Scholarships: GCSP: Overview

Garrett County Scholarship Program

Welcome to the informational website for the Garrett County Scholarship Program (GCSP). We hope this site answers many of your questions. If you need additional information or assistance with the process, please contact Garrett College at 301-387-3057 or email Financial Aid. We will be glad to assist you.

A message from the Commissioners In 2006, the Board of County Commissioners recognized that the County's future economic well-being is dependent on having an educated, skilled workforce that is prepared to compete successfully for jobs in an increasingly competitive, global economy. The Board also recognizes that the County's most important asset is its young people. With approval of the Garrett County Scholarship Program, the County Commissioners are sending a clear message that Garrett County values education, cares about its young people, and is committed to developing and maintaining a balanced, diversified economy. The Garrett County Scholarship Program provides current Garrett County high school graduates equal access to post secondary education and an equal opportunity for advancement. The information posted on this site, developed in coordination with the Board of Education and Garrett College, details policies and procedures for the administration of the Garrett County Scholarship Program.

The Garrett County Scholarship Program provides all eligible Garrett County high school graduates equal access to post-secondary education and an equal opportunity for advancement.

Ernest J. Gregg, Chairman, Dennis G. Glotfelty, Commissioner, Frederick A. Holliday, Commissioner

Garrett County, Maryland is experiencing rapid change as it migrates from an economy based on agriculture and natural resource extraction to a more diversified economy based on tourism, commerce, construction, manufacturing, and other industries. This change is happening with such unanticipated speed that the County, which has historically lagged behind Maryland in the post-secondary attainment of its citizens, is now threatened with being unable to supply the skilled workforce necessary to sustain current economic growth and to compete effectively in a global economy. The cost of education and training is for many a barrier to advancement. The Board of Garrett County Commissioners proposes a bold initiative to encourage Garrett Countians to enhance their credentials and skills so that they can be the primary beneficiaries of the county's economic future. With a more highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce, incomes in Garrett County will rise, and more young people will be able to remain in Garrett County, leading prosperous and productive lives.

Goals and Objectives The goal of this program is to encourage Garrett Countians to participate in post secondary education and training as a means of improving their earning power and quality of life. The immediate objective is to encourage high school graduates to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities by making an education affordable in terms of both time and money. Subsequent phases of the program will allow high school graduates to participate in training aimed at developing trade and vocational skills.

Effective Date GCSP shall be effective with the Fall 2009 semester of study at Garrett College. GCSP is intended insofar as feasible and insofar as beneficial to the student to be part of a full student aid package covering the cost of the tuition and the combined fee at Garrett College. The aid package may include other sources of assistance subject to terms and conditions set forth herein. The tuition rate and the combined fee at Garrett College are published annually in its Catalog and Schedule of Credit Classes. This web site is intended to explain the Garrett County Scholarship Program, who is eligible, and how to apply for the program. All eligibility requirements must be met and final approval is at the discretion of Garrett College. Download the full document, developed in coordination with the Board of Education and Garrett College, with details, policies, and procedures for the administration of the Garrett County Scholarship Program.

Disclaimer: "Any errors in the statement of policy or fact shall not have the force of policy or regulation. Rules and regulations are governed by a Memorandum of Understanding executed between the Garrett County Board of Commissioners, the Garrett County Board of Education, and Garrett College and shall override all other documents and representations of the program or program elements unless Garrett College has rendered a specific and overriding regulatory decision at its sole discretion."