As a Maryland high school junior, I'm trying to figure out what scholarships and grants are accessible to college students here. Are there any local resources or programs I should consider that could help with college expenses?
Certainly, there are several scholarships and grants specifically available for Maryland students. Here are a few I'll point you towards:
1. Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC): MHEC provides a range of state-sponsored financial aid programs. For example, the Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards includes the Need-Based Educational Assistance Grant and the Guaranteed Access Grant. These are need-based grants, meaning your family's financial situation will be taken into account.
2. Central Scholarship: Central Scholarship offers scholarships for Maryland residents. They provide funding for undergraduate and graduate students, vocational training, and interest-free loans.
3. Senatorial and Delegate Scholarships: These are unique to Maryland. Each state senator and delegate has a scholarship fund for students. You need to connect with your local senator or delegate to inquire about the application process, as each office administers its own scholarships.
4. Community Foundation Scholarships: Many Maryland community foundations offer scholarships to local students. For example, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore offers more than 80 scholarships. Other community foundations in Maryland may have similar opportunities.
5. Maryland Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Recipients: If you are in foster care or meet other qualifications, the Maryland Tuition Waiver provides help with tuition and mandatory fees at Maryland's public colleges.
6. The app Appily is a resource that could help you find additional scholarships. You can filter by location, and see which scholarships are available specifically for Maryland students.
Do a thorough search and apply to as many scholarships as you can - every little bit can help reduce your overall college costs. Don't forget about scholarships offered directly by colleges, too. Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships that can considerably reduce the price of their tuition. Best of luck in your search!
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