LA PLATA, Md. (February 7, 2012)—The College of Southern Maryland began its 2012-13 academic year scholarship application process on Feb. 3. CSM students can search nearly 50 scholarships through May 31 for matches to their backgrounds and financial needs in a wide variety of academic programs using CSM’s Online Scholarship Finder for the 2012-13 academic year.
“We’ve had a great response in numbers of scholarship applications since Scholarship Finder opened in 2010,” said Martina Arnold, CSM development director. “There is money available for all students in a variety of programs of study so we are encouraging students to apply right up to the deadline.” The online application process guides students directly to scholarships for which they are most eligible and allows them to apply for multiple scholarships with one unified application. Students can apply at their convenience as the site operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students are encouraged to apply early for best consideration.
Students register at
www.csmd.edu/financial/scholarships/ and use the online scholarship application system to answer questions pertaining to their education (such as high school, year of graduation, etc.), finances (income, work status), county residence, responsibilities (dependents, volunteer activities, etc.) and educational goals (intended major, program of study, projected graduation date, etc.). The system then takes the students’ answers and matches them to scholarships available only through the CSM Foundation.
This past fall, 586 students applied for scholarships and the foundation awarded 204, said CSM Foundation Chair Jay Lilly.
One of those awarded a scholarship was Devin Robinson, of Accokeek, who received the Gary D. Smith Memorial Scholarship for students studying communications and the arts.
“It is a great comfort to see these students following their dreams. Gary would be honored,” said CSM Safe Communities Center Project Coordinator Linda Smith, who created the scholarship in memory of her husband, a longtime photojournalist for the Maryland Independent. Smith’s three grown children and their spouses made donations to their father’s scholarship this year instead of exchanging Christmas gifts, she said.
“The college is advancing our community in education, workforce development, and quality of life. This year the CSM Foundation awarded more than $180,000 in scholarships to students,” said Arnold.
“There is a growing student population and a growing need for support to help students succeed. An educated workforce will strengthen the economy and the community in which we live,” said Lilly.
For information on contributing to the CSM Foundation scholarship fund, visit
www.csmd.edu/foundation/.
If you are interested in learning more about establishing a scholarship contact Arnold at martina.arnold(at)csmd.edu or 301-934-7649.
To use CSM’s Scholarship Finder visit
www.csmd.edu/financial/scholarships/. For information on scholarships and financial aid assistance at CSM, call 301-934-7531 or 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499 or 443-550-6199, Ext. 7531.