University Partnership Program

Connecting our students to college professors

At Friends School, students don't have to wait until they graduate to work with collegiate-level researchers.

Our University Partnership Program (UPP) connects students and teachers with thought leaders from major research institutions across the country. 

The Program, which launched in 2011 as the first of its kind in the Baltimore metro area, partners students with professors, researchers, and others in colleges and universities around the country, in subjects ranging from neuroscience and engineering to urban renewal, political science, the arts, and more.

Highlights of the program include a history/English elective in which juniors and seniors assist professors at Duke University with ongoing research on enslavement and an infectious disease project for which 6th Grade Science students diagnose and present  “patients” in front of visiting physicians.

We believe that collaboration of this kind — applying classroom skills and knowledge to real-world problem-solving — inspires students to think deeply and act in new and exciting ways, and prepares them for success tomorrow. It also fosters in our children an enduring passion for learning, which is critically important to their development as students and as people.

Friends School of Baltimore and Goucher College Transformative Partnership

Friends School of Baltimore and Goucher College are embarking on a transformative partnership designed to expand opportunities for students, faculty, and staff while fostering a deeper connection between the two organizations. 

At the heart of this partnership is a focus on opening doors for Friends School students. Starting with the Class of 2025, students in good academic standing are guaranteed admission to Goucher College and a $32,000 annual merit scholarship. This initiative reflects the strong academic preparation and values instilled at Friends School that make graduates well-positioned to thrive in Goucher’s rigorous and dynamic educational environment.

Friends School students will continue to benefit from learning experiences with Goucher faculty, with plans to increase collaboration between the two campuses. Additionally, Friends School faculty and staff will enjoy expanded opportunities for professional development with a 20% discount on Goucher’s graduate tuition, complementing the 75% tuition assistance already provided by Friends School to eligible recipients. This benefit is set to begin in Fall 2025 and underscores the institutions’ commitment to professional growth and development.

Looking ahead, the collaboration may also introduce dual enrollment opportunities, allowing Friends School students to take courses and earn college credit, further enhancing their academic preparation.

Josh Carlin stands behind four students sitting at a table looking at brochures
An infographic that shares information about statistics for the University Partnership Program

List of Past and Present Partnerships