FREDERICK, MD – February 20, 2026: The Community Foundation of Frederick County is proud to offer the “Second Chance” Scholarship to support and elevate students facing challenges. The application is open from March 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026.
The Mary Alice and R. David Stup Scholarship Fund was established to uplift students who have lived experiences of harm or past legal challenges, so they can have a new beginning. Please note that while this scholarship’s entry criteria are determined by past circumstances, the scholarship award prioritizes creating hope for the student’s future success.
More than $150,000 in scholarship funds are available to qualifying students. The Community Foundation is partnering with nonprofit, legal, medical, and government agencies to award this scholarship. Professionals working at these agencies may nominate students who are residents of Frederick County, Maryland pursuing post-secondary education at the setting of their choice. Students may be at any stage of their academic career, including those pursuing education through non-traditional learning. The nominators must attest that the students meet the grant criteria without disclosing the students’ specific experiences. Nominators should inform the students that they are nominating them for this scholarship and complete the appropriate confidentiality releases required by their respective organizations.
All nominations must be submitted through our online application. Find more information and apply at FrederickCountyGives.org/Scholarships.
The scholarships awarded for the 2026-2027 academic year are valid between July 1, 2026, and August 15, 2027.
The Community Foundation of Frederick County is a recognized leader in providing scholarships to area students, made possible by generous donors who establish funds or add to existing funds. For more information about creating or adding to an existing scholarship fund, visit FrederickCountyGives.org.