40TH DISTRICT SENATORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
About:
Senatorial scholarships are made available through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)and distributed through Senators in each District. Current high school seniors & both full-time and part-time degree seeking undergraduate and graduate students, and private career students in the 40th District are welcome and encouraged to submit an application to the 40th District Senatorial Scholarship sponsored by Senator Antonio Hayes.
For more information on statewide financial aid opportunities and resources visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
For questions, please contact Lora Mayo, Director of Community Outreach and Engagement & Education at lmayo@senate.maryland.gov
Eligibility Information:
Audited courses cannot be used to reach minimum credit hours required for full-time or part-time status. If this is a renewal scholarship, once awarded you will receive the awarded amount as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
This scholarship cannot be used at an out-of-state school unless your major is not offered at a school in Maryland and is, therefore, considered a ‘unique’ major. Please complete the Unique Major application - opens March 2026. Email: legislative.mhec@maryland.gov and visit here for more information.
Students who are full-time, and then become part-time students will experience a reduction in their award. If you received a Senatorial Scholarship for SY 2025-2026 you will automatically receive a scholarship from Senator Hayes for the following year as long as you meet all eligibility requirements. If you will enter your 1st year of graduate school, please contact Lora Mayo at lmayo@senate.maryland.gov.
How to Apply:
Step 1: In order to be eligible for the Senatorial Scholarship, you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the U.S. Department of Education (Maryland (MHEC’s) deadline is March 1). If you are not eligible for FAFSA, select the One App User Guide at this link: for more information on accessing financial aid.
Step 2: Create account on Maryland Higher Education Commission, the administrator of state scholarships by visiting: https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us
Step 3: Fill out the Scholarship Application Form by clicking here. Please use this link beginning January 14, 2026 to apply for the 2025-2026 scholarship.
Important Dates:
Friday, May 1, 2026, 11:59pm Scholarship Application Closes
Saturday, May 30, 2026 - 9am - 12noon
In-person interviews and Meet and Greet with Senator Hayes
Network with Senator Hayes and industry leaders.
Interviews are 20 minutes. Kappa Youth and Community Center, 1207 Eutaw Place, Baltimore, MD 21217.
More information to come (time ranges will be set).
Breakfast service starts 8:30am.
Monday, June 8, 2026 - 6pm - 8pm:
In-person Scholarship Ceremony & Reception
Awardees invite family, friends to be recognized by 40th District Legislators and other special guests.
Lyric Theater, 140 West Mount Royal, Baltimore, MD.
Award letters with scholarship amounts will be given at the ceremony. Children welcome.
By Wednesday, June 24, 2026
All awards (if there are not issues with the application) will be entered into the Maryland Higher Education Commission System.
MHEC Contact Information:
Email: osfamail.mhec@maryland.gov Phone: 410-767-3300 (option 1).