STRiVE: Leadership for Public Purpose

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STRiVE is a five-day immersive learning experience focused on leadership for public purpose. STRiVE helps inspire and support undergraduate students in becoming more effective leaders and contributors to their communities, especially the UMBC community. STRiVE participants develop friendships; discover their strengths and values; learn how to work more effectively in groups; envision contributions they could make at UMBC; engage issues relating to identity, privilege, and systemic oppression; and tackle both simulated and real leadership and social change challenges. Past STRiVE participants have gotten deeply involved in campus organizations and initiatives, and have made phenomenal contributions. More than 900 students have completed STRiVE and have given it outstanding reviews. The Center for Democracy and Civic Life hosts STRiVE in partnership with the Student Government Association, with support from PNC Bank.

STRiVE is open for full participation by all undergraduate students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy.

When is STRiVE?

STRiVE takes place in January during UMBC’s Winter Break. STRiVE 2026 will take place from Monday, January 12 – Friday, January 16, 2026. To participate, you must be available to attend the entire program.

Where does STRiVE take place?

We are planning to host STRiVE 2026 at the Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center in Marriottsville, MD. Participants will stay in hotel-style rooms and all activities and meals will be held on site. Round trip bus transportation from the UMBC campus will be provided to participants.

How much does it cost to participate in STRiVE?

UMBC covers most of the cost of each participant’s attendance. However, each participant pays a $150, non-refundable contribution toward the program’s cost. Payment waivers are available. If you are selected to participate in STRiVE 2026, we will send you a form that includes an opportunity to request a payment waiver. We do not want the $150 contribution to be a barrier to anyone’s participation.

Do I have to be an “involved” student to participate in STRiVE?

Absolutely not. STRiVE will be helpful to any student regardless of previous involvement or leadership experience. No prior experience or involvement is necessary. We are looking for a diverse group of students committed to developing their leadership skills and applying them to create positive change in the campus community.

Can I participate in STRiVE if I will be taking a winter class?

STRiVE’s activities are scheduled from about 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. each day. You will not be able to attend class meetings or complete coursework during these times. If your class will include synchronous meetings during the week of STRiVE, it will not be possible for you to participate in the program. If your class will take place asynchronously, it may be possible for you to participate. However, we strongly encourage participants taking asynchronous classes to complete their coursework during the weeks before and after STRiVE, as time to do coursework will be very limited and WiFi at the program site can be unreliable.

Can I participate in STRiVE if I am graduating in December 2025 or earlier?

No. You must graduate no earlier than May 2026 to participate in STRiVE 2026.

Can I participate in STRiVE if I am a graduate student?

No. STRiVE is open to UMBC undergraduate students only. However, Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is another five-day-long immersive experience hosted by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life that is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Can I participate in STRiVE if I have a mental or physical disability?

Yes. If you have a disability and are unsure whether you would be able to participate in STRiVE, please contact us. We will work with you to identify potential accommodations.

Can I participate in STRiVE again if I have participated before?

You can only participate in STRiVE once. However, you can serve as a STRiVE coach multiple times, including after participating in STRiVE.

How do I apply to participate in STRiVE?

Applications for STRiVE 2026 closed in early November 2025. Accepted and waitlisted applicants will receive emails in late November letting them know about the status of their applications. Applications for STRiVE 2027 will open in October 2026.

Is “STRiVE” an acronym?

No, STRiVE’s name is not an acronym. The group of UMBC students and staff who created STRiVE decided to capitalize the program’s name (and leave the “i” lowercase) as a stylistic choice.

For other questions about STRiVE, please contact Tess McRae at tessmcrae@umbc.edu.

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Student Testimonials

“STRiVE created a community of leaders that taught and uplifted each other. I left this program a better person and leader because of the people I met.”

— STRiVE 2025 participant

“STRiVE enabled me to step back and see the world, and myself, with greater clarity. I’m coming away with a better understanding of my purpose, impact and potential.”

— STRiVE 2025 participant

“STRiVE helped me feel like I belong at UMBC and that I can make an impact, here and in the wider community.”

— STRiVE 2025 participant

“This was without a doubt the best experience of my life. I came in scared of being hated and judged, but came out with so much support. This is so much more than just a retreat, this is the start of a community.”

— STRiVE 2025 participant