“Raptor Ready” Scholarship Offers $1,000 for Recent Montgomery County High School Grads

Applications are now being accepted for Montgomery College’s “Raptor Ready” Scholarship Program, offering eligible Montgomery County Class of 2026 graduates $1,000 toward fall 2026 tuition and fees.

The scholarship supports students enrolling in Montgomery College credit programs or select Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WDCE) programs during the fall 2026 semester.

The scholarship application deadline is Aug. 3, 2026. The first 1,000 eligible applicants will be considered for the award, with additional applicants placed on a waitlist.

Eligible WDCE programs include:

• Clinical Medical Assistant
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Early Childhood Education

To qualify, students must:

• Be a spring 2026 graduate of a Montgomery County public, private, or homeschool program;
• Be a Montgomery County resident;
• Be admitted to Montgomery College before applying;
• Register for and attend at least six credit hours during the fall 2026 semester, or enroll in one of the eligible WDCE programs;
• Complete the Raptor Ready Scholarship application by Aug. 3, 2026; and
• Be among the first 1,000 eligible applicants.

Visiting students attending other colleges or universities in fall 2026 are not eligible.

The Raptor Ready Scholarship is designed to help recent graduates begin their college journey with reduced financial barriers while encouraging continued progress toward degree completion, transfer opportunities, and workforce credentials in high-demand fields.

A FAFSA or Maryland One-App financial aid application is not required to receive the scholarship, though students are encouraged to apply for additional state, federal, and Montgomery College Foundation financial aid opportunities.

Scholarship awards will be applied directly to student accounts for fall 2026 tuition and fees. Students selected for the scholarship also will be protected from fall registration cancellation due to nonpayment.

Students and families can learn more and apply by visiting the Montgomery College Raptor Ready Scholarship webpage new window.