Applications for the 2nd annual Equity in Education Scholarship are open now through April 1!
See the full application and apply HERE.
Donations wanted for this year’s scholarship fund!
HARC is once again partnering with Washington County Public Schools and the Education Foundation of WCPS to offer the 2nd annual Equity in Education Scholarship. In 2022, we provided four scholarships to future educators, who are already serving schools while pursuing their degrees (see more information on these winners below). With your help, we can serve even more. Your gift of $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 or ANY amount will make a big difference in the lives of future educators and the hundreds of children they will serve! All donations will be matched up to $15,000 thanks to a matching grant from the Fletcher Foundation, so your gift will be DOUBLED and have even more impact.
You can make your donation through the Community Foundation of Washington County HERE (choose “Equity in Education Scholarship” from the pull-down menu) or through the HARC website. Please share this FLYER to spread the word!
Equity in Education Scholarship Information
The Equity in Education scholarship fund was established through a partnership between The Hagerstown Area Religious Council, Rise Up Hagerstown, The Education Foundation of WCPS, and Washington County Public Schools, with new partner Community Foundation of Washington County added in late 2022. Multiple scholarships are awarded annually ranging from $1,500 to $7,000 to racially minoritized students (with preference to African American students) who reside in Washington County, Maryland, and are pursuing a degree in education or a related field. Scholarships are eligible for renewal until degree is obtained.
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.
Requirements:
- Applicants must be 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; and
- Recipients must maintain employment as a substitute teacher or paraprofessional with Washington County Public Schools (certain exceptions may be considered); and
- Recipients will be assigned a mentor to support them during their scholarship period. Active communication with your mentor is required; and
- Maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA.
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.)
We are seeking additional donations for a more robust scholarship fund to serve more applicants. Donations can be made directly to the Education Foundation of WCPS or through HARC as a faith community offering (please make a note to designate your gift).
We are seeking additional donations for a more robust scholarship fund to serve more applicants. Donations can be made directly to the 2022 Scholarship Winners
Three of the 2022 winners are in the Maryland Accelerates Program with Frostburg University at USMH on track to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in just one year. Meet these incredible women:
Chanda has served as a substitute teacher in Washington County Public Schools for the last seven years and is seeking a degree in Elementary Education. Outside of teaching, she has volunteered with children at Elgin Station and Bester Elementary School (via Bester Community of Hope), and she is a Zumba instructor. “I want to demonstrate to all young learners regardless of ethnicity, background or environmental upbringing, the abilities of learning are limitless and greatness can be achieved by all,” said Chanda.
Lyvon has been working in the banking industry for many years, but has always wanted to be a teacher. She loves teaching youth and adults in her church, and is excited to now finally pursue a degree in Elementary Education. As an adoptive parent, she enjoys teaching her children about different cultures, taking them on a “virtual tour” of countries around the world. “I have always wanted to teach,” says Lyvon. “Now it’s time for me to step up and help children build the tools they need to grow.”
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Delphine is fairly new to Washington County and worked this past year as a paraprofessional teacher at Western Heights Middle School. She is now pursuing a degree in Secondary Education, her decision reinforced by her experience working with students at Western Heights with behavioral issues. “As a student who did not discover her value as a good writer until it was pointed out to her, I strive to point out every talent I see,” Delphine shared.
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The fourth scholarship winner is working toward her Associate’s Degree at Hagerstown Community College in pursuit of becoming a teacher. Meet this amazing woman:
Gabrielle was a community tutor throughout middle and high school, then got a job working in a daycare center, which first inspired her to pursue teaching. Instead, she worked as a Residential Manager for a group home of developmentally disabled individuals. Her dream remained and last year she began working as a paraprofessional in a fourth-grade classroom at Jonathan Hager Elementary School. Gabby loves working with students and says “I have the desire to create a classroom where individuals with special needs are self-reliant, a setting that allows them to develop comfortably and also promote their confidence to be part of society.”
We congratulate all four future educators, who impressed the scholarship team with their commitment and passion to serve children in Washington County!
