Bright Minds awarded 91 HCPSS high school students with JumpStart books and course fee scholarships this fall so they could get a jumpstart on earning a college degree.
The JumpStart dual enrollment program is a partnership between HCPSS and Howard Community College that expands options for students to gain college credits, explore possible careers, or earn an associate degree. Bright Minds JumpStart scholarships help cover the cost of books and course fees for income-eligible students taking classes on campus at HCC. The scholarship was created to ensure all students have the opportunity to take full advantage of the JumpStart dual enrollment program.
“The Bright Minds scholarship program has eliminated the barrier of college textbooks costs and courses fees, opening up opportunities for qualifying students to participate in the JumpStart program to access the opportunities available on HCC’s campus and receive college and high school credits for their coursework,” said LaRee Siddiqui, Coordinator of Dual Enrollment at HCPSS. “HCPSS is proud to partner with the Bright Minds as we provide individualized access, opportunities, and support to help every student achieve their full potential.”
“Participating in the jumpstart program has already made a significant impact on my goals and life,” said one JumpStart scholarship recipient from Howard High School. “I feel that I am on my way to achieving my academic and life goals, and this program has relieved some of the financial stress from me and my mom. I’m looking forward to another great semester.”
Since 2019, Bright Minds has provided over $67,000 in scholarship support to 345 HCPSS students to support their participation in the JumpStart program. Bright Minds JumpStart scholarships are funded by generous supporters, including Howard County Government, M&T Bank, and other community and individual donors.
The Winter / Spring 2023 scholarship application opened November 1, 2022. Applications are open to HCPSS students: 1) enrolled in the HCPSS JumpStart Dual Enrollment Program, 2) enrolled in HCPSS Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs), and 3) taking courses on HCC’s campus. Students must reapply for the scholarship each semester.
VIEW THE APPLICATION AND INSTRUCTIONS HERE
Contributions to the JumpStart scholarship program may be made to Bright Minds via our website: DONATE, or by check to the Bright Minds Foundation, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Please designate JumpStart Scholarship in the comment field or on the memo line.
About Bright Minds Foundation
Bright Minds Foundation is the Howard County public schools education foundation. We work to ensure each child in Howard County has access to the education, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed at school and in life. We do this by bringing together community support for programs and initiatives that increase education access, equity, and innovation. Bright Minds programs respond to the urgent and ongoing needs of children in four areas: digital inclusion, literacy & kindergarten readiness, college access, and teacher support & classroom innovation. To learn more and contribute, please visit brightmindsfoundation.org/donate.
