SCHOLARSHIPS
Community Foundation of Carroll County Scholarships & Applications
The 2025-2026 Scholarship Season: Open November 15, 2025 to April 15, 2026.
The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type. These scholarships fall into three application types (noted in the far right column):
Universal Portal Application: This application is closed for 2026 scholarships.
4-H Portal Application (Jan 15 – July 1, 2026)
Other Scholarships using individual applications
The Universal Portal application is an easy way for students to APPLY ONCE and see all the scholarship opportunities they are eligible for (application opens in January and closes mid-April each year). 4-H Club Participants – Use the 4-H/FFA Scholarship Portal application for scholarship opportunities just for you (opens in January and closes July 1 each year). You only apply once and complete the applications for the opportunities you want to pursue.
There are additional scholarship opportunities found in the “Other” category. These are scholarships hosted by the Community Foundation, but the application, review and award process is managed entirely by the scholarship holder. These have individual deadlines, criteria and applications. All scholarships are listed below with criteria, donation information, and access to the application.
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Description | Learn More / Apply | Make a Donation | Scholarship Type | Field of Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Rager Scholarship |
The purpose of The Randy E. Rager Scholarship Fund is to honor the life of Randy E. Rager by providing an annual scholarship for a graduating senior at Westminster High School and Winters Mill High School in Carroll County, Maryland. The scholarship winners will have shown the capacity to achieve in the face of adversity and challenges, and will have been accepted at an accredited college, university or technical school and who meets the criteria established for the fund. |
Learn More / Apply | Donate | Portal | WHS, WMHS Graduating Seniors |
| The Shelley Pillman Memorial Scholarship |
The Shelley Pillman Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, honoring the legacy of Shelley, a beloved rescue dog whose gentle spirit and unwavering compassion touched the lives of all who knew her. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of compassionate veterinarians who will continue to care for animals with the same kindness and dedication that Shelley embodied. |
Learn More / Apply | Donate | Other | Veterinary Medicine |
| Ricky Schmidgall Memorial Scholarship |
The Ricky Schmidgall Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Ricky Schmidgall, a young man of compassion, creativity, and resilience. This scholarship supports students who embody these qualities in their pursuit of education and personal growth, encouraging them to continue their journey with the same passion for creativity, learning, and determination that Ricky exemplified throughout his life. |
Learn More / Apply | Donate | Other | History, Library Sciences, Geology, Creative Writing, Electrician, Music, Education, Psychology, Social Work |
| Karen Murchie Art Scholarship |
The purpose of the Karen Murchie Art Scholarship is to provide financial support to graduating seniors at Gateway High School in Westminster who have demonstrated both talent and a commitment to art during their time at Gateway. This is a memorial scholarship in the name of Karen Murchie, who was a beloved art teacher at Gateway High School. |
Learn More / Apply | Donate | Other | Art |
| Colin Hartlieb’s Entrepreneurial Impact Award |
The purpose of Colin Hartlieb’s Entrepreneurial Impact Award is to recognize and empower a student from Winters Mill High School who demonstrates the spirit of entrepreneurship — not only through creativity or business sense, but through meaningful community impact. This award honors initiative, leadership, and the drive to create positive change. |
Learn More / Apply | Donate | Other | Entrepreneurship |
| Coach Sue Hooper Memorial Scholarship |
To provide a college scholarship for a WHS graduating senior women athlete. |
Learn More / Apply | Donate | Other | Westminster HS; Woman Athlete |
| Eugene Curfman Foundation Scholarship |
The purpose of the Eugene Curfman Foundation Scholarship is to give scholarships to two graduating seniors from either Francis Scott Key High School or a home school program in the Taneytown, Union Bridge, New Windsor areas for college and/or trade school assistance in concentration fields of Accounting; Emergency Service; Cyber Security, and Trades (ie. electrical; plumbing; masonry; HVAC; vehicle mechanics; and building construction). The scholarship will be offered to recipients for additional years based on meeting specified criteria. The scholarship has been established as his way of paying forward his success that was enabled by having received scholarships to attend college. |
Learn More / Apply | Donate | Portal | FSK, Accounting, Emergency Services, Cyber Security, Trades |
| Marie’s Courageous Fight Lacrosse Award |
Marie’s Courageous Fight Lacrosse Scholarship honors the resilience, determination, and spirit of student-athletes who refuse to be defined by adversity. Inspired by Marie’s legacy of strength, perseverance, and courage this scholarship recognizes lacrosse players (1 male, 1 female) who have faced significant hardship yet continued to pursue excellence—on the field, in the classroom, and within their community. |
Learn More / Apply | Donate | Other | Lacrosse |
| Marc & Diane Steckel FSK Scholarship |
The purpose of the Marc & Diane Steckle FSK Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to graduates of Francis Scott Key High School who will be attending four-year universities in the University System of Maryland, Morgan State University, or St. Mary’s College of Maryland. |
Learn More / Apply | Donate | Portal | Francis Scott Key HS |
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Description | Learn More / Apply | Make a Donation | Scholarship Type | Field of Interest |