QUEST Honors Program

The QUEST (Quality Enhancement Systems and Teams) Honors Program is a three-year program for University of Maryland undergraduates studying business, engineering, and/or science. Through our five-course curriculum, students complete experiential learning projects and gain unique teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for their futures. Now in our 29th year, QUEST has become a mainstay at the University of Maryland, College Park, providing a unique opportunity for students who are interested in multidisciplinary, hands-on learning experiences.

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

QUEST at a Glance

250

Business, Engineering, and Science Students

100%

of Seniors Would
"Do It All Again"

3.71

Average Incoming GPA

40%

Accept Jobs With QUEST Corporate Partners

Information for UMD Students

QUEST invites talented freshmen to apply to the program each year during winter break. Applications are now closed for the 2020-21 academic year and will reopen next winter break.

LEARN MORE

“

QUEST gave me the space to develop personal skills like public speaking and networking within a quasi-professional environment. QUEST students leave with a well-rounded toolbox that allows them to succeed in any path they choose. QUEST at its heart is a big family and provides a very warm and welcoming environment for students. It has been my favorite part of my college experience.

— Hadas Elazar-Mittelman, Materials Science & Engineering '20

”

Information for Corporate Partners

QUEST welcomes the opportunity to partner with organizations interested in contributing to student learning and gaining access to talented undergraduate students in business, engineering, and science. Our corporate partners provide experiential learning opportunities for QUEST students through project sponsorship in both our capstone course and our data analysis course. Corporate partners are also invited to our annual networking event and receive QUEST resume books every semester.

LEARN MORE

50+

Annual Experiential Learning Projects

92%

Team Recommendations Implemented

85%

Returning Partners

“

For many years, QUEST students have provided Northrop Grumman with a fresh perspective for solving some of our business challenges. Using QUEST’s recommendations, Northrop Grumman has improved productivity and streamlined processes, which resulted in cost savings for the company. We are extremely excited to be part of this program and look forward to continuing our relationship with QUEST in the future.

— Bryan Buckland, Senior Director, Finance, Northrop Grumman

”

In Hospital Project, QUEST Students Prescribe Changes

A virtual trip to the doctor’s office was quite productive for these Maryland Smith students. This past semester, a team of QUEST Honors Program students worked with Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., to provide recommendations toward improving the patient experience, reducing provider burnout, making providers more productive, and increasing the hospital’s bottom line.

Undergrads Help Build Businesses in Africa

Few class projects deliver the kind of global impact that comes from those in David Ashley’s course. Ashley, an executive in residence at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, teaches a course that links undergraduate students with entrepreneurs in Africa and helps them grow their businesses. The projects are part of a first-of-its-kind partnership with a U.S. African Development Foundation program that supports young entrepreneurs in Africa.