Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Maryland Higher Education Commission

Here’s a clearer, teacher-friendly version of the information — organized so you can quickly see what matters, what the deadlines are, and what steps to take.

Overview
This scholarship (Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship) supports the state’s goal of educating diverse student bodies and increasing diversity in ROTC programs. It’s aimed at students who are identified as minorities or members of groups historically underrepresented in ROTC.

Important dates
- Application opens: April 15, 2025
- Application closes: April 1, 2026
- Notification: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submit everything as soon as you can so your file is processed promptly.

Who may apply (eligibility summary)
General categories (who may be considered):
- Current or prospective degree-seeking students (undergraduate or graduate), full-time or part-time.
- Undocumented students who have been determined eligible for in‑state tuition.

Specific scholarship requirements (must meet all of the following):
- Identified by the institution as a minority student or a member of a group historically underrepresented in ROTC.
- Enrolled full-time at one of these four institutions only: Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, or University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
- A member of an ROTC program.
- Determined by the institution to be eligible for in‑state tuition.

Application process — what to do and when
1. Financial aid form (required by July 15)
- Submit the FAFSA online: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
- If you are ineligible for federal aid but eligible for in‑state tuition, submit the MHEC One App through MDCAPS instead by July 15.

2. Scholarship application (required by April 1, 2026)
- Complete the online application through the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) One-App: https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us
- Upload all required supporting documents to your MDCAPS account. All documents will be requested and submitted through that account.

Tips and reminders (teacher-to-student)
- Because review is rolling, don’t wait until the deadline. Early, complete submissions are processed faster.
- Make sure your institution has documented your in‑state tuition eligibility if that applies to you.
- Confirm your ROTC membership status with your school so it’s clear in your application materials.
- Keep copies/screenshots of everything you submit and note confirmation emails.

If you want, I can turn this into a printable checklist or help you draft answers for any application questions.