Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Scholarship Winners!
The 2024-2025 Equity in Education Scholarship recipients were honored June 12, 2024 during a community and school celebration. A privately funded partnership between the Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) and Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), the fund has awarded $45,000 in scholarships since 2022. Dr. David Sovine, WCPS superintendent, joined this year’s recipients Janeice Bates, Carmen Diaz, Hakema Mutanu, and Precious Steel, along with Allison Smith, Supervisor of Equity and Excellence for WCPS, and Kathy Powderly, Executive Director of HARC. Read more about this year’s recipients here.
What is the Equity in Education Scholarship?
The Equity in Education scholarship fund is a partnership between The Hagerstown Area Religious Council and Washington County Public Schools. Multiple scholarships are awarded annually ranging from $1,500 to $7,000 to racially minoritized students (with preference to African American students) who reside and/or teach in Washington County, Maryland, and are pursuing a degree in education or a related field. Scholarships may be eligible for renewal until degree is obtained.
Application period: February 1 – April 1 annually.
Who is this for?
- High school graduates just accepted into college
- Para-professionals or associate’s degree holders seeking a teaching certification.
- Anyone seeking a degree in education or a related field (i.e. teaching, school counseling, etc.)
The scholarship amount is determined by the applicant’s course load, tuition costs, and/or degree program. Examples of allowable expenses include:
- Tuition
- Books and Supplies
- Room & Board
- Other allowable expenses may include: rent, childcare, transportation, etc.
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be racially-minoritized student
- Accepted into an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program and pursuing a degree in education or a related field or accepted into a Master of Arts in Teaching program
- Resident of Washington County, Maryland, or employee of WCPS
- Recipients must maintain employment as a substitute teacher or paraprofessional with Washington County Public Schools (certain exceptions may be considered)
Requirements of Scholarship Recipients:
- Recipients will be assigned a mentor and/or team to support them during their scholarship period. Active communication with your mentor and/or the team is required; and
- Maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA
- Continue to pursue a degree in education
Donate:
We are seeking donations for the 2025-2026 scholarship cycle and to build an endowment to continually fund this scholarship in the future. Donations can be made through the HARC website designated to the “Equity in Education Scholarship.” Please share this Equity in Education flyer 2024 to spread the word!
