Bel Alton, MD – In a significant move to support higher education among Charles County’s youth, the Bel Alton High School Alumni Association has expanded its annual scholarship initiative. Now in its third year, the program is set to award nine scholarships to deserving high school seniors and young adults in Charles County for the 2024 academic year.
The scholarship fund will distribute six scholarships valued at $500 each and three scholarships at $1,000 each. This initiative is aimed at students planning to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the College of Southern Maryland, or an accredited vocational/trade school. Eligibility extends to Charles County public high school seniors, graduates aged 18 to 25, and residents with a GED, provided they meet the academic criteria.
Matt Wills, Chairman of the Association, emphasizes the program’s roots in local history and dedication to education. “We established this scholarship program to honor our founding members. They saved an important part of Charles County’s Black history,” Wills remarked. This historical nod refers to the late 1980s effort that prevented the demolition of the historic Bel Alton High School building, a landmark built in 1938 for African American students and operational until the integration of county schools in 1966.
The application process for these scholarships is detailed on the Association’s website, with an April 15 deadline. Successful applicants will be announced by May 1, 2024. Up from six the previous year, the increased number of scholarships is a testament to the community and organizational support, including significant contributions from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Lifestyles of MD, Inc., and Selby’s Food Services.
The Association’s scholarship committee, comprising Joyce M. Brown (Chair), Joseph Johnson, Lisa Ambers, Jerome Short, and Matt Wills, oversees the selection process. They invite potential donors to contribute to this growing fund, ensuring the continuation and expansion of the scholarship program.
This year’s increase in scholarship offerings underscores the community’s commitment to education and preserving significant historical narratives. Through the support of local businesses and organizations, the Bel Alton High School Alumni Association continues to provide vital opportunities for the youth of Charles County, honoring the legacy of its founders and the historical significance of the Bel Alton High School.
For more information on the scholarship program, eligibility requirements, and application guidelines, visit the Bel Alton High School Alumni Association’s website at http://www.belaltonalumnicdc.org/scholarship.html.
