Montgomery College is now accepting applications for its Raptor Ready Scholarship Program, which will provide eligible Montgomery County Class of 2026 graduates with $1,000 toward tuition and fees for the fall 2026 semester.
The scholarship is available to recent graduates planning to enroll in Montgomery College credit programs, as well as select Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WDCE) programs.
The application deadline is Aug. 3, 2026. Montgomery College says the first 1,000 eligible applicants will be considered for the scholarship, while additional applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
Eligible WDCE programs include Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Early Childhood Education.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be spring 2026 graduates of a Montgomery County public, private, or homeschool program, reside in Montgomery County, and be admitted to Montgomery College before applying. Students also must register for and attend at least six credit hours during the fall 2026 semester or enroll in one of the eligible WDCE programs.
Applicants must complete the Raptor Ready Scholarship application by Aug. 3 and be among the first 1,000 eligible students to apply.
Students attending another college or university as visiting students during the fall 2026 semester are not eligible for the award.
According to Montgomery College, the scholarship is intended to help reduce financial barriers for recent graduates while encouraging progress toward degree completion, transfer opportunities, and workforce credentials in high-demand career fields.
A FAFSA or Maryland One-App financial aid application is not required to receive the scholarship. However, students are encouraged to explore additional federal, state, and Montgomery College Foundation financial aid opportunities.
Scholarship funds will be applied directly to student accounts for fall 2026 tuition and fees. Students who receive the scholarship also will be protected from having their fall registration canceled due to nonpayment.
