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Signature Programs

A graduate in cap and gown walks down a brick path lined with applauding faculty members in colorful academic regalia. The setting is outdoors with lush green trees and grass.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland offers a number of signature programs that recognize distinct cohorts of students in support of their educational aspirations. Each of these programs is outlined below.

Sum Primus

Sum primus is Latin for “I am First.” The Sum primus program offers students who are the first in their families to attend college a network of support from a community of first-generation faculty, staff and peer mentors.
A diverse group of people stands on brick steps, outdoors, wearing matching blue t-shirts. They appear happy and relaxed, with greenery and a building in the background.
A group of five people sit in a circle on wooden chairs in an outdoor setting, engaged in lively conversation. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying each other's company. One person holds a coffee cup. The setting is warmly lit.

DeSousa-Brent Scholars

The DeSousa-Brent Scholars program invites students from communities that have been historically underrepresented in higher education to be part of a supportive community of gifted individuals. DeSousa-Brent Scholars participate in cohort-based coursework, motivational events and individual mentoring to cultivate their academic and leadership potential.

Landers Scholars

The Landers Scholars Program provides fully funded four-year scholarships (tuition, fees, meals and housing) to students that are from low-income backgrounds and the first in their family to attend college or are underrepresented in higher education.. The highly-selective Landers Scholars Program also offers first-year mentoring and community service opportunities and has been generously funded by the Arthur E. Landers, Jr. and Hilda C. Landers Charitable Trust since 2018.
Sign for "Hilda C. Landers Library, 47650 Mill Field Drive" stands in front of a red-brick building surrounded by greenery and trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Monument Scholars

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Monument Scholars is a special designation for students who are among the top 10% of students offered admission to the College. Since 1840 this institution has been a living monument to the birthplace of the state of Maryland. Monument Scholars are students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, personal qualities and promise to continue this important legacy.

Students recognized as Monument Scholars will participate in cohort-based activities each semester and receive enhanced academic advising and mentoring in support of their goals. Based on their individual interests, Monument Scholars will also receive direct guidance from the Center for Career and Professional Development, the Office of International Education, the Health Sciences Advisory Committee and support from the director of national fellowships and awards to support their preparation for postgraduate opportunities.