Maryland Scholarships and Grants for Trade School Training

Students in Maryland are discovering they have choices. Earning a four-year degree is an option, but it isn’t the only way to find a satisfying career. Two-year degrees, diplomas and certificates from trade schools and community colleges provide focused training that can lead to some of the best skilled trade jobs.

Whatever path Maryland students choose, they want to find a way to pay for it that doesn’t incur lasting debt. That’s where our state scholarship and grant information comes in handy. We list numerous programs that cover shorter degree and certificate programs in addition to four-year degrees.

The first step is reading SkillPointe’s guide to finding trade school scholarships, which covers the essentials. These are the steps you need to take no matter where you live, including:

1. Make sure the school you’ve chosen is accredited. Accreditation is necessary for many forms of federal and state financial aid.
2. Fill out the FAFSA form, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is essential for establishing your eligibility for all educational assistance. In Maryland, also fill out the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) form.
3. Find out if you’re eligible for a Pell Grant, which is based on financial need.
4. Consider the national trade school scholarships in our guide and add them to your list. The majority are available in most states.

Helpful tips:

• Get familiar with the main scholarship sites. Use the filters and search features to find ones that apply to your situation and your planned educational path.
• Don’t forget to look for scholarships available through the school you plan to attend. There might even be a scholarship for the specific career you’re training for.
• Check the websites of regional or local employers that hire workers with the skills you plan to get.

Maryland Scholarships You Can Use for Community College and Trade School

As you can see from the extensive list below, Maryland offers plenty of financial aid options. Not all of them will apply to your specific situation, but you may still be able to cobble together the resources you need to follow your desired path and have little or no debt when you’re done. Some of the programs are aimed at specific careers, but many are not.

Scholarship Programs Run by the State of Maryland

Charles W. Riley Firefighter & Ambulance & Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program

If you are a career or volunteer firefighter, ambulance or rescue squad member in Maryland, this one’s for you. It helps current service members pursue credit-earning courses toward specific fire and emergency medical technology degrees in the field. Learn more about the Charles W. Riley Firefighter & Ambulance & Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program.

Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship

Maryland residents who want to work in cybersecurity can get financial support to pursue programs from approved programs at public or private nonprofit institutions. Learn more about the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program.

Delegate Scholarship

This is one of two legislative scholarship programs that are open to all Maryland residents. It’s aimed at those who plan to earn a credential at a two- or four-year Maryland college or university or specific private career colleges. Full- and part-time students are eligible. Learn more about the Delegate Scholarship.

Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship

This scholarship is a last-dollar program, meaning it covers the gap left after Pell grants or any other aid has been applied to cover tuition or qualified fees. It’s a need-based scholarship for students who enroll in a Maryland community college. Learn more about the Community College Promise Scholarship.

Senatorial Scholarship

This is similar to the Delegate Scholarship, but it’s aimed at current high school students or those seeking a degree at two-year, four-year and private career institutions. Learn more about the Senatorial Scholarship.

Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship

This is for students who plan to enroll in a Workforce Development Sequence at a Maryland community college with plans to pursue an apprenticeship, license/certification or a job skill enhancement. Learn more about the Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship.

Scholarship Programs Run by Community Groups or Industries

Aero Club Foundation of Washington Scholarship

Students in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland who have financial need and want to pursue an education in aviation or aerospace can benefit from this $5,000 scholarship. Funds may be used at accredited technical schools, colleges or universities. Learn more about the Aero Club Foundation of Washington Scholarship.

Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship Program 

This scholarship, created in partnership with the Asian Pacific Community Fund, provides 20 $1,000 scholarships. Applicants must be high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited community college or four-year college as a first-year student in the fall. GPA and income requirements apply, but the money can be applied to all majors. The scholarship reopens in January 2024. Learn more about the Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship Program.

Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship

Students who were born outside the U.S. or are the children of two parents born outside the U.S. can apply for this scholarship aimed at residents of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. It can be used at accredited two-year and four-year institutions. Learn more about the Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship.

Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement Scholarship

This $10,000 scholarship is for students planning to pursue a two-year or four-year degree in agriculture — but there's a variety of jobs beyond farmer that are covered. Students must reside in the Horizon Farm Credit territory, which in Maryland includes Baltimore, Carroll, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Learn more about the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement Scholarship.

Hearthstone Housing Foundation Scholarship

Students who live in Hearthstone Housing Foundation properties or in counties where they are located can apply for this need-based scholarship for full-time students in high school, college or vocational school. GPA minimums apply. Learn more about the Hearthstone Housing Foundation Scholarship.

InspirASIAN Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors who want to pursue postsecondary education in the fall and who reside in specific states, including Maryland. The award can be used for any accredited two-year or four-year institution. GPA, citizenship and residency requirements apply, but students of any ethnic background are eligible. Learn more about the InspirASIAN Scholarship Program.

Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship Program

The Jimmy Rane Foundation, named after the founder of Great Southern Wood Preserving, is focused on giving back through this scholarship for hard-working students with the hope the winners will one day return the favor to someone else in need. Money is raised for the scholarship through an annual charity golf tournament. The amount of each award depends on the need of the student. Students can pursue any degree of their choice at an accredited technical college or a degree leading to a bachelor's degree at an accredited university. (Institutions must be listed by the U.S. Department of Education as accredited.) Learn more about the Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship program.

John Fitzpatrick and Dawna J. Colbert Scholarships

These scholarships from the Technology Concept Groups International (TCGi) Foundation support Black women pursuing two- and four-year degrees in computing. At least one $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior and another $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to a current undergraduate student who plans to earn a four-year degree. Learn more about the John Fitzpatrick and Dawna J. Colbert Scholarships.

Letitia B. Carter Scholarship

The Restaurant Association of Maryland Education Foundation offers this scholarship in memory of Carter, a former CEO of the state restaurant association. The $500 scholarship is available for students pursuing hospitality-related coursework. Applicants can include high school students and instructors, college students and instructors and current hospitality industry workers. Learn more about the ​Letitia B. Carter Scholarship and additional hospitality-related scholarships.

MD & DC Credit Union College Scholarship

Members of any credit union based in Maryland or D.C. or affiliated with the MD|DC Credit Union Association are eligible to apply for several $1,000 scholarships to attend college or trade school. Essay-, video- and photo-based applications are accepted. Learn more about the MD & DC Credit Union College Scholarship.

Miss Utility of Maryland/D.C. Scholarship Program

Students who are on track to graduate from a Maryland or Washington, D.C., high school and plan to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or technical school can apply for this scholarship from the Miss Utility notification center to prevent damage to underground infrastructure. Learn more about the Miss Utility of Maryland/D.C. Scholarship Program.

New Futures

The nonprofit New Futures offers a scholarship with extras, offering career advising and networking access along with financial help. They focus on helping students in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area earn associate degrees or professional certificates. Learn more about the New Futures Scholars Program.

Paula Kovarick Segalman Family Scholarship

Students must have been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, or have a parent or legal guardian who has ALS or who has died from ALS. Students must meet residency, GPA and income requirements. Funds can be applied to full-time attendance at accredited two- or four-year colleges and non-for-profit vocational and technical schools. Learn more about the Paula Kovarick Segalman Family Scholarship.

Paula E. Waters-Diamond In The Rough Scholarship

Black male students from selected schools in Maryland can apply for this need-based scholarship to attend college or a vocational or technical school. School and GPA requirements apply. Learn more about the Paula E. Waters-Diamond in the Rough Scholarship.

Randy D. Thrower Scholarship

This scholarship is for student athletes from Queen Anne's County and Kent Island in Maryland who want to pursue an education at the college or trade school of their choice. Learn more about the Randy D. Thrower Scholarship.

Simon Youth Foundation Greg Saunders Legacy and Shari Simon Greenberg Community scholarship programs

These scholarships are for students with financial need who are the children of full-time or part-time Simon Property Group employees and who plan to enroll full-time at accredited two- or four-year institutions, including vocational and technical schools. Learn more about the Simon Youth Foundation scholarships.

TheDream.US Scholarship Program

Offered in 24 states, this scholarship helps low-income, undocumented students who are eligible for in-state tuition at specific schools. The scholarship team partners with more than 80 institutions that have a good track record of helping first-generation students. Types of partner schools vary by state and include two- and four-year institutions and some online colleges. Learn more about TheDream.US Scholarship program.

VMDAEC Educational Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is aimed at students with some degree of financial need who live in one of the electric cooperative's territories in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware and plan to attend a two-year or four-year college or trade school. Learn more about the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Educational Foundation Scholarship.

Warrick Dunn Charities' Hearts for Community Service Scholarship

This $5,000 scholarship is intended to create better access to higher-paying jobs and economic stability for those who need financial help to attend a postsecondary institution. Students can use the award toward trade school, an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. Learn more about the Warrick Dunn Charities' Hearts for Community Service Scholarship.

Zakat Foundation Community Service Scholarship

This scholarship supports students who live in specific states and want to pursue a two- or four-year college degree. Students must have proof of their dedication to community service as zakat or charity is the foundation's focus. Learn more about the Zakat Foundation Community Service Scholarship.

Maryland Grants That Cover Trade School and Related Paths

Grants for Maryland students are primarily need-based programs and do not need to be repaid.

Campus Based Educational Assistance Grant (CBEAG)

This is a need-based grant aimed at students who did not fill out their FAFSA or Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) by March 1. Students must meet the income requirements and plan to attend a two- or four-year institution full-time. Learn more about the Howard P. Rawlings Campus Based Educational Assistance Grant.

Educational Assistance Grant

This is similar to the Guaranteed Access Grant but also covers currently enrolled undergrads at two- or four-year institutions. Learn more about the Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant.

Guaranteed Access Grant

This is a need-based grant that covers 100% of the financial needs of students who meet the income requirements and plan to attend full-time. Students can be high school seniors or anyone under the age of 26 who has earned their GED. Learn more about the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant.

Jack F. Tolbert Memorial Student Grant

This grant offers financial aid to Maryland students who plan to enroll at a private career school and pursue any major. Learn more about the Jack F. Tolbert Memorial Student Grant Program.

Maryland Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Recipients

Foster care students pursuing an associate degree, vocational certificate or bachelor's degree at approved institutions benefit from this grant. It's a need-based grant with several eligibility requirements for age and when the student was in an out-of-home placement. Learn more about the Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Rec​ipients.

Near Completer Grant

This is exactly what it sounds like: financial assistance for residents who started a degree program but didn’t finish it. There are different eligibility requirements for those re-enrolling to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree. Learn more about the Near Completer Grant.

Part-Time Grant

This grant helps students who meet financial need requirements and are dual-enrolled at a Maryland high school and a two-year or four-year institution. Learn more about the Part-Time Grant.

Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant

Students who plan to work in child care, human services, teaching, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, social work and public service should apply for this grant, which as the name implies, is focused on industries where skilled workers are hard to find. There is a need-based path and a non-need based path to earning this grant. Learn more about the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program.

More Tools for Your Maryland Scholarship Search

1. Contact your school or campus counselor: They will know more about local employers, local work trends and how the system works in your state or region.
2. Scour the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s financial aid program page. It contains many of the scholarships and grants already listed here, but it offers additional resources that may be helpful.

Finding money to pay for an associate degree or trade school training will require some work. But if you put in the time, you will be rewarded.

Start applying for aid today to get the training you need in Maryland!

Please help us improve our page. If we have left off a scholarship or grant that could help two-year or trade school students, send an email to contactus@skillpointe.com.