In a significant move to support education and empowerment in Southern Maryland, the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) and the Wills Group celebrated the inauguration of two pivotal scholarship programs on March 5. The Families in Motion Scholarship and the Julia B. Wills Memorial Scholarship are set to provide crucial financial assistance to CSM students, marking a new era of community support and engagement.
Toni Kruszka, Acting Executive Director of the CSM Foundation, emphasized the importance of partnerships in enhancing the success and economic stability of students and the wider community. The scholarships, sponsored by Wills Group’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) “Families in Motion” and “Women of Wills,” reflect a deep commitment to fostering a culture of support and empowerment within the company and the broader Southern Maryland area.
Rayma Alexander, the Wills Group’s Director of Corporate Communications and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, highlighted the ERGs’ role in building the company’s culture and their active involvement in community service. The scholarships stem from the ERGs’ innovative strategies to contribute positively to the local community, reinforcing the Wills Group’s dedication to creating opportunities for growth and development.
The Julia B. Wills Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of the company’s first female CEO in 1957, aims to support women in their educational pursuits, empowering them to achieve their dreams. This scholarship is available to students enrolled in both credit and workforce training programs at CSM who embody the commitment to nurturing and developing women of all backgrounds.
The Families in Motion Scholarship caters to part-time students at CSM who are either returning to education after a hiatus due to family caregiving responsibilities or are single parents or parents with children under 18. This initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burdens on students balancing education with caregiving, aiming to foster future leaders within the community and potentially within the Wills Group itself.
Both scholarships are open to the public and Wills Group employees alike, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process. With applications opening later this month and awards announced for Fall 2024, these scholarships represent a tangible commitment to the educational and personal growth of Southern Maryland residents.
The partnership between CSM and the Wills Group is a testament to their shared commitment to investing in the community’s future, highlighted by previous collaborations such as internships and educational presentations. With the CSM Foundation managing the scholarships and a track record of awarding over 600 scholarships annually, this new initiative promises to make a significant impact on the lives of local students.
As Southern Maryland continues to benefit from such collaborative efforts, the CSM and the Wills Group stand as pillars of support, driving educational success and community empowerment.
