The University of Maryland announced on Monday a new fundraising initiative that aims to generate $2.5 billion to support research and innovation in areas including artificial intelligence, quantum science and the arts.
The new initiative, which is called Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless, is starting off with $943 million in funding that this university has raised since November 2021. It will also invest in areas to improve students’ experience and strengthen academics, the university announced in a news release.
“It’s about expanding opportunities for students to learn and lead, supporting faculty innovation and strengthening the programs and places that make our community thrive,” university president Darryll Pines wrote in the announcement.
The initiative will focus on three main priorities.
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The first, Forward for Tomorrow’s Trailblazers, focuses on supporting students through scholarships and fellowships, “action-oriented” experiences outside the classroom, leadership programs to encourage critical thinking and an entrepreneurship ecosystem to support student innovation.
Forward for Bold and Brave Solutions aims to support progress for new discoveries and advancements that could help the world. It also focuses on tackling humanity’s most pressing issues, such as improving literacy among young people or learning how to best utilize artificial intelligence.
Forward for Stronger Communities, the third priority, hopes to build connections that will impact and improve lives on campus. The campaign aims to accomplish this by bolstering civic engagement, supporting student athletes, sparking inspiration through immersive arts programs and enhancing student pride, according to its website.
University senior vice president and provost Jennifer King Rice wrote in the statement announcing the initiative that the heart of the campaign lies in the potential of people’s discoveries.
“We’re ready to think big, courageously take on grand challenges, believe in a better future for all, and celebrate the people who make it possible,” Rice wrote.
