CollegeBound Foundation Competitive Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by CollegeBound Foundation

2026–2027 Competitive Scholarship & College Completion Program — Applications Now Open

Overview
- Each year the CollegeBound Foundation distributes scholarships and grants to more than 500 students, thanks to the support of foundations, individuals, and corporate partners. Some awards come with specific donor- or organization-defined eligibility requirements.
- Annual scholarship funding exceeds $4 million, with individual awards ranging from $500 to $10,000 per academic year. Both renewable and non-renewable awards are offered.
- The Foundation also administers the need-based Last Dollar Grant: up to $5,000 per year for as many as five years of college for graduates of Baltimore City public high schools.

College Completion Program (Last Dollar Grant & Book Award)
- The College Completion Program provides need-based Last Dollar Grants or Book Awards to Baltimore City public high school graduates whose student aid index and financial aid package do not cover the cost of attendance.
- Recipients may receive renewable grants from $500 up to $5,000 annually. These are grant funds — they do not need to be repaid.
- Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis, with preference given to students attending in-state institutions.
- Click HERE to apply.

College Completion Program Eligibility
To qualify for the College Completion Program, applicants must:
- Be a 2026 graduate of a Baltimore City public high school.
- Demonstrate financial need and be eligible for a Pell Grant or MSFAA.
- If billed unmet need exceeds $5,000, provide documentation explaining how the remaining gap will be covered.
- Be accepted to and attend full-time either a four-year college/university or Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC).

Required Documents for College Completion Program — due by June 1, 2026
Submit the following supporting materials by the June 1, 2026 deadline:
- FAFSA submission summary (obtain at https://studentaid.gov/ or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID / 1-800-433-3243) OR proof of MSFAA eligibility.
- Financial Aid Award Offer (FAAO) from the college/university you plan to attend.
- Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) notification letter if you will attend a Maryland institution (access via MDCAPS or call 410-260-4500).
- Unofficial high school transcript.

Competitive Scholarships
- The competitive scholarships program is funded by a broad coalition of individuals, foundations, organizations, and local businesses. Over 90 named scholarships are available, with awards that range from $500 up to full tuition.
- Some competitive scholarships include additional College Completion Program support; such linkages will be noted in individual scholarship descriptions.
- All required supporting documents for competitive scholarships must be submitted by March 1, 2026, to be considered.

Documents Typically Required for Competitive Scholarships
(Requirements vary by scholarship; confirm each listing for exact needs)
- Unofficial high school transcript
- Resume
- One letter of recommendation
- FAFSA or MSFAA submission summary page
- Financial Aid Award Offer (FAAO) from the college/university you will attend*
- Essay
- SAT/ACT scores (not required for every award)

Scholarship Categories
Explore scholarships by category to find those that best match your background and goals:
- Baltimore Community Foundation Scholarships
- Career and College Major Scholarships
- College & University Scholarships
- Community Service Scholarships
- Current College Student Scholarships
- High School Specific Scholarships
- Merit Scholarships
- Unique Population Scholarships

Notes
- Please review individual scholarship descriptions for any additional or scholarship-specific eligibility criteria.
- Deadlines: Competitive scholarship materials — March 1, 2026. College Completion Program supporting documents — June 1, 2026.