​The 2025-2026 application is open​

The Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship program promotes the state's compelling interests in educating diverse student bodies and in achieving diversity in ROTC programs.​

An individual who has been identified by the institution as a minority student or a student who is a member of another group historically underrepresented in Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) programs.  The applicant must be:

• Enrolled full-time at the following institutions only: Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, or University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
• A member of a ROTC program.
• Determined to be eligible for in-state tuition by the institution.​
  

How do I Apply?

An individual must:

• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa or submit the MHEC One App online through the Maryland College Aid Processing Portal (MDCAPS) for any applicant who is ineligible to receive federal aid but is eligible for in-state tuition by July 15.
• Complete the Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship application online through the MHEC One App by the established deadline.
  
• Submit documentation by the established deadline, confirming that the student is a member of a ROTC program.
• Submit documentation by the established deadline, from the institution confirming that the applicant is a minority student or a student who is a member of another group historically underrepresented in Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) programs.

Important Deadlines

The deadline to submit the Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship application and supporting documentation for primary consideration is May 1​.  The final deadline to submit the application and supporting documentation for secondary consideration is July 15. 

Award Amount

An annual scholarship award shall be in the amount prescribed by MHEC, which shall not exceed the recipient's education expenses. The minimum scholarship award amount shall not be less than $500 per semester and $1,000 for the academic year.

Renewal Requirements

2025-2026 Richard Collins Conditions of Award​

The Richard W. Collins Leadership with Honor Scholarship regulations have been published online under the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).​