#TeamDHS is looking for committed rising high school seniors and current higher education students in Maryland to participate in our Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship.
The scholarship provides 100% tuition assistance to students who are enrolled at an eligible Maryland institution and are working to obtain a credential or degree needed to work for #TeamDHS in one of several high-demand positions.
Potential scholarship candidates who are Maryland residents or graduates of a Maryland high school who wish to work in any of these targeted positions in an eligible county can apply:
Child Support Specialist Series
Family Investment Specialist Series
Family Support Worker Series
Family Services Caseworker Series
Social Worker Series
Applications will remain open indefinitely. A deadline will be announced at a later date.
Must be a Maryland resident or a graduate of a Maryland high school.
Must be accepted for admission, or currently enrolled in a program that will enable the recipient to obtain a credential or degree that is necessary to work in, or further a career in one of the five targeted positions within DHS.
The institution from which they are participating in their degree must be a public institution within the state of Maryland.
Must enter into an agreement with MHEC to fulfill a service obligation of 15 months per academic year funded through the scholarship, regardless of credit hours earned.
Must fulfill the service obligation in the Baltimore County, Baltimore City, or Prince George’s County jurisdictions.
Please follow the link below for a more detailed outline of all eligibility requirements.
Applications will remain open indefinitely. A deadline will be announced at a later time.
When will I know if I’ve been awarded the scholarship?
Determinations will be made within 30 days of the application deadline.
Do you have to maintain a grade point average to maintain the scholarship?
Yes, a 2.5 GPA or equivalent GPA based upon the standard 4.0 scale will be necessary to receive the scholarship.
Does work performance determine or have an impact on being awarded a scholarship?
Work performance does not have an impact on the award of the scholarship. However, it has an impact on the hiring of the position that the degree qualifies a recipient for.
Can you transfer to another county once awarded a scholarship that’s not within the eligible counties list?
Realistically, no. A 15 month service obligation is necessary to be fulfilled based upon each year of the awarding of the scholarship. Due to this, any recipient of a scholarship would most likely have to spend the entirety of their corresponding work time within an eligible jurisdiction or risk not fulfilling their service obligation and subsequently forfeiting their scholarship.
If I have a break in attendance, can I still qualify for the scholarship?
The awarding of scholarships will take place on a case by case basis and that will apply to renewals as well. If there is a justified reason as to why a recipient is not able to continue with their academic studies, but may be able to do so in the future, their decision will be considered based on the circumstances.
What happens after I submit my application? Who will review my application?
Human resources team members at the central DHS office will review applications based upon the statutory requirements outlined in the legislation establishing this program, as well as priorities that the Department deems important to cultivating a culture of investment in child welfare and the empowerment of the most vulnerable members of our state.
If I am awarded a scholarship, would I need to reapply for the scholarship each year?
Yes. Re-applicants will always be prioritized over new applicants, but a renewal application will be necessary every year that the scholarship is received.
Is there a limited quantity of scholarships available and is there a limit to how many applications will be accepted?
Yes, there is a limited amount of funding for this program as it is still in the Pilot Program phase. As we move forward, there are chances that funding may be increased to allow greater access.
What is the email address if I have further questions or need additional information?
