How to apply: Complete an MLARP Foster Care application and submit all supplemental documentation.

When to apply: The application deadline is December 15.

The 2017-2018 MLARP Foster Care application cycle is now closed.

You must be a Maryland resident and have been placed in an out-of-home placement by a state's or unit of a state government's department of social services for 3 years or more. You must have earned either an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college in Maryland. You must be employed at least part-time (20 hours per week) in State, county or local government. You must have educational loans from a university, government, or commercial source that you used to pay college expenses. You may not be in default on a loan. 

Applicants will be ranked and awarded according to the submission date of their completed online application form.

Applicants who are not selected will be placed on the waitlist pending the availability of funding. Applicants not selected in an award year must reapply for consideration in a subsequent award year, and will be ranked according to the submission date of their completed online application form.

2017-2018 MLARP Foster Care award amount is equal to the lesser of 10% of the applicant’s total educational loan debt or $5,000.

Awards are paid in the form of a co-payable check made out to the award recipient and their lender. Recipients are to endorse the award check and send to their lender to have them apply it to their account.

Awards are automatically renewed on an annual basis for up to a maximum of three (3) years, pending the annual employment, lender and tax documentation by the December 15th deadline for each year that they receive funding. Failure to submit required documentation by the deadline or failure to report changes in your employment status throughout the service/award years will make you ineligible for the award.

Each recipient offered an award must sign and return an employment obligation agreement agreeing to remain employed by the State or a county or municipality of the State for at least 1 year after the expiration of the term of the award.

Prior service obligations from other State of Maryland scholarships must be completed by October 1, 2017. One position cannot fulfill two service obligations simultaneously. If a recipient holds multiple service obligations, the obligations must be served in consecutive years.