CML Scholars

The Lowcountry’s only one-year leadership program for high school students offering an immersive academic and participatory experience in the nonprofit sector for up to 20 area students. 

This program is designed for ambitious and academically successful rising high school juniors in South Carolina’s Lowcountry with a keen interest in learning about and participating in nonprofit organizations. Successful CML Scholar applicants will:

  • Enjoy working with young children and the public.
  • Have demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Lead themselves with a natural and enthusiastic curiosity.

We are updating the dates of our CML Scholars program. Please stay tuned for the new application deadlines and program schedule.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact cmlscholars@explorecml.org.

Program Goal:

To give high-potential rising high school juniors an immersive experience in the nonprofit sector anchored by a broad understanding of how nonprofit organizations are governed and operate, building a solid foundation for their future leadership as nonprofit volunteers, supporters, board members, or professional staff.

Program Participant Requirements:

  • Participate in 20 hours of instruction and immersive learning.
  • Give at least 200 hours of service during the program year.

Scholars Who Successfully Complete* the Program Receive:

  • Hands-on knowledge and experience in the nonprofit sector
  • Personal leadership training
  • Certification of total hours of nonprofit community service
  • Personalized letter of recommendation for college applications from the museum’s President & CEO
  • $2,500 scholarship payable directly to the student’s chosen institution of higher learning

Program Timeline:

*We are working to update the CML Scholars Program Timeline, please note the below will change. We will open up applications once the timeline is up to date.

  • Applications Due – July 15, 2024
  • Notification of Application Status – August 1, 2024
  • Program Orientation – August 24, 2024 at 10:00 am (2 hours)
  • Personal Leadership Evaluation and Training – September 28, 2024 at 10:00 am (2 hours)
  • Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector – October 19, 2024 at 10:00 am (2 hours)
  • Nonprofit Governance – November 30, 2024 at 10:00 am (2 hours)
  • Volunteer Service Hours opportunities over Thanksgiving and Christmas Breaks – November & December
  • Optional: Attend a portion of the January CML Board Retreat. Date/time TBD (1 hour)
  • Nonprofit Finance- January 25, 2025 at 10:00 am (2 hours)
  • Nonprofit Marketing – February 22, 2025 at 10:00 am (2 hours)
  • Nonprofit Fundraising – March 29, 2025 at 10:00 am (2 hours)
  • Volunteer Service Hour opportunities over Spring Break – April
  • CML Exhibits – April 12, 2025 at 10:00 am (2 hours)
  • CML Education – May 17, 2025 at 10:00 am (3 hours – lunch included)
  • Completion of Volunteer Service Hours – June, July, August 2025
  • CML Scholars Graduation – August 15, 2025 at 6:00 pm

*Successful completion of the CML Scholars 2024-25 program is defined as:

  • In-person attendance at the program’s orientation and at least six of the eight scheduled 2-hour learning modules and completion of pre-and post-tests.
  • Watching the video for any missed modules and successfully completing that session’s pre-and post-test.
  • Contributing at least 200 documented hours of volunteer service for the museum during the program’s 12-month period. This requirement must be fulfilled before the program’s completion.
  • Consistently bringing positive energy and contributing to an inclusive atmosphere by always treating all museum visitors, staff, fellow CML Scholars, and other volunteers with respect and friendly courtesy.

Students will be selected for the program by CML’s Education Task Force, a diverse group of community volunteers with backgrounds and interests in education.

Questions?

Please contact: cmlscholars@explorecml.org