On April 20, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) marked an exciting milestone with a white coat ceremony at Leadership Hall in the Medical School Teaching Facility, celebrating the academic and personal growth of its CURE Scholars as they journey into the realms of medicine and public health.  

This event was a vibrant declaration of the scholars' readiness to take on the future challenges of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. As these young talents slipped into their white coats, they embraced a role that goes beyond the classroom — they stepped into the shoes of future innovators and healers in a world that urgently needs them. 

Tonya Webb, PhD, senior associate professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, shares encouraging remarks to the CURE Scholars and their families.

Since its launch in 2015 with support from the National Cancer Institute and a Science Education Partnership Award, the UMB CURE Scholars Program has been a beacon of opportunity for students from West Baltimore. It guides them from middle school through high school and on to higher education, celebrating each achievement along the way. This year, the program boasted a particularly impressive milestone: the eight senior scholars have collectively received over 100 college acceptance letters, highlighting the success and impact of the initiative.  

Yolanda Langhorne, EdD, executive director of the CURE Scholars Program, speaking at the ceremony, emphasized the profound significance of the event. "Their dedication to the CURE Scholars Program culminates today as they once again receive their white coats and their well-deserved pins. It represents a pivotal moment in the journey of the CURE Scholars as they strive to become STEM leaders," Langhorne said. "Today, as scholars put on their white coats, closely associated with the medical field, it symbolizes their commitment to embodying the core leadership values, humanism, compassion, altruism, leadership, excellence, and dedication to the well-being of others."  

This ceremony is a bright spot in the calendar for UMB, highlighting the significant strides made toward nurturing a diverse next generation of STEM leaders. The program not only invests in these young scholars' academic journeys but also stokes the joy and pride of their accomplishments, setting the stage for their future contributions to science and health care.  

Tonya Webb, PhD, senior associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, delivered a spirited keynote address. Her message emphasized resilience and the pursuit of one's calling. "All the time, things happen, but you just have to keep believing in yourself, investing in yourself, and pushing forward, and remember your why, what's your purpose," she said. Webb encouraged everyone in the room to embrace their journey passionately. "Success is no accident. It's hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and, most of all, love what you are learning to do. Lean into it right now!" 

During a heartfelt segment of the ceremony where student leaders from each group shared their insights and extended congratulations to their peers, Ashton Taylor, a Cohort 8 CURE Scholar, spoke eloquently about how the program had profoundly influenced his perspective. He highlighted the program's strong mentorship component, which he found particularly impactful. "The thing that stood out most to me about CURE is the mentorship component. You actually get to meet different mentors in your STEM program," he remarked, emphasizing his valuable interactions with mentors like Micah Mathis, a Master of Public Health candidate and intern. After his remarks, Ashton welcomed his cohort to the stage to be corded and pinned, marking their achievements and progression in the program.  

As the ceremony concluded, the energy and pride in the room were palpable, with an atmosphere charged not just by the achievements being celebrated but also by the aspirations being kindled among the audience members. Among them were younger siblings of the CURE Scholars, not yet old enough to join the program but already brimming with excitement about their future participation. Overheard discussing their dreams of one day donning their own white coats, these aspiring scholars epitomize the far-reaching impact and enduring inspiration of the CURE Scholars Program.  

To learn more about the CURE Scholars Program, and how you can support or take part in this vital initiative, please visit umaryland.edu/cure-scholars.