Forward: Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers

Forward: Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers

Forward: Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers

A professor sits in a robotics lab with a group of students next to her

On Monday, November 3, the University of Maryland launched Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history. Within the Clark School, the multi-year effort will advance its mission to educate the next generation of engineers, drive research and innovation that improve lives, and strengthen impact across the state of Maryland and beyond.

The Clark School has four key priority areas within Forward, driven by its strategic plan:

Three students monitor a robotic dog
  • Forward for Discovery: Fueling transformative research and solving grand challenges
  • Forward for Experiential Learning: Embedding hands-on, interdisciplinary learning and leading innovations that benefit society
  • Forward for Community: Investing in people, removing financial barriers, and recognizing excellence
  • Forward for Partnerships: Translating knowledge into technologies and driving economic development

“With bold investment, we can expand our impact, accelerate innovation, and prepare the next generation of engineers to lead,” said Clark School Dean Samuel Graham. “Together, we will move Maryland Engineering forward and shape solutions the world urgently needs.”

The Clark School is renowned for turning ambitious ideas into real-world solutions that strengthen our society, including the ethical and impactful use of artificial intelligence (AI); expansion of quantum computing and networking systems; creation of smart manufacturing systems that strengthen our nation’s economy; development of leading energy storage and distribution systems; deployment of autonomous systems that protect people and property; integration of AI and advanced technologies into health care solutions that are accessible, affordable, and personalized to the patient; and more. Forward will enable even greater impact.

Researchers in white coats in a Materials Science & Engineering lab

Forward has already generated $318 million for the Clark School, including dozens of scholarships and fellowships, and other programmatic and facilities support:

  • At the Edward & Jennifer St. John Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine in Baltimore, working with the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine, students and researchers are creating technologies that improve clinical practice and patient care.
  • In Stanley R. Zupnik Hall, multiple engineering disciplines, cross-campus university institutes, and external partners will come together to understand and address the world’s most pressing challenges.
  • Launched in 2023, the Clark Scholars Program Network (CSPN) is designed to recruit, retain, and graduate exceptionally talented engineering students with financial need who are poised to take on society’s grand challenges. CSPN unifies the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation’s signature academic program, combining engineering, business, leadership, and community service at 11 top engineering schools around the nation.

Related Articles:
Clark Foundation Invests $51.7M to Support Engineering Scholarships, Programming
Alumnus Chance Glenn Establishes Morningbird Foundation Scholarship at UMD
Paying It Forward
At the Forefront of Technology and Opportunity
Mehr Gift Establishes Two Funds at UMD
Pattishall Family Establishes Scholarship to Support Women in Aerospace Engineering
First UMD Engineering Course in Social Entrepreneurship Will Help Transform Local Elementary School
Donation to Name Kim Building Lecture Hall
New Minta Martin Professors Named
St. John Receives Honorary Doctor of Public Service Degree

November 3, 2025


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