Scholarships, Grants, and other Awards in Maryland
State Government Programs
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) administers several need and merit based scholarships and grants. Many of them have no vocational requirements and some of them are awarded based on the student's particular area of study. Some are service obligation awards in that the recipient must promise to work in the same field as the major for which the grant or scholarship was awarded.
The following are administered by The MHEC:
Sharon Christa McAuliffe Memorial Teacher Education Award
The recipient must promise in writing to work full-time for one year for each year of the award in a Maryland Public School in the critical shortage area chosen by applicant. Failure to do so will result in repayment of the scholarship with interest.
Applicant must already have 60 semester credit hours in order to apply for this award. In addition, college graduates and teachers who are certified in a non critical shortage area may apply. Public or private school teachers may apply.
Applicants must be Maryland residents and enroll in a full or part time undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking approved teacher education program in a critical shortage field. You must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The total amount of this award is based on your enrollment and housing status however it may not exceed $17,700.
Maryland Chiefs of Police Association
Offers two scholarships each year to students enrolled in law enforcement or criminal justice curriculum. Applicant must be a Maryland resident and between the ages of 17-21. Scholarships are based on scholastic achievement and community and school involvement. See local police chief/executive officer for application.
Need Based Senatorial Scholarship
Current high school seniors and full or part time undergraduate or graduate degree seeking students who are residents of Maryland may apply. You may need to contact your legislator for further instructions if your Senator makes his own awards. The Office of Student Financial Affairs (OSFA) can provide a list of all legislators. The OSFA will also need to verify that your major is unique if your major is unavailable in the state of Maryland. If that is the case and your Senator agrees, you may attend a college or university out of state.
This award is based on financial need which must be demonstrated on the FAFSA. You will also need to take the SAT 1 or the ACT unless you graduated from high school more than 5 years ago, have 24 college credit hours or are presently attending a community college or private career school.
The award ranges from $200 to $2000.
Guaranteed Access Grant
All majors are eligible for the Guaranteed Access Grant which is available to current high school students who have taken college prep classes. Applicant must be a resident of the state of Maryland and complete the FAFSA and the Guaranteed Access application. Applicant must have a 2.5 GPA in high school and enroll full-time in a 2 or 4 year college or university. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet certain income requirements as shown on the MHEC website where applicants can also download the application
Jack and Jill of America, Inc of Prince George's
Awards scholarships to graduating seniors based on academic achievement and community service. Applicant must demonstrate financial need and be seeking a degree at a postsecondary institution. Applicant will also need letters of recommendation. See your high school guidance counselor for application.