COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland Athletics department, in concurrence with National “Make a Difference Day” announced the “Share the Shell” community outreach program today. The goal of the of the campaign is to further develop the outreach, community service and leadership activities performed by student-athletes and ICA staff at Maryland.

"We are excited to announce the launch of Share the Shell today,” said Senior Associate AD for Academics & Student development Dr. Sue Sherburne. “While our student-athletes and teams have always been engaged in the campus and local communities, it was important to create an outreach program that formalized the good work our student-athletes and staff are already doing. Share the Shell will further enhance our commitment to the betterment of campus as well as the surrounding communities throughout the state of Maryland."

The undertaking aligns with the University of Maryland's recent launch of its “Do Good” initiative, aimed at establishing the university as a global leader in advancing social change, philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. The program is divided into four main categories: Health and Wellness, Civic Engagement, Education & Literacy and Leadership & Mentoring.

 "Our SAAC was instrumental in helping to develop every facet of the program,” said Associate AD for Administration Kristen Brown. “From the pillars to the name to the logo, their stamp was put on this entire program and the overall impact on our communities will hopefully be felt for years to come. Share the Shell is not only about providing opportunities for our student-athletes and staff to give back to the community, but it also provides opportunities to develop new relationships, expand engagement, enhance leadership skills and invigorate Maryland Pride."

Terps “Share the Shell” of Health & Wellness by giving their time to educating and inspiring others to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle as well as supporting those who are fighting for their health. Maryland has partnerships/undertaken outreach opportunities with the Central Y of Baltimore Sports Day, Children's Hospital of DC, Team IMPACT, senior citizens support, Special Olympics, and Uplifting Athletes among others.

Terps “Share the Shell” of Civic Engagement by integrating into the life of the surrounding community in order to improve the surroundings of others and help shape the community's future. Maryland has partnerships/undertaken outreach opportunities with Capital Area Food Bank, Catholic Charities of DC, House of Ruth, TerpsGiving, Toys for Tots; Holidays Adopt-a-Family and military and first responders appreciation among others.

Terps “Share the Shell” of Education and Literacy by collaborating with local schools to promote the benefits of higher education. Maryland has partnerships/undertaken outreach opportunities with Prince George's County Reading Days, Teacher Appreciation and Field Trip Days.

Terps “Share the Shell” of Leadership & Mentoring by being positive role models – on and off the field – and inspiring the next generation of young people to achieve their academic, athletic, personal and professional goals and dreams. Maryland has partnerships/undertaken outreach opportunities with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Best Buddies, Terps Leadership Academy, etc.

“The Share the Shell program is such a great opportunity for student-athletes and athletic department staff at the University of Maryland,” said senior softball player and SAAC community outreach representative Madison Martin. “Being able to use the platform we are given as student-athletes for more than athletics is such an amazing and rewarding experience. The launch of the Share the Shell program will help bridge the gap between athletics and our community while allowing everyone to work together to make Maryland a place we love and represent to the fullest".

Most recently, Maryland's Student Athlete Advisory Committee paired with Penn State's Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) for its House of Ruth project. Student-athletes at both schools collected items to place in baby baskets to be donated at local women's shelters. Maryland's SAAC delivered the items this Saturday, as both organizations and student-athletes aim is to raise awareness in their local communities and help provide to those shelters in need.

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