Offutt Graduate Scholars Program

Empowering CWIT Scholar alumni to achieve advanced computing degrees, lead technical innovation, and mentor the next generation of women and underrepresented groups in technology.

Program Overview: Extending the CWIT Pipeline to Graduate Education

Established through a transformational $1.04 million gift in 2026 from UMBC Computer Science alumni Pam Offutt ’82 and Jay Offutt ’82, the Offutt Scholars Program expands CWIT’s proven support model directly into graduate education.

Advanced degrees serve as a critical bridge for technical leaders stepping into high-impact management, executive leadership, and specialized computing roles. Designed exclusively for alumni of the undergraduate CWIT Scholars Program, the Offutt Scholars Program provides financial support, advanced professional development, and dedicated mentorship opportunities to ensure CWIT graduates continue to succeed at the highest levels of tech leadership.

Who Should Apply

The Offutt Scholars Program is open to CWIT Scholar alumni who are seeking their master’s degree in computing disciplines at UMBC.

Eligibility Requirements

• Eligible Cohorts: You must be a CWIT Scholar alum beginning with the C1 cohort of CWIT scholars.
• Graduate Program: You must be applying to or currently enrolled in a Master’s degree program in a computing discipline at UMBC (e.g., Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Human-Centered Computing, Cybersecurity, or Data Science).
• Commitment to Community: A continued commitment to inclusive leadership and supporting women and underrepresented groups in technology along with interest in expanding the engagement of the CWIT alumni community.

Program Benefits

• Financial Support: A scholarship award of $3,000 per academic year (up to 2 years) to support your master’s degree studies.
• Mentorship: Receive 1:1 mentorship from senior tech alumni and executive leaders while serving as a mentor to current undergraduate CWIT Scholars.
• Executive Leadership Development: Access tailored executive coaching, professional development workshops, networking events, and public speaking opportunities.

How to Apply

The application process for the Offutt Scholars Program is managed directly through CWIT program leadership. Interested and eligible CWIT Scholar alumni should reach out directly to Dr. Carolyn Seaman or Jess Myers to express your interest and initiate the scholarship selection process.

Contact Information

If you are an eligible CWIT Scholar alum interested in applying or learning more about the Offutt Scholars Program, please contact us directly:

• Dr. Carolyn Seaman
  CWIT Director
  Email: cseaman@umbc.edu
• Jess Myers
  CWIT Associate Director
  Email: jessm@umbc.edu