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HILLMAN ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM MANUAL
Revised – June, 2008
Printed: September 19, 2011
Table of Contents
1. Selection Process .................................................................................... 3
A. Program Eligibility .............................................................................................. 3
B. Selection Criteria .................................................................................................. 3
C. Applications .......................................................................................................... 4
2. Interview Process .................................................................................. 5
A. Applicant Screening ........................................................................................... 5
B. The Interview ........................................................................................................ 6
C. Selection of Finalists for Review by the Hillmans ........................................ 6
D. Provisional Status ................................................................................................ 6
3. Student Participation Expectations and Requirements ................ 8
A. Participation Agreement ..................................................................................... 8
i. Student Participation
ii. Access to Student Information
B. Financial Aid ......................................................................................................... 9
C. Successful Academic Progress ........................................................................... 9
D. Probation ............................................................................................................... 9
i. Grade Point Average
ii. Insufficient Participation in Program Activities
iii. A Grade of C or Below in a Required Hillman Course
iv. Failure to Uphold Program Values
v. Failure to Comply with Program Participation Agreements
E. Leave of Absence ................................................................................................. 11
F. Hillman Entrepreneurs' Orientation ............................................................. 11
G. Curriculum Codes................................................................................................ 11
H. Math Requirements for Majors ........................................................................ 13
I. Course Selection ................................................................................................... 13
4. Hillman Courses ................................................................................. 15
5. Funding Structure for Hillman Scholarship at PGCC ................ 17
6. Funding Structure for Hillman Scholarship at UM ..................... 17
Exhibits ...................................................................................................... 18
Exhibit 1 ..................................................................................................................... 18
Exhibit 2 ..................................................................................................................... 25
Page 2 of 26
HILLMAN ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM MANUAL
1. Selection Process
The Hillman Entrepreneurs (HE) Program selects students with both
entrepreneurial and academic capability. Applicants should exhibit an
entrepreneurial mindset – the initiative, resourcefulness and dedication
identified with people who create their own ventures or lead organizations.
Additionally, applicants need to demonstrate their capacity to successfully
complete their studies at both Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) and
the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP).
A. Program Eligibility
In order to be eligible for the Hillman Entrepreneurs Program, students must be:
Maryland residents (U.S. citizens or students with permanent resident
status), with intent to reside in Maryland long term;
Enrolled (or eligible to enroll) at PGCC and taking college-level classes;
Enrolled in a program of study which transfers to UMCP (except for pre-
law);
Available to take an afternoon course required by the Program each
semester;
Committed to transferring to UMCP to complete a bachelor’s degree;
Committed to participation in Program related extra-curricular activities
on campus as well as membership in or willingness to join one of the
PGCC Collegian Centers;
Willing to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA); and
Willing to complete surveys and release data needed for longitudinal
program evaluation.
B. Selection Criteria
Students selected to be Hillman Entrepreneurs demonstrate:
An entrepreneurial mindset;
Potential for becoming a successful entrepreneur or leader within a larger
organization:
Ability to be successful academically and graduate from PGCC and
ultimately from UMCP: and
Determination, motivation, creativity, persistence and the potential for
ethical leadership.
Page 3 of 26
C. Applications
The application for admission to the HE program is electronic and can be
submitted by email (See Exhibit A). It includes an information form and requires
applicants to respond to four questions and to attach a resume.
Applicants must also submit directly to the Program:
Proof of citizenship or a green card;
Proof of Maryland residency;
Relevant high school and/or college transcript(s); and
A recommendation letter from a teacher, guidance counselor, or
professional reference.
Page 4 of 26
2. Interview Process
The interview process has three steps: Applicant Screening, Interviews with the
most promising applicants, and a Final Decision by the Hillman Family
Foundation.
A. Applicant Screening
Since Hillman Entrepreneurs will attend both PGCC and UMCP, the Program
Directors from both institutions review the applications to determine which
applicants are a potential fit to the program. The PGCC Program Director is
responsible for ensuring that applications are complete before the screening
begins.
The program accepts both traditional recent high school graduates and non-
traditional returning students. Applicants who have recently graduated from
high school who come highly recommended, have acceptable GPAs, can pass
PGCC reading and writing entrance exams and who place into DVM007 or
higher by the start of their first semester in the program are eligible for full
acceptance. The program looks at both collegiate academic records and
professional history when reviewing non-traditional students.
Candidates who possess strong characteristics but cannot pass PGCC’s entrance
exams in reading and writing, and/or who achieve a math level below DVM007
are eligible for Provisional Admission to the Program.
In addition to ensuring that applicants meet program requirements, screeners
consider:
Application completion including whether or not students are available
for afternoon classes;
College major or intended major to ensure transferability to UMCP (This
potentially disqualifies many pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy and
some computer-related majors unless the courses of the PGCC major
provide a sufficient number of transferable courses to make the transfer
reasonable and the student can find a complementary major at UMCP);
Credits completed to date (so as to limit the program participation to
students who can transfer or graduate within two years);
Entrepreneurial experience, characteristics or plans described in the
responses to the questions in the application and, quality of the writing
including grammar and writing ability;
Academic record; and
Recommendation(s).
Page 5 of 26
B. The Interview
The key feature of the Hillman Entrepreneurs selection process is the interview.
Interviewers typically include both Program Directors as well as one or more
Advisory Committee members. To ensure fairness, the process requires at least
two interviewers, one from each institution. The PGCC Program Director is
responsible for interview and team member scheduling. Each interviewer is
provided a set of interview questions. Each interviewer creates their own notes
and assessments of the applicant.
C. Selection of Finalists for Review by the Hillmans
After each interview, the interviewers share their thoughts regarding the
applicant’s interview and qualifications for acceptance into the Program. If both
interviewers agree that the applicant is a good candidate, the applicant is
recommended to the Hillman Family Foundation. If there is disagreement, the
applicant’s transcript and notes from their interview are discussed with the
Advisory Committee which then votes on whether to recommend the applicant.
Where both interviewers agree that an applicant is not a good candidate, the
applicant is no longer considered. The PGCC Program Director is responsible for
formally notifying applicants that they are no longer under consideration.
Students’ record of academic success and their potential for future academic
success are qualities that weigh heavily in the selection process because the
primary goal of the program is for the students to earn their bachelor’s degrees.
While entrepreneurial characteristics and experience are important qualities,
academic success that leads to graduation must be a primary consideration.
D. Provisional Status
Candidates who come highly recommended, have acceptable GPAs, but have not
passed PGCC reading and writing placement exams or score below DVM007 on
the PGCC math placement exam are eligible for provisional acceptance into the
program. This holds for students who are only required to take two or fewer
levels of developmental course work. Successful completion of the
developmental course work within one year makes them eligible for full
admission to the program.
Provisional status may also be used for students who have acceptable GPAs but
have an insufficient track record of academic success. If the student can maintain
a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better during their provisional semester, they are
eligible for full admission to the program.
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Provisional Hillman Entrepreneurs receive a substantial, but reduced benefit
compared to regular Hillman Entrepreneurs. They get tuition to cover
developmental and college-level courses up to a total of 10 hours per semester
and they can take the for-credit PAS101 Planning for Academic Success course, if
they do not need to use all ten hours for developmental classes.
Provisional Hillman Entrepreneurs participate in program activities, receive
mentoring, but are not eligible to take the required Entrepreneurship and
Leadership courses which are deemed to be too demanding initially.
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3. Student Participation Expectations and Requirements
A. Participation Agreement
The Hillman Entrepreneurs Program is a highly competitive and generous
scholarship program. It carries with it expectations that student participants
conduct themselves as models among Prince George’s Community College
students. Additionally, the Program has certain requirements to which students
must agree that facilitate the program’s ability to support students as well as
longitudinal program evaluation. (See Exhibit Bi for Student Participation
Agreement.)
i. Student Participation. Participation in the Hillman Entrepreneurs Program
means that a student agrees to:
Register for and complete one designated Hillman course per semester;
Participate in the academic enhancement activities coordinated by the
Program Directors;
Meet regularly with the Program Director for mentoring where
discussions may include reviewing and planning academic schedules,
progress and performance, and other non-academic aspects of program;
and
Participate in focus groups conducted by the program evaluators.
Failure to adhere to the participation requirements during a semester, may, at the
discretion of the Program Director, result on the student being placed on
probation.
ii. Access to Student Information. Students are also required to provide or
explicitly release specific information to the Program. This information allows
the Program Director to assess the student’s continuing program eligibility,
academic progress and need for support services. It is also used in aggregate for
program evaluation. The information includes:
High School/college transcripts;
Standardized test scores;
Semester and mid-semester grades;
Financial aid records and the completed FAFSA;
Information from testing centers;
Admission and Registrar records, and
Completed student satisfaction and other periodic surveys.
Page 8 of 26
B. Financial Aid
Students admitted into the program must agree to complete a FAFSA form upon
acceptance into the program and to update it annually. The financial support
package at UMCP cannot be calculated without a current FAFSA. The Program
Director is responsible for ensuring that this requirement is adhered to. Failure to
comply excludes students from all scholarship support except the merit based
scholarship of $500 per year at PGCC and $1,000 per year at UMCP.
C. Successful Academic Progress
Students agree to make satisfactory progress each semester and ultimately
complete the necessary coursework to earn their Associate’s degree or transfer
certificate at Prince George’s Community College, to transfer to UMCP and
continue to progress toward graduation.
If students take fewer than 12 credit hours in any semester, they must get
approval from the Program Director prior to the beginning of the semester.
Similarly, if students drop classes during the semester and this leaves them with
a course load of fewer than 12 credits, this must also be approved by the
Program Director in advance. If a student repeats a course initially paid for by
the Program, the student must pay for this course directly.
Additionally, students who have not met the UMCP’s CORE math requirement,
must take one math course per semester or get explicit permission from the
Program Director to do otherwise. Further, students must complete the math
course that meets the UMCP CORE math requirement prior to transferring to
UMCP.
Lastly, students agree to matriculate into the University of Maryland College
Park and make satisfactory progress each semester towards completion of their
Bachelor’s degree. This last agreement is very important. University of
Maryland College Park is targeted to full-time students and, as a result, most
classes are held during the day. Options for evening classes are limited and the
University offers few on-line and no weekend classes. Some students confuse
the University of Maryland College Park with University of Maryland University
College (UMUC). This is especially so because UMUC’s campus abuts the
UMCP campus.
D. Probation
Probationary status is a means to alert students that they are at risk of being
removed from the program. The process of probation is meant to assist students
in understanding the program values that include performing academically to
ensure success, participating in the program activities that promote team-
building, ensuring dedication to learning entrepreneurship and leadership
Page 9 of 26
principles in the Hillman courses and adherence to the ethics expected of all
Hillman Entrepreneurs. Probation puts the student on notice that they are at
risk of losing eligibility to participate in the Program and that they are
jeopardizing the ongoing benefits of the program. There are four grounds for
placing a student on probation.
i. Grade Point Average. If any student earns less than a 2.0 GPA in any semester,
he or she is immediately placed on probation. In addition, a student also must
maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA, or above, to continue in good standing in the
program. Students on probation are required to develop a success plan which
must then be approved by the Program Director prior to the start of the next
semester. If the student earns less than 2.0 in the following semester, the student
is no longer eligible to participate in the program.
ii. Insufficient Participation in Program Activities. At the discretion of the
Program Director, a student may be placed on probation for failure to participate
in the program fully. This includes, but is not limited to completion of Program
surveys conducted by the Program Evaluation Team at UMCP’s School of Public
Policy.
iii. A Grade of C or Below in a Required Hillman Course. Because of the
generous scholarship funding being provided to students, it is expected that they
will take the required entrepreneurship and leadership courses very seriously,
even if these courses are not helpful to their majors. Grades of B or above
constitute an acceptable norm for meeting this expectation.
iv. Failure to Uphold Program Values. It is expected that students will uphold
the strong value system adhered to by the Hillman Entrepreneurs Program.
These include being honest and ethical in all dealings in one’s personal,
professional and academic life. Hillman Entrepreneurs represent themselves and
the program in everything they do and the value system of the program requires
the highest of standards of all its members at all times. If a Hillman Entrepreneur
observes another member not living up to the Hillman values, it is their
responsibility to consult with the program directors about their observations so
that any deviation from the highest standards can be discussed with that person.
Probation is a means of providing a time for education and correction. Breaches
in the academic institution’s code of academic integrity require immediate
review and possible expulsion from the program.
v. Failure to Comply with Program Participation Agreements. In order to
participate in the Program and receive scholarship funding, students agree to the
participation requirements described above and on the Participation Agreement. Failure
to fulfill these obligations will result in the student being placed on probation. If the
Page 10 of 26
student is placed on probation, the Program Director must send the student formal
written notice which explicitly documents deficiencies and articulates future
expectations. For grade-related probation, the Program Director must send a notification
letter to any student placed on probation within 5 business days of grade reporting which
informs students of their probationary status and the above-mentioned implications. The
Program Director will provide an update to the Advisory Committee on the status of any
student probations at their regularly scheduled meetings.
Students who are not in compliance by the end of the probationary semester will be
referred by the Program Director to the Advisory Committee for removal from the
Program. If approved, the student would be removed from the program and the Program
Director will notify the student and all appropriate College offices within 5 business
days.
E. Leave of Absence
If a student faces extraordinary circumstances that prevent the student from
being successful in school to the point that they need to take a break from their
academics, the student may request, or the program director may suggest, a
leave of absence. The student consults with the program director and determines
a plan of action for handling the challenges they face and returning to the
program in good standing. This option is at the discretion of the program
director in consultation with the Advisory Committee.
F. Hillman Entrepreneurs’ Orientation
Once students are selected for the program, they meet with the Program Director
for a one-on-one conversation. This meeting has three objectives:
To review above program expectations and agreements with the student;
To have the student choose freely to participate or not based on the
expectations; and
To review the student’s major, transcript and plan student’s academic
schedule.
G. Curriculum Codes
Discussion of the student’s major is an important step in ensuring student
success. Many students have not taken advantage of on-campus advising.
Others have changed the majors or, perhaps were initially unclear about their
academic goals. Rarely have students considered their future major at UMCP
and its implication on their course selection at PGCC. As a result, student
curriculum codes often do not reflect their current plans.
There are two specific recurring problems seen with students’ majors. First,
business majors are consistently confused by the two business major options:
Page 11 of 26
420 Business Management (A.A.S.) vs. 110 Business Administration
(A.S.)
Business Management is not a transferable curriculum. The transferable
curriculum is Business Administration.
Second, many young students express an interest in “computers” which leads to
choosing one of many computer-related curriculum codes that represent
terminal degrees. Students are usually very committed when selecting some of
the many CIS and Computer Engineering certifications available at PGCC, thus
clarity is necessary early in order to plan courses based on transferability. Non-
transferable curriculums include:
633 Comp Engineering Technology (A.A.T.) vs. 026 Comp. Science (A.S.)
530 Comp Information Systems (A.A.T.) vs. 024 Info. Science Option (A.S.)
To remedy any discrepancy, the Program Director and student review his/her
current curriculum code for applicability and eligibility. Only curriculum codes
for A.A., A.S. or A.A.T. degrees are eligible for the program. Further, only
curriculum codes that are transferable to UMCP are eligible for the program. For
example, the following A.A. and A.S. programs do not correspond to majors at
UMCP:
114 Forensic Transfer Studies (A.S.) 306 Pre-Pharmacy/General Studies
Option (A.A.)
307 Pre-Physical Therapy/General 319 Nursing (A.S)
Studies Option (A.A.)
Additionally, the program is not available to students interested in pursuing
careers in law. Specifically, students with curriculum code 292 Pre-Law/General
Studies Option would be ineligible unless they note that their interest is not to
pursue law after graduation. Pre-law is not a major at UM but merely a set of
courses with no associated major and thus the student still would need to declare
a different major at UM. While future attorneys may choose a variety of majors,
most students will include this desire in their applications.
In certain cases, students in ineligible curricula can double major in a transferable
major and still be eligible in the program. In these cases, the Program Director
and selection committee must be convinced the student really plans to transfer to
UMCP.
Page 12 of 26
If necessary, based on the review of the student’s curriculum code, the Program
Director completes a Petition for Change of Curriculum (see exhibit Bii) and the
student submits the form to the Records and Registration Office.
H. Math Requirements for Majors
Math skills are also a consideration when selecting a major. Based on the
student’s strength in math, certain majors are less appropriate because of the
extensive mathematics courses and knowledge required for the major. At the
University of Maryland, majors are divided into three broad areas in regards to
the math requirements. The majors requiring the highest understanding of math
as a part of the day-to-day curriculum include math, engineering and computer
science. These and other math and science based majors require MATH 141 and
above. Life science majors also have rigorous math and science requirements.
Majors that use calculus and statistics in some courses include all majors in the
Smith School of Business as well as majors in the College of Social and
Behavioral Sciences and a few other schools and colleges. These majors involve
analysis and statistical study as a part of the curriculum. (Check the College of
Social and Behavioral Sciences and other majors of interest for specific math
requirements.) These majors require MATH 220, or similar, and Statistics. The
third set of majors at the University of Maryland is found in the College of Arts
and Humanities. The majors in this college require only a fundamental level of
math and include history, English, foreign languages and similar majors that
study culture or an art form. A major offered through the College of Arts and
Humanities that provides much flexibility in electives and that offers a 12 hour
concentration that cuts across many interests including business and economics,
social sciences, communication and the arts is the American Studies major.
An important note regarding pursuing a major within the College of Arts and
Humanities is that, while Arts and Humanities majors do not have a math
requirement beyond the university fundamental math requirement, TWO
YEARS OF A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IS REQUIRED. It is highly advisable to
study language at the community college if pursuing a major in the College of
Arts and Humanities as this is accelerated at Maryland (typically, 6 hours per
semester) just when difficult major courses are also on the students’ schedules
and time is of the essence to complete the major requirements. While the
language requirement does not hold a person back in the way a gateway
requirement to a major does, getting the requirement completed early is helpful
to student success.
I. Course Selection
Once the appropriate curriculum code is selected, course selection is relatively
straightforward. Curriculum planning guides are available online showing
Page 13 of 26
which courses are needed for degree completion (see Exhibit Biii). Care must be
taken to ensure course prerequisites are planned ahead or concurrently with
desired courses. Additionally, electives must be chosen which correspond to
transfer requirements at UMCP.
The Program does not pay for courses that do not transfer to UMCP unless
approved by the Program Director in advance of registration.
Selection of electives is especially important for students desiring to transfer into
UMCP’s Limited Enrollment Programs (see http://www.lep.umd.edu/ for more
details). These programs are:
Architecture Education Journalism
Business Engineering Landscape Architecture
Communication Government & Politics Psychology
There are additional requirements concerning how many of these courses may be
repeated and the number of times the course can be repeated. Refer to UMCP’s
Limited Enrollment Program website for updated information or contact a
UMCP admissions advisor directly.
Lastly, students must register for the required Hillman Entrepreneurs course to
be taken with their cohort. Failure to complete the required Hillman
Entrepreneurs courses with a B or above will automatically result in the student
being placed on probationary status. The Program Director is responsible for
providing the student with written notice of probation and the basis for it.
Page 14 of 26
4. Hillman Courses
An important part of the mission of the Hillman program is to provide students
with the skills required to evaluate, create and grow new business ventures. To
achieve this part of our mission, the program requires students take one Hillman
course per semester with their cohort. Not only does this give students access to
the necessary knowledge base, it also allows students to bond with each other –
creating the basis for supportive relations while completing the program and for
networks of potential business partnerships in the future.
Currently, the Program has used two existing PGCC courses as its required
Hillman courses:
MGT 268 Entrepreneurship (PGCC) Three Credits
This course is designed to provide an introduction to both the quantitative and
qualitative aspects of entrepreneurship. Students explore their beliefs about
entrepreneurship, characteristics of successful entrepreneurs and do some self-
assessment. The course also covers the process of turning an idea into a
successful startup business including needs assessment, idea evaluation, market
identification and new venture financing and planning. The course also covers
much of the material needed to create a business plan.
MGT 275 Leadership (PGCC) Three Credits
This course is designed to develop practical, effective, workplace leadership
skills through study, observation and application. It integrates readings from
humanities, experiential exercises, films and contemporary readings on
leadership. The course was developed by Phi Theta Kappa, the honors society
for community college students.
When possible, Hillman-only sections of these courses are created. The program
is currently developing two seminar courses: one in leadership and the other in
entrepreneurship. These seminars will give students exposure to current
entrepreneurs and community leaders and will allow them to further develop
their skills in these areas.
At UMCP, the following courses have been developed to meet the Hillman
course requirement:
ENES 460 Fundamentals of Technology Start-Up Ventures (UM) Three credits
This course teaches the fundamental aspects of creating, organizing, funding, managing,
and growing a technology startup venture. This multidisciplinary course draws on
management, business, legal, financial, as well as technical, concepts. Students form
Page 15 of 26
teams and develop a business plan for a technology company, based on each team's own
business idea and then present the plan to a panel of outside experts
ENES 498 Special Topics in Entrepreneurship Course (UM) Three Credits,
This repeatable course changes format each semester with three iterations
covering different topics with formats and projects that include case study,
business plan writing and other applied entrepreneurship opportunities.
.
For each of the UM Hillman courses, part of the course involves students
attending talks and workshops given by leaders of successful business ventures,
venture capitalists, consultants, educators, legal experts and others who provide
the Hillman students with the knowledge, skills and sound business advice for
creating successful business ventures. The goal of the speaker sessions is to
provide information about every conceivable component of creating a business
and to offer networking opportunities with successful business people who share
the entrepreneurial spirit.
Page 16 of 26
5. Funding Structure for Hillman Scholarships at PGCC
Within reasonable limits, the Hillman Entrepreneurs scholarship is intended to
supplement other financial aid to ensure 100% of the cost of students’ tuition and
books is covered. In addition, scholarship funds can be used to pay for
individual or group tutoring.
The scholarship pays for:
Tuition for up to 30 credits for the academic year including summer and
intersession courses.
Student fees related to registration for each semester at PGCC,
Merit-based scholarship of $500 per academic year; and
Required textbooks up to $500 per semester for full-time students and
$350 per semester for part-time students.
Note, students who want to take more than the 30 credit maximum per academic
year can be reimbursed for additional credits if the student earns a C or better on
the added course. Arrangements for additional courses must be approved by the
Program Director prior to registration in order to be reimbursed.
The program only pays for a course once. If the student repeats a course, the
student is responsible for paying for that course.
In order to create book store vouchers, students must be identified to Financial
Aid at least one month prior to the start of the semester. Further, these vouchers
must be used prior to the end of the second week of class. Book store vouchers
are only to be used for required textbooks/materials (CDs, etc.) not for
calculators or supplies.
6. Funding Structure for Hillman Scholarships at UM
At the University of Maryland, the Hillman Entrepreneurs scholarship is
intended to supplement other financial aid and can offer up to two-thirds tuition
directly provided by the Hillman Scholarship. This is sometimes enough to
provide full tuition to the student when added to other need-based grants
available to the student through the FAFSA determination. There is no guarantee
of full tuition at Maryland but the Hillman scholarship assists to the level
possible with the Hillman students’ tuition needs. All UM students receive
$1,000 in merit-based scholarship and additional scholarship funds are based on
need.
Page 17 of 26
Exhibits
Exhibit 1
Entrepreneurship Leadership
Scholarship
The Hillman Entrepreneurs Program seeks students with entrepreneurial
potential. Students who have an entrepreneurial mindset and who have already
demonstrated real-life business experiences or who have ideas that show
promise for future entrepreneurial endeavors are encouraged to join this unique
program. In addition, intrapreneurs who show promise of becoming future
leaders within existing organizations are a strong fit for this program. The goal of
the Hillman Entrepreneurs Program is to graduate ethical leaders who will
become successful in the communities they came from, who will energize those
communities and will have positive economic impact on the local economy.
Characteristics that describe Hillman students include determination,
motivation, creativity, persistence and the potential for ethical leadership.
Students that demonstrate characteristics that can lead to entrepreneurial success
in their daily lives and show a potential for both academic and entrepreneurial
success are encouraged to apply.
Hillman Entrepreneurs also demonstrate adherence to the program values that
encourage ethics in all business dealings and in every element of their lives as
well as the understanding of the importance of giving back to the communities
that have made them successful through community service, and to this program
and its future students.
Page 18 of 26
What it Means to Be a Hillman Entrepreneur at Prince George's Community
College
Hillman Entrepreneurs:
Receive a scholarship for up to 100% of tuition and fees;
Receive one-on-one advising and mentoring;
Develop entrepreneurial/leadership skills;
Become members of a group of aspiring entrepreneurs;
Have summer job opportunities; and
Earn an Associate’s degree from Prince George's Community College
(PGCC) in a major transferable to University of Maryland College Park.
How You Continue as a Hillman Entrepreneur at University of Maryland,
College Park (UMCP)
Hillman Entrepreneurs:
Receive a need-based scholarship for up to two-thirds of tuition as well as
a $1,000 merit scholarship;
Receive one-on-one advising and mentoring;
Continue to develop entrepreneurial/leadership skills;
Build business ideas with the help of on-site mentors;
Enjoy a special Hillman Center with computers, classroom, meeting, and
lounge space to assist in the learning and team-building process
Earn a Bachelor’s degree from UMCP.
Selection Criteria
Students selected to be Hillman Entrepreneurs demonstrate:
An entrepreneurial mindset;
Potential for becoming a successful entrepreneur or leader within a larger
organization ;
Ability to be successful academically and graduate from PGCC and
ultimately from UMCP; and
Determination, motivation, creativity, persistence and the potential for
ethical leadership.
Page 19 of 26
Program Requirements
Hillman Entrepreneurs must:
Be Maryland residents (U.S. citizens or students with permanent resident
status), committed to reside in Maryland long term;
Be enrolled (or eligible to enroll) at PGCC and taking college-level classes;
Be in a program of study which transfers to UMCP (pre-law not eligible);
Be available for afternoon or evening Hillman course each semester.;
Committed to additional programmatic and team-building activities.
Make successful progression towards graduation with an associate’s
degree in a transferable major at PGCC and towards graduation with a
bachelor’s degree at UMCP;
Have membership in or willingness to join one of the PGCC Collegian
Centers; and
Adhere to program requirements for provision and release of relevant
data to evaluate student performance and assess in aggregate long term
Program performance.
Application Process
Prospective Hillman Entrepreneurs should:
-
Complete the attached application form:
Answer the short essay questions; and
Attach a resume or list of work experience.
Email to as an attachment to: Lisa Rawlings, Program
Director
lrawlings@pgcc.edu
In addition, students must provide or have provided hard copy documentation
including:
Proof of citizenship or permanent residency;
Relevant high school and/or college transcript(s); and
A recommendation letter from a teacher, guidance counselor, or
professional reference .
Receipt of your completed application will be confirmed by email as will receipt of
required documentation
Questions? Call 301-322-0700.
Page 20 of 26
Hillman Entrepreneurs Program and Scholarship Application
Date: 03/11/07
Check one: Male Female
Check one: High School Student PGCC Student Other
Check one: US Citizen Permanent Resident Other
First Name:
Last Name:
Student ID:
Permanent
Address 1:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
E-mail Address
Home Phone
Number:
Cell Phone #:
Work Phone #
PGCC GPA:
Expected PGCC
Graduation Date:
High School:
High School
GPA
Expected HS
Graduation Date:
Academic Major 1:
Majors: Major 2:
Extracurricular
Activities
Scholarships
Received
Financial Aid
Received
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Check all that apply
I am available to take afternoon and evening courses.
I am in good academic standing at my High School OR at Prince George’s Community
College.
I am a member of a Collegian Center at PGCC.
_________________________________________________
Name of Collegian Center
I am willing to join one of the Collegian Centers.
After I graduate from Prince George’s Community College, I intend to transfer as a
Hillman Entrepreneur to the University of Maryland, College Park where I will complete my
bachelor’s degree as a full-time student. I understand that most UMCP courses are offered
during the day.
I intend to stay involved with the Program after graduation from UMCP.
I agree to complete the FAFSA application upon acceptance into the program and to update it
a semester before my transfer to UMCP.
I agree to the release of relevant data for the purpose of aggregate evaluation and I agree to
complete evaluative surveys and attend focus groups as required.
Attached is my resume or list of work experience.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
For the following four short answer questions, please limit yourself to no more
than a half-page per question.
Please answer part a or b for question number 1:
1) Entrepreneurial Influence
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a) Is there a person close to you that you consider to be an example of a
successful entrepreneur (e.g. parent, relative, spouse, friend)? Please briefly
describe this person and explain why you view him or her as a successful
entrepreneur and influential on your goals to be an entrepreneur.
OR
b) Describe a well-known successful entrepreneur whom you think of as a role
model and who has had influence on your own entrepreneurship. How have
they influenced you?
Please answer part a or b for question number 2:
2) Executing Entrepreneurial Ideas
a) Tell us about your entrepreneurial ideas. Have you already actively
participated in any entrepreneurial activities? If so, please explain how you
got started, how long you were involved with the activity, if you consider it a
successful experience, and any other points of interest.
OR
b) Do you currently have an idea for a business that you would like to pursue in
the future? If so, please explain the steps you have taken or plan to take to
execute the idea.
3) Business or Philanthropic Goals
If you had the financial and other resources to do whatever you wanted, what
would you choose to do for yourself? What would you choose to do for others?
Your Personal Goals for Joining the Program
4) If you were to define success for yourself within this program, what would it
look like? (You might consider this question in terms of skills, attitudes, or
behaviors that you hope to gain.)
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RESUME
Insert your resume here.
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Exhibit 2
HILLMAN ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM
Participation Agreement
I, ____________________________________________________________(print name here),
Agree to participate in the Hillman Entrepreneurs program which means, I will:
Register for and complete one designated Hillman course per semester;
_____ Participate in the academic enhancement activities coordinated by the
Program Directors;
Meet regularly with the Program Director to review and planning of
academic schedule and performance as well as the non-academic aspects of
program;
Participate in Hillman Entrepreneurs Program recruiting and other community
services activities the program designates;
Attend job shadowing and participate in paid summer internships where
appropriate;
Maintain a GPA above 2.5; and
Enroll in a major transferable to UMCP.
Consent to the release of the following information and/or data to the Hillman
Entrepreneurs Program staff concerning program eligibility, academic progress, need
for support services and aggregate program evaluation:
High School/college transcripts;
Standardized test Scores;
Semester and mid-semester grades;
Financial Aid records and FAFSA forms;
Information from counseling and testing centers;
Admissions and Registrar records;
Instructors bi-semester progress evaluation; and
Completed student satisfaction and other surveys, including results from focus
groups.
Agree to complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form upon
acceptance into the program and update it each year at PGCC, completing it at least
_____ one semester prior to transfer to UMCP, and again annually throughout the time at
UMCP ;.
Agree to make satisfactory progress each semester and ultimately complete the
_____ necessary coursework to earn my Associate’s degree or transfer certificate at Prince
George’s Community College; and
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Agree to matriculate into the University of Maryland College Park and make
_____ satisfactory progress each semester towards completion of my Bachelor’s degree.
Do not agree to participate in the Hillman Entrepreneurs program for the following
_____ reason: ____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Submitted by,
_____________________________________________________ ____________________
Signature Date
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