Scholarships are awarded each spring to deserving high school seniors based on the embodiment of the Six Pillars of Character, personal merit, financial need, and the student’s commitment to further education. Since the program’s inception in 1998, 95 students have received more than $170,000 to help with their continuing education costs.
Former Gaithersburg Mayor Ed Bohrer was enthusiastic about CHARACTER COUNTS! Representing the City, he joined staff in advocating for the program and sharing Gaithersburg’s experiences with other communities in Maryland. Sadly, Mayor Bohrer passed away in office in 1998. In tribute to his commitment to character education, the W. Edward Bohrer, Jr. Memorial CHARACTER COUNTS! Scholarship Program was established with the support of his family that year. The scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the City’s Educational Enrichment Committee.
Applications are available in the Document box on this page. Students must reside within the City of Gaithersburg. Please use our Address & Parcel Map to see if your residence falls within Corporate City Limits. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Thursday, June 1, 2023.
The 2023 program is funded in part by members of the Bohrer Family, the City of Gaithersburg Student Union, members of the Gaithersburg Rotary, and private donors. Individuals, businesses & organizations within the Gaithersburg community are also invited to acknowledge & support the character development of our young people by making a contribution to this fund. Please contact Community Services for more information. Apply here.