Family Scholarship Enrollment is Closed
The Family Scholarship Program is not currently accepting applications. Updates regarding future enrollment opportunities will be shared here as they become available.
Family Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be 18 or older at the time of application.
- You must be a resident of the South End of Hagerstown for at least 1 year. Please refer to the Bester Community of Hope Boundary Review Map or the map below to confirm your address falls within the catchment area.
- You must be the primary caregiver and have at least one child under the age of 18 living in your household.
- You must not currently receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Your household income must fall between 130% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your household size. Household size includes all adults and children within the home. See the table below to determine your eligibility.
Program Overview
The BCOH Family Scholarship is a proposed initiative designed to support families in the benefits cliff—those earning between 130% and 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL)—within the South End of Hagerstown, Maryland. The intent is to reduce financial strain, increase stability, and support long-term goals and dreams in areas such as education, employment, housing, etc. The program includes monthly payments of $700 per household for up to 24 months, with the goal of serving approximately 150 families. In addition, $300 per month will be deposited into a savings account for each family, which will be available at the end of the program—providing an avenue to support long-term goals and sustainability.
Program Timeline
Open Enrollment: Closed
We are not currently accepting applications. Updates regarding future enrollment opportunities will be shared here as they become available.
For questions, email [email protected] or call (240) 513-6370.
Review Period
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis during open enrollment.
Lottery and Selection
All eligible applicants will be entered into a randomized lottery, which will be held once open enrollment concludes. A total of 100 participants will be selected, with an additional 50 individuals placed on a standby list. A third-party vendor will oversee the lottery process and provide BCOH with the final list of selected participants. Individuals placed on the standby list are not guaranteed acceptance into the program and may only be admitted if openings become available.
Application Approvals
Selected participants will begin receiving notifications immediately following the lottery selection. Each participant will be assigned to one of two program tracks, each with its own start date:
-
- Track 1: November 2025
- Track 2: March 2026
Once selected, participants will be contacted to schedule an intake meeting with the Family Scholarship Manager.
Intake Meeting
During this meeting, participants will review their application, complete any remaining paperwork, and receive a full overview of the program, including participation requirements and the onboarding process. They will also be enrolled in the payment system. If needed, participants can update their documentation at this time.
Onboarding
The onboarding process introduces participants to the program and outlines key expectations. All participants are required to attend monthly onboarding sessions over a six-month period and complete online, self-paced financial literacy courses. These components are mandatory and designed to build a strong foundation for success. Support will be available throughout to help participants stay on track and meet these requirements.
First Payments
Participants will receive payments via a reloadable debit card provided by Akimbo. Payment distribution is based on track assignment, with the following start dates:
-
- Track 1: December 2025
- Track 2: April 2026
Participants will receive detailed instructions for activating and using their card prior to their first scheduled payment.
Ongoing Participant Requirements
Throughout the duration of the program, participants are expected to stay actively engaged and maintain open communication. This includes attending monthly check-ins and participating in all mandatory onboarding sessions, surveys, and program-related activities. Participants agree to provide accurate and up-to-date contact information and promptly notify the Family Scholarship Manager of any changes in their contact details or living situation. It’s important to note that missing a required session may result in a pause of payments until a meeting is held to discuss the participant’s continued involvement in the program.
Need More Information?
Visit our Program Support and Resources page for frequently asked questions, required documents, and helpful tools to guide you through the process.
If you have additional questions or need help with the online inquiry and application, please email [email protected] or call (240) 513 – 6370.
Download the Flyer in English or Spanish.
Last Updated: 7/17/2026
The Governor’s Office for Children funded this project under award number 2026- ENGH-003. All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State or Federal agency.
