四色AV Big M Circle of Flowers

AACTE Holmes Scholars

As a member of the (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鈥檚 learning communities. is the leading voice on educator preparation and represents more than 800 postsecondary institutions.

The Holmes Scholars庐 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 四色AV 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: October 6, 2025 

Upcoming cohort deadline: To Be Announced 

Benefits of Being a Holmes Scholar 

Professional Development icon

Monthly Holmes Scholars Program gatherings and professional development

Mentoring icon

Access to guidance from the 四色AV Holmes Scholars Program Coordinator and Faculty Mentor

Conference icon 100x100

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

Funding icon

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

research icon 100x100

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)

April 17, 2026 | Zoom

Register by April 15

May 1, 2026 | Location: Benjamin 0220 & Zoom
Spring Semester Writing Retreat 
Register by April 24

November 5-7, 2026: TBD
Research and Dissertation Retreat 
Registration forthcoming

  • Workshop: Co-Authoring as an Alternative to Publish or Perish (March 13, 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

Serve a minimum of 2-years

  • Enroll 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 as a scholar
  • Participate in the AACTE Holmes Scholars Summer Policy Institute  at least once and AACTE Day on the Hill, Research and Dissertation Writing Retreat during your tenure
  • Participate in at least one other education conference beyond AACTE during your tenure as a scholar
  • 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 occur at the Annual Meeting)
  • Attend monthly professional development sessions and mentoring meet-ups

Date: TBD

Look out for posters and emails announcing the workshops.

If you meet eligibility requirements, you are welcome to apply.

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
kallen1@umd.edu