Question 1

Who is eligible to apply?

Accepted Answer

To qualify for a Bernie Scholarship, applicants MUST: live in subsidized housing in Montgomery County, Maryland; have a family income that does not exceed HUD income limits; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0; be a graduating high school senior or an adult with a high school diploma or GED; and be planning to attend college or pursue workforce development training.

Undocumented students who qualify as Dreamers are also eligible to apply, as well as those who already have some workforce development training or earned some college credit.

Question 2

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Complete and submit the Scholarship Application Form. Only online submissions will be accepted. Check our Application page for application deadlines and submission materials. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Question 3

How much are the scholarship awards?

Accepted Answer

We award scholarships of up to $3,000. The Bernie Scholarship can be used to help pay for tuition and fees, books, and other education-related expenses — such as transportation, technology, or childcare.

Question 4

What happens after I apply?

Accepted Answer

The BSAP Board will review your application. Preference is given to individuals who have performed community service and/or plan to pursue a career in public service. Applicants will be considered based on financial need.

If you are selected as a finalist, you will be required to participate in a virtual interview with members of the Board. Interviews will be conducted June 7, 2025 between 9 a.m. and noon.

Question 5

What happens if I'm selected as a Bernie Scholar?

Accepted Answer

You will be notified via email. Before you can receive your scholarship funds, you will need to complete some paperwork from the Greater Washington Community Foundation. We will do our best to ensure the process is completed in a timely manner so that you can get the funds you need as soon as possible.

Question 6

How many Bernie Scholars are selected each year?

Accepted Answer

The number of Bernie Scholars each year can vary. There have been over 800 Bernie Scholars since 1995, when the program was founded.

Question 7

I applied before and received a scholarship. Can I apply again?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you are a prior scholarship recipient who needs additional funding to continue your degree or certification program, please reapply.

Question 8

I need help with my application or have questions. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Your case manager or counselor at your housing agency will be glad to help you. You can also contact Montgomery College’s Educational Opportunity Center at (240) 567-5644 (regardless of whether you are a Montgomery College student) or The Bernie Scholarship Awards Program directly at berniescholarships@gmail.com.

THE BERNIE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM

501(c)(3) component fund of The Greater Washington Community Foundation

Helping educational dreams come true, one step at a time.