Student Groups
Dozens of student organizations at UMD relate to sustainability! Some can be found here, and a full listing of student organizations can be found at TerpLink.
1000 Schools- An international nonprofit movement, 1000 Schools works to alleviate extreme poverty and gang violence in rural Honduras through youth empowerment and education. The organization leads fundraising efforts year round and take an annual trip to Honduras to break ground on the construction of a new school where educational opportunities are limited.
17 for Peace and Justice- This organization seeks to empower students and other stakeholders and build community capacity to address social, economic, and political injustice and related environmental and health inequalities by using the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice established at the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit held from October 24-27th, 1991, in Washington DC as the overarching framework.
American Conservation Coalition (ACC)- ACC at UMD members are passionate about environmentalism and want you to be too. The club learns about the politics, policy, and science surrounding current issues to empower students to take action to save our planet.
American Ecological Engineering Society (AEES)- As a student chapter of the larger professional AEES society, the organization's mission is to promote the development of sustainable ecosystems that combine human society with the natural environment for the benefit of both through student driven projects, research, and activities. AEES's goal is to unite interdisciplinary students through their common interest in the environment to innovate new solutions for sustainability, pursue their professional careers, and promote public education of the environment.
American Meteorological Society (AMS)- The purpose of AMS at UMD is to provide educational, professional, social, and service opportunities for UMD students interested in meteorology. The organization has meetings that provide these services for students in atmospheric and oceanic science, through speakers from the meteorology community and other activities.
Animals for Animals (A4A)- A4A is a group of student advocates who promote veganism and bring awareness to animal rights issues on campus. The organization focuses on outreach and campaigns to enact lasting change and educate the UMD community about cruelty free lifestyles through their choices in food, clothing, and attitude.
Association for Women in Computing- The organization strives to promote inclusivity in STEM by giving underrepresented genders in computing and their allies the platform to succeed. Association for Women in Computing provides an inclusive environment for minorities and allies of minorities in computing fields through professional and social events.
The Association of Agricultural and Resource Economists (AARE)- AARE at UMD is dedicated to fostering collaboration and research across a wide range of topics in applied economics, including agricultural, developmental, energy, and environmental economics.
The Beekeeping Club- The mission of the club is to educate aspiring beekeepers about bees and beekeeping through hands-on experience and lectures, harvesting raw products from hives on UMD's campus in sustainable ways, and turning those raw products a variety of goods.
BLACK ENGINEERS SOCIETY (BES)- BES's mission is to recruit, retain, and release qualified minorities in the fields of computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physical sciences.
Black Girls Vote (BGV)- BGV is a grassroots, nonpartisan organization created to represent the national and international concerns of women of color. The organization seeks to uplift and empower communities of color by educating and inspiring women of color to understand the public policy decisions affecting their families and communities.
Branch Out- A club dedicated to connecting students to each other and to nature, Branch Out hosts service and group events in cooperation with the UMD Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
Community Learning Garden- The Community Learning Garden serves as a living classroom where faculty, staff, and students can engage in experiential education on issues directly related to community health, public health, and environmental health.
Empowering Women in Law (EWIL)- EWIL is comprised of a gender-inclusive group of individuals that recognize the necessity of women in roles of power within the legal field. The organization performs outreach at local schools to encourage young women to pursue law, and promotes the success of it's members throughout their undergrad experience, LSAT prep, during law school applications, and post-graduation.
Engineers Without Borders (EWB)- A student chapter of EWB USA national nonprofit organization, EWB at UMD partners with developing communities to improve their quality of life through the implementation of environmentally sustainable, equitable, and economical engineering projects.
Food Recovery Network- A student group at the University of Maryland, Food Recovery Network is dedicated to avoiding the waste of surplus food from UMD diners and College Park restaurants by delivering the surpluses to community partners that provide meals for hungry men, women, and children in the Washington, D.C. area.
Foundational Learning and Mentorship Experience (FLAME)- The mission of FLAME is to empower the next generation of STEM leaders by supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of students from underrepresented groups through experiment-based after-school mentorship programs.
Girls Who Code- The Girls Who Code chapter at UMD is committed to empowering students at UMD to make a meaningful impact in their community. The organization's mission is to promote gender equality in computer science education, creating a more inclusive tech industry one line of code at a time.
Green Roots- Green Roots exists to advance sustainable and urban agriculture through innovative techniques. Members grow food through hydroponics, which is the production of plants without soil, by integrating diverse disciplines. Green Roots is devoted to research, education, and community service.
Habitat for Humanity- The organization's mission is to bring communities together to help families build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter and to educate the UMD community about the importance of eliminating barriers to adequate and affordable housing.
Health and Education for All (HAFEA)- UMD's student chapter of HAEFA is dedicated to making a tangible difference in global health and education landscapes, fostering an environment of awareness, action, and advocacy. The organization aims to empower underprivileged and displaced populations globally through health education and services, bridging the gap between privileged communities and those in need, embodying equity, inclusivity, and global citizenship.
Hearts for the Homeless (H4H)- H4H at UMD contributes to the health and well-being of one of the most vulnerable populations in our nation by providing free heart health, mental health screenings, and education to communities in need.
Horticulture Club- The Horticulture Club aims to foster a relationship between plants and people within and around UMD, through excursions, workshops, and community engagement.
Maryland Adventure Program (MAP)- MAP is committed to providing student-powered adventure experiences that promote personal growth, transformative learning, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship for the UMD Community.
Maryland Model United Nations (MUN)- Maryland MUN is a social-professional student organization focused on developing members' skills in public speaking, debate, leadership, networking, collaboration, and program management, as well as engaging with the world of international relations, public policy, and diplomacy.
MaryPIRG- MaryPIRG organization is a statewide, student directed and student funded organization working to solve real social problems. Through credited internships, leadership training, and volunteer opportunities, MaryPIRG teaches and provides hands on skills to organize effectively around public interest issues.
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS)- MANRRS's mission is to promote academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.
Partners In Health Engage- Partners In Health Engage works along three lines of effort: community building, advocacy, and fundraising. Their mission is to educate by hosting discussion groups and public lectures about the right to health, advocate for global and domestic policies that further the right to health, and generate resources to fund high-quality health care for people living in poverty.
Public Health Beyond Borders (PHBB)- PHBB consists of a globally minded group of students aiming to alleviate health disparities around the world through carefully constructed health interventions and sustainable partnerships in Prince George's County, Kenya, Peru, Sierra Leone and India. The overall mission of the organization is to reduce health disparities around the world and increase awareness about good health practices.
RHA Sustainability Committee of Maryland (SCOM)- SCOM is one of UMD's Residence Hall Association's six standing committees. The committee is made up of student members of the RHA Senate and works on areas relating to sustainability efforts on campus.
ENST RESTORE- RESTORE is the student society for undergraduates majoring in Environmental Science and Technology (ENST) and anyone interested in environmental issues. The society offers volunteering opportunities, peers and expert mentoring, and a community to meet peers with similar goals and interests.
Science Competitions Advocating for Learning Equity (SCALE)- SCALE is dedicated to fostering students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in Prince George’s County elementary schools by encouraging meaningful competition between students. The organization strives to help bridge the gap between schools that have the resources to do hands-on experiments and activities and those that do not, and ensure each child knows that they are capable of a successful career in STEM. SCALE volunteers are trained specifically to ensure a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes equity across culture, race, and social class.
SGA Student Sustainability Committee- As part of the University of Maryland's Student Government Association (SGA), the Sustainability Committee (SSC) advises the SGA and University administration to ensure that sustainability remains a campus-wide focus.
St. Mary's Garden- St. Mary’s Garden, as one of the many additions that the Language House offers its residents, provides opportunities to learn about sustainability and agriculture from around the world by focusing on culturally distinct horticultural practices, agricultural traditions, and plants. The garden’s mission is to build a multicultural community through the integration of language-learning and gardening.
Supporting Hospitals Abroad with Resources and Equipment (SHARE)- The UMD chapter of SHARE strives to provide hospitals abroad with unused medical equipment and supplies from hospitals in the US. The organization works to provide patients with a better quality of medical care and better access to health information.
Sustainability, Environment, and Energy Council (SEEC)- SEEC is open to all students within the School of Public Policy who are interested in incorporating sustainability into their policy careers. SEEC engages in projects and activities that enhance environmental well-being, facilitates network-building through communication and social engagements, and provides scholarly opportunities to improve professional development and representation at the School.
Sustainable Ocean Alliance- The UMD chapter of Sustainable Ocean Alliance is dedicated to ocean advocacy and conservation. The organization aims to raise awareness of the relationship humans have with the ocean and involve the campus community in solutions that promote healthy marine ecosystems.
Terps Against Hunger- Terps Against Hunger strives to help food insecure individuals in the D.C. Metropolitan area by providing those in need with prepared and nutrient-rich meals. The organization aims to engage the student body and community in service related projects and education.
Terps for International Agriculture Science (TIAS)- TIAS provides opportunities for students and other agricultural workers to collaborate with international NGOs on improving sustainable agriculture practices. The organization's mission is to collectively improve food security, reduce malnutrition, and increase collective knowledge between global entities.
Terrapin Trail Club- The Terrapin Trail Club sponsors various outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, caving, canoeing, rock climbing, and kayaking. Its primary goal is to meet other outdoor enthusiasts and to provide a framework to share love for the outdoors.
Maryland Student American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)- The Student Chapter of ASLA's mission is "to lead, educate, and participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of our cultural and natural environments." The organization's mission is carried out by educating students about the profession of Landscape Architecture, providing opportunities to interact with professionals, and fostering a sense of community among students with interests in Landscape Architecture.
UNICEF at UMCP- UMCP UNICEF's mission is to gather college students hailing from different ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic status to participate in education, advocacy and fundraising activities to support children in-need, locally and worldwide on behalf of UNICEF USA. The initiative focuses on four aspects of life: health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of children.
United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) Local 54- USAS Local 54 at UMD is a non-profit, student labor organizing group. The mission of this local is to organize to fight for worker’s rights on and off the UMD campus and stand in solidarity with workers worldwide. The local is committed to help building the next generation of labor leaders because it believes the labor movement is part of the broader struggle for global justice.
Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM)- UAEM is a student organization working to leverage academic research for global health. The organization promotes affordable access to medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and devices in developing countries by changing norms and policies for academic licensing of medical research.
The Wildlife Society at UMD- UMD's Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society strives to represent and link the professional community of students, scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, and others to study, manage, and conserve wildlife and its habitats worldwide.