Navigating Scholarships in Frederick County: A Comprehensive Guide

Securing financial aid is a crucial step for many students pursuing higher education. Scholarships, unlike loans, are gifts that do not need to be repaid, making them an attractive option. Frederick County, Maryland, offers a diverse range of scholarship opportunities for students at various stages of their academic journey. This article provides a detailed overview of scholarships available to Frederick County residents, along with their specific requirements and eligibility criteria.

General Scholarship Resources

Several platforms and organizations offer comprehensive scholarship search tools. CollegeBoard's BigFuture scholarship search is a valuable resource for students of all levels. Fastweb provides an easy-to-use platform to find scholarships for college. Red Kite boasts access to over $25 billion in scholarship and financial aid opportunities through its free search engine. Scholly has facilitated students in winning over $35 million in scholarships.

The Community Foundation of Frederick County offers a General Scholarship application, open annually from March 1st through March 31st, encouraging both part-time and full-time students to apply. After an application is submitted, it is screened to see if it fits the requirements for more than 200 different scholarships.

Eligibility for Community Foundation Scholarships

Generally, scholarships are available to Frederick County residents at any point in their post-secondary academic career. Scholarships are based upon financial need, academic promise, and community service. Applications may be submitted by students who are about to complete their senior year of high school; by students already enrolled in a trade, technical, vocational school, college or university, or certificate program; and by nontraditional students over the age of 21 who have waited a number of years before starting their post-secondary education. Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and certification study. Every scholarship applicant must first create an online account, and then submit an online application. If you previously applied for our scholarships, you already have an account. If you have an existing account, it is IMPERATIVE that you NOT create a new account. Approximately 60% of our available scholarships consider an applicant’s and/or their family’s financial need.

Frederick Community College (FCC) Scholarships

FCC provides numerous scholarship opportunities for both new and returning students, made possible through the generosity of community groups, foundations, individuals, and businesses. Scholarships are also available for Continuing Education and Workforce Development students. Full-time students who are playing a sport at FCC may be eligible for athletic scholarships. Scholarships are available for FCC students enrolled in credit courses in Building Trades, or non-credit courses in Trades & Vocational Training (Electrical, HVAC or Welding).

Read also: The Legacy of Frederick Richards

Each year, a select group of Frederick County high school seniors are awarded the FCC Ambassador Scholarship for maintaining a 3.0 GPA through grades 9-12. It is awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership and attend the fall term following their graduation from high school. High school graduates who have a 3.0 in their first term at FCC will also be considered for the FCC Ambassador Scholarship for the spring term. Ambassador Scholars will be asked to participate in the Ambassador Program while at FCC, volunteering for a minimum of ten hours per semester. Ambassador Scholarships are awarded based upon date of receipt of application and high school transcript to FCC.

The application is tentatively scheduled to open on Nov. 15. Scholarship awards can be used for tuition/training, certification exams, tools and other necessary supplies associated with the upcoming school year.

FCC Grant Opportunities

The CBEAG is available to full-time students who enroll in an associate degree, are eligible for the in-state tuition rate, submit their FAFSA or MSFAA after 3/1, and demonstrate financial need. The EA Grant is available to full-time students who enroll in an associate degree, are eligible for the in-state tuition rate, submit their FAFSA or MSFAA by 3/1, and demonstrate financial need. The GA Grant is available to full-time students who enroll in an associate degree, are eligible for the in-state tuition rate, submit their FAFSA or MSFAA by 3/1, demonstrate financial need, meet specific high school GPA/GED Scores, and submit all required documents to MHEC by 4/1.

FCC Programs and Waivers

The Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program supports eligible FCC students by providing increased access to affordable on-campus child care services at the Children's Center. Student-parents who are accepted into the program will receive a voucher to help cover the cost of child care services provided by the Children's Center.

Parents Lead is a Frederick Community College program providing assistance to parents in the pursuit of a college degree. This program is designed especially for financially-eligible parents, the program provides specialized curriculum and advising services as well as FCC Foundation scholarships for childcare while parents attend classes, or for other costs associated with child rearing. This cohort-based program is a combination of online and on-campus classes. Inspire your children to pursue an education by earning a degree at FCC. Eligible applicants must be current participants in the Project Forward Step program. Single parents and adults age 24 and over who are low income, out-of-workforce, or homeless, and are beginning or continuing their education in order to enter the workforce, increase their marketable skills, change careers, or advance in a current job in order to become economically self-sufficient are eligible to apply.

The SSI/SSDI waiver is available for students who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. This waiver can be used to cover any outstanding tuition charges after all financial aid, with the exception of loans, are applied.

Specific Scholarship Funds

Frederick County boasts a variety of scholarship funds catering to specific fields of study, institutions, and demographics.

Academic and Career-Oriented Scholarships

Dr. J Richard Crouse Memorial Scholarship: For Frederick County or Washington County graduating seniors accepted to and enrolled at the University of Maryland studying medicine, dentistry, or business.
Frederick C.C. Graduate to Mount St. Mary's College: For graduates of Frederick Community College enrolled at Mount St. Mary's College. Selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, and community service.
Frederick County Agriculture Scholarship: For students pursuing a post-secondary degree in agriculture or related fields (agribusiness/management, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering/mechanics, agricultural production and technology, agronomy or crop science, animal sciences, botany, farm and range management, fish, game or wildlife management, food sciences/technology, home economics/nutrition/human development, forestry, horticulture, natural resources management, soil conservation/soil science, pre-veterinary medicine, and architecture and urban studies). Applicants must be citizens residing in Frederick County, MD who have been accepted as freshmen in college, are currently enrolled in college, or are age 18 or over and deriving more than 50 percent of their income from farm related activities.
Frederick County Retired Teachers Association Scholarship: For Frederick County residents in need of financial aid who enroll full-time at an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in education. Awards are based on academic achievements, academic promise, financial need, community service, and commitment to becoming a professional educator.
Esther Grinage Kindergarten Scholarship: For students of promise with financial need, pursuing post-secondary education, with preference given to candidates studying early childhood education.
Edward Dawson Grove, Sr. Scholarship Fund: For a Frederick County student studying agronomy or agriculture at an accredited post-secondary educational institution.
Norine Haas Mental Health Scholarship: For graduates of Frederick County secondary schools pursuing careers in mental health at the graduate level.
James R. Hahn Memorial Scholarship: For Frederick County residents studying in the field of transportation.
U. Mehrl & Margaret T. Hooper Scholarship: For Frederick County residents pursuing post-secondary education at a trade or technical training school. Awards are based on financial need, ability, potential in chosen field of study, and commitment to pursuing higher education. Scholarships are available to students studying at trade or technical schools for secretarial skills, apprenticeship training programs, building and craft trades, beauty and barber schools, mechanics, auto repair, and other areas that are not traditional four-year degree programs.
Sandra E. Long Memorial Scholarship: For Frederick County residents studying political science or history at Frederick Community College, Hood College, and/or Mount St. Mary's College.
Charles Thomas & Mary Ellen Main Scholarship: For Frederick County residents attending an accredited college or university who demonstrate financial need and academic promise.
Chief Charles V. Main Scholarship: For Frederick County residents pursuing a career in criminal justice or public safety, planning to attend an accredited college or university. Awards are based on academic promise, financial need, community service, extracurricular activities, character, and commitment to pursuing a career in police work.
Millard Milburn Rice Memorial Scholarship: Supports Frederick County residents studying at either Western Maryland College or University of Maryland at College Park, from first year through graduate school. Scholars are selected based upon their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and financial need.
C. Eugene Shaff, Jr. Memorial Scholarship: For graduates of Frederick County Public Schools majoring in a scientific field (physics, biology, chemistry, etc.) at an accredited college or university. Scholarships are awarded based upon academic merit and financial need.
Mary E. M. & Ruth E. Smith Scholarship: For Frederick County residents pursuing a degree from an accredited college or university. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years of post-secondary education.
Ross & Pauline Smith Scholarship: For Frederick County residents attending an accredited college or university.
Alliance to the Frederick County Medical Society Scholarship Fund: For students in health-related fields. Giving limited to Frederick County, MD.
Derek Matthew Angel Scholarship Fund: Preference is given to information technology majors. Giving limited to Frederick County, MD.
Rhonda Ray Scholarship: This scholarship will be made to a MEDA student member or non-member* taking credit courses in public policy or economic development-related subjects. Students must attend a Maryland public or private community college or four-year university and be a resident of Maryland.

Scholarships with Specific Geographic or Affiliation Requirements

Scholarships for Linganore High School Graduates: Scholarships are available to Frederick County residents who are pursuing post-secondary education at the institution of their choice, or career education training. Preference shall be given to graduates of Linganore High School or the general geographic area including Linganore, Walkersville and Oakdale, or students with learning disabilities.
Scholarships for Catoctin High School Graduates: Scholarships are available to graduates of Catoctin High School enrolled in career education school in Maryland.
Harold Glen and Audrey G. Applicants: must be a resident of Carroll County, Maryland.

Scholarships for Specific Circumstances

Ashley Foundation Fund: For scholarships and grants providing support to teens diagnosed with cancer.
The Community Foundation partnered with the nonprofit, legal, educational, and government agency community: to award this scholarship for the first time for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Sperry L. Storm Memorial Scholarship Fund and The Guss Family Scholarship Fund for the Arts: Frederick County students ages Kindergarten through 12th grade who are currently pursuing instrumental or vocal music instruction may apply for a music scholarship supporting private or group instruction.
The Luke Clemens Bartlett Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund: Frederick County students ages Kindergarten through 12th grade may apply for financial aid scholarships to attend sports activities, programs, and athletic camps.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Charles W. Riley Scholarship: For students who are actively engaged as a career firefighter or ambulance rescue squad member in an organized fire department or ambulance/rescue squad in the State. Students can enroll full or part-time in an eligible undergraduate program (Fire service technology, emergency medical technology, fire service management, or public safety administration with a minor or concentration in fire service technology or fire service management). Eligible students must apply within MDCAPS and submit all required documents by 4/15.
Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program and Jean B Fastweb: The 2025 scholarship program is now open. We will award twelve scholarships for a total of $120,000 in scholarship awards. Students that have transferred from a Maryland community college to a University System of Maryland school in the last 18 months are also eligible.
Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship: The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a highly selective scholarship for the nation’s top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities.

Additional Financial Aid Options

In addition to scholarships, students should explore other financial aid options, such as grants and waivers.

State Senator Awards: If your State senator makes his/her own awards, you must call or write to your legislator for further instructions.

Key Application Tips

Create an Online Account: Every scholarship applicant must first create an online account, and then submit an online application. If you previously applied for our scholarships, you already have an account. If you have an existing account, it is IMPERATIVE that you NOT create a new account.
Pay Attention to Deadlines: Be mindful of application deadlines, as late submissions are typically not considered. For example, the Community Foundation's General Scholarship application is open from March 1st through March 31st.
Highlight Your Achievements: Showcase your academic achievements, community involvement, and any unique skills or experiences that make you a strong candidate.
Demonstrate Financial Need: Many scholarships consider financial need as a key factor, so be prepared to provide relevant financial information.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread it for any errors in grammar or spelling.

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