Montgomery College Reaches Goal of Offering 1,000 Prospective Students Raptor Ready Scholarships Worth $1,000

Montgomery College has reached its goal of offering 1,000 Raptor Ready Scholarships to recent Montgomery County high school graduates for the fall 2026 semester, helping students begin their college journeys with reduced financial barriers.

The scholarship provides eligible spring 2026 graduates of Montgomery County public, private and homeschool programs with $1,000 toward fall 2026 tuition and fees. Awards support students enrolling in Montgomery College credit programs or select Workforce Development and Continuing Education programs.

This fall marks the first time Montgomery College has reached its goal of offering 1,000 Raptor Ready Scholarships in a single year. Since 2022-23, the College has offered scholarships to more than 4,000 recent Montgomery County high school graduates.

“Reducing financial barriers can make a meaningful difference for students as they take their next step after high school,” said Dr. Kimberly McNair, associate senior vice president for student affairs. “This scholarship helps make Montgomery College even more accessible while giving students an opportunity to begin working toward a degree, transfer pathway or workforce credential.”

To qualify, students must be Montgomery County residents, be admitted to Montgomery College and register for and attend at least six credit hours during the fall 2026 semester, or enroll in an eligible Workforce Development and Continuing Education program. Eligible programs include clinical medical assistant, certified nursing assistant and early childhood education.

Scholarship awards are applied directly to student accounts for fall 2026 tuition and fees. Students selected for the scholarship are also protected from fall registration cancellation due to nonpayment. A FAFSA or Maryland One-App financial aid application is not required to receive the scholarship, although students are encouraged to apply for additional financial aid opportunities.

The College will confirm final scholarship recipients after fall enrollment is completed. If students who were offered scholarships do not enroll, awards may be extended to eligible students on the wait list.

For more information about scholarships and financial assistance at Montgomery College, visit montgomerycollege.edu.