The Garrett County Commission for Women (GCCW) is accepting applications for the Maureen R. Sharps Scholarship for the academic year 2022-2023. The group is granting one $5000 scholarship, awarded as $2,500 each semester, for an individual seeking a degree in Education or a related area. Mr. Robert P. Sharps endowed the scholarship in honor of his late wife to help a woman resident of Garrett County complete her educational requirements, leading to a degree or certificate beyond the high school level. The scholarship may be used to attend an academic program at a community college, a four-year institution, or a graduate school. It is open only to those pursuing an education or related study area degree.
“This scholarship seeks to help a woman who wants to pursue a degree in Education or a related area to improve her life and the lives of children in our community. The scholarship was established to honor the memory of Maureen R. Sharps, a Garrett County Educator who loved teaching and who placed a high value on education. Maureen completed her college degree after starting her family and understood the additional challenges of having a family while attending college. “
To be eligible, a woman must have been a resident of Garrett County for at least five years, at least 20 years of age, and at least two years past her receipt of a high school diploma or GED. She may be already enrolled in a college or be applying for entrance into a program. She must be able to demonstrate financial need.
Applications must be accompanied by an official transcript from the program she is currently attending and/or a letter of acceptance from the program she wishes to attend; a completed Commission for Women Scholarship Application Form; and two (2) letters of reference from a faculty member who knows her work well and/or from a community member well versed in the applicant’s plans and prospects. Missing or incomplete data, particularly with regard to financial need, will disqualify the applicant.
The scholarship application is available at the Garrett County Public Libraries, the Garrett College Financial Aid office, the Commission for Women’s Facebook page, and the Commission for Women’s website at www.GCCW.info. Completed application packets are due to the GCCW, c/o Garrett County Commissioners at 203 South Fourth Street, Room 207, Oakland, MD 21550, by 4:30 p.m. on April 1, 2022. Questions about the application process may be addressed to Commission Chair Lisa Welch via 301-501-1132. The Commission will introduce the winner at the annual Hall of Fame brunch at Dutch’s at Silver Tree on April 30, 2022.
