Annual Meeting, the AACTE Research and Dissertation Retreat and the AACTE Holmes Program Summer Policy Institute and Day on the Hill

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All students will engage in research, networking, and other scholarships throughout their tenure as a Holmes student

Professional Development Workshops (Open to all College of Education Students)

Featured Workshop

Students at a conference

2026 Holmes Research & Dissertation Retreat
November 6–7, 2026

The Holmes Research & Dissertation Retreat provides Holmes Scholars at all stages of their doctoral journey with targeted guidance, skill-building, and networking opportunities to advance their research and degree completion. Through track-specific workshops, mentoring sessions, and peer feedback, scholars refine their research design, strengthen their writing, and build strategies for successful dissertation defense and post-graduation career pathways. This event is open to all UMD doctoral students. Registration is required.

Calendar of Events

September 17, 2026
Navigating the Academic Job Market 
 

November 6–7, 2026
Research and Dissertation Retreat
 

December 2026
Creating a Healthy Life: Managing Stress and Burnout in Graduate School

February 2027
Alt-Ac Career Pathways Panel

March 2027
Project Managment for Researchers

April 2027
From Disssertation to Tenure

May 2027
Spring Semester Writing Retreat

May 2027
Applying for Fellowships

  • Spring Semester Writing Retreat (April 2026)
  • Workshop: Stand Out: Crafting and Positioning Powerful Conference Proposal (April 17, 2026)
  • Workshop: Co-Authoring As An Alternative to Publish or Perish (March 12, 2026) 
  • Workshop: Navigating Conferences (February 12, 2026)
  • Fall Semester Writing Retreat (December 12, 2025) 

Current Scholars 

Inaugural Cohort - Fall 2025 

Current Scholars

Destiny L. Hunter 

Current Scholars

Abigail J.V. Smith

Diamond Williams Headshot

Diamond E. Williams 

FAQs

  • Enrolled as a second-year Ph.D. student in good standing

The expectations of a UMD COE Holmes Scholar are:

  • Serve a minimum of two years
  • Enrolled as a student in good standing in the College of Education for the duration of your time as a Holmes Scholar 
  • Participate annually in the AACTE Annual Meeting, including the Holmes Scholar pre-conference events
  • Propose to present research at the AACTE Annual meeting at least once as a scholar
  • Participate, at least once, in AACTE Day on the Hill and the Research and Dissertation Writing Retreat during your tenure 
  • Participate in at least one other education conference beyond AACTE during your tenure
  • Participate in activities and meetings sponsored by the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni (NAHSA) during your final year in the Holmes Scholars Program (some of which take place at the Annual Meeting)
  • Commit time monthly to attend Holmes Scholars programs. These include: mentoring 1:1's, research roundtables, professional development workshops, writing retreats, and cohort community building activities. 

  • The cohort application opens on August 27, 2026 and will close on Monday September 14, 2026.
  • Check the website regularly for the latest information on professional learning opportunities. Also, look out for posters around the Benjamin building and check your email for workshop announcements.  
  • If you meet eligibility requirements, you are welcome to apply. 

Recent News

Contact Us

Holmes Scholars Program Coordinator 

Mary Taylor-Lewis, M.A. 
Senior Faculty Specialist, Senior Coordinator Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Dean's Office 
TerrapinSTRONG Partner 
Affiliate Faculty, Student Affairs Concentration, Department of Counseling, Higher Education & Special Education 
mktlewis@umd.edu

Holmes Scholars Faculty Mentor

Keisha Allen, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor, Teacher Education & Professional Development
Department of Teaching & Learning, Policy & Leadership
allenk@umd.edu