Three students in conversation on campus in Spring.

Carroll County Scholars Program

Begin preparing for college — at no cost — as a Carroll County high school student with Carroll County Scholars (CCS), an extraordinary journey that will transform your academic life as you discover paths to success.

A Program Made for Young Scholars

Carroll County Scholars is a program for high school students who reside in Carroll County, Maryland, that helps them and their families begin preparing for college at no cost, while making them eligible for a guaranteed scholarship to McDaniel College (participating scholars are not required to commit to or enroll at McDaniel).

Because CCS isn't just a program; it's a promise. Beginning at the end of the 8th grade year, participating students and their families experience four years of educational and impactful programming crafted to support a successful college search.

How it Works

Registration is now open! Current 8th and 10th grade students who are residents of Carroll County will begin the program in 2025.
- Mark your calendar and register now for one of the spring Information Sessions
  - In-person session on March 12, 2025 at Westminster High School.
  - Virtual session on April 10, 2025
Scholars complete programming tailored to their high school year to guide them through the college prep, search, and application processes.
Eligible seniors who complete the program are guaranteed a college scholarship of at least $100,000 ($25,000 per year) to McDaniel.
Scholars can compete for a special full-tuition college scholarship to McDaniel.

Workshops and Programs

Supportive workshops and programs are designed to equip families with invaluable college admission knowledge and strategies.

The College Experience

Carroll County Scholars will be able to immerse themselves in the college experience with special invitations to McDaniel campus events, from the Academic Symposiums to theatre productions.

Demystify Applying

We're here to demystify the college application process, making financial aid, high school course selection, and standout essays a breeze.

Community Support

CCS is not just a program; it's a community supported by local businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe in the potential of Carroll County students.

How We Help High Schoolers Prepare for College

Workshop topics throughout the program will be tailored to each cohorts’ stage in high school and the college search process.

At least two workshops will be held per year; each workshop is designed for families and will offer both student and parent/guardian sessions. They'll help answer specific questions like:

What should I do in high school to prepare for college?
When do I fill out FAFSA?
How do I start planning for college?
What is considered a good SAT score?
How do I start looking for colleges?
What do colleges look for on applications?

Carroll County Scholars and their families will also be invited to two campus social events annually to introduce them to co-curricular college experiences.

Workshop Topics May Include:

Making the Most of Your High School Experience
Why Attend College and How to Plan for It
Public, Private, and Community Colleges: What’s the Difference?
An Overview of Testing: SAT, ACT, Test-Optional, and More
College Athletics and Being a Student-Athlete
Ins and Outs of the FAFSA and Scholarships
Crafting a Competitive Application
Financial Aid: Evaluating Financial Aid Offers
Planning for a Successful College Transition

Investing in our Community

Since 1984, McDaniel College has invested in the future of Carroll County's brightest minds. Thanks to our incredible local alumni and generous business community, we are committed to building pathways to success for students right here in the place they call home. By partnering with our donor community, we have expanded our impact with the Carroll County Scholars program.

Interested in becoming a donor?

Learn about community support and donate today.

Frequently Asked Questions

All students who reside in Carroll County are eligible to participate. Students must register while in their 8th or 10th grade year.

No — Carroll County residents may attend any public or private school or be homeschooled.

Families enroll at the end of their 8th or 10th grade years in order to begin the program in the 9th or 11th grade. All Carroll County resident students are eligible to participate. There is no minimum required GPA; just a willingness to engage in the program.

College planning is a journey. The Carroll County Scholars program provides useful information for families throughout high school, coinciding with early high school activities such as choosing courses or taking the PSAT. By participating in the program for all four years, families develop closer and more meaningful relationships with McDaniel admissions and financial aid staff and enjoy increased support in their college search.

There is no cost to participate in the Carroll County Scholars program.

Scholars must attend at least one workshop per year to be eligible for the guaranteed scholarship at the end of the program.

While many events will be held on McDaniel College’s campus, there will also be opportunities for virtual events or events at Carroll County high schools.

Absolutely not. We want to make sure each student finds their best fit college.

No. Qualifying CCS students will receive the highest scholarship they qualify for (which could, in some cases, be more than $25,000) but are guaranteed no less than $25,000 per year.

Yes. As long as scholars complete one workshop per year, they are guaranteed a $100,000 ($25,000/year) scholarship. Additional need-based aid may be available as well.

To be eligible for the full-tuition scholarship, students must have completed at least one CCS workshop each year they’ve been involved in the program. In September of their senior year, CCS participants will apply to McDaniel. To be considered for the CCS full-tuition scholarship, they must:

Apply to McDaniel by Nov. 15
Be admitted to McDaniel
Submit a supplementary CCS Scholarship Application that includes:
- A letter of support from a community member (teacher, school counselor, religious leader, community leader, business owner)
- A response to the following essay prompt: How has your upbringing in Carroll County influenced the person you are today, and how do you envision this unique background shaping your future academic and personal pursuits?

Twenty finalists will be selected based on the overall strength of their application for admission to McDaniel and their CCS Scholarship Application.

Finalists and their families will be hosted on campus at a special event and students will be interviewed by a scholarship selection committee.

The winner will be determined by the selection committee that considers the strength of their McDaniel application, the strength of their CCS Scholarship Application, their interview, and their engagement in the CCS program.

The final full-tuition scholarship recipient will be notified no later than March 15.

The program is funded in part by local donors including businesses and individuals who believe in helping our local students receive a nationally recognized four-year college education close to home.

Carroll County Scholars Program

A Program Made for Young Scholars