When Bernie Tetreault left Montgomery County Maryland’s Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) after serving as its Executive Director for twenty-four years, a party was held in his honor. Proceeds from the party established the Bernie Scholarship Awards Program.

The Board of Directors of the awards program is composed of a group of Montgomery County community leaders who are volunteers. The Board meets monthly.

Since its inception in 1996, and as of June, 2008, there were 172 Bernie Scholarship Awards, all funded through tax deductible donations. Awards are presented at an inspiring annual event open to the public. Recipients have an opportunity to address the guests. There are also annual citizenship awards presented to Montgomery County citizens whose community contributions serve as role models for the scholarship awardees.

The Bernie Scholarship Awards is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Montgomery County, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that manages numerous funds serving non-profit endeavors in the County.

What Is the Bernie Scholarship?

The Bernie Scholarship doesn't just pay for college, it invests in people who want to move forward ...who have shown determination in their goals....commitment to their community through service ... who need help with the costs of education. (books and other supplies, fees, baby sitting, transportation), the costs not covered in other scholarship programs.

 " ...the Bernie Scholarship encouraged me to take my first step toward my goal. I was able to concentrate on my class work and not worry too much about how I would pay." Sevan

This scholarship leverages resources.

The Board of the Bernie Scholarship is careful to ensure those interviewed have sought out every available resource. Then we say, "We believe in you. We are betting on your future.."...and you can't imagine what this means to people who are not used to being winners.

"The Bernie Scholarship has given me a flame of hope that there are people out there who care about education and making others' lives better and brighter by encouraging them and making dreams come true." Ishraq