What does “March Madness” mean to you? If you are a basketball lover, you are diligently watching the brackets and hoping your team makes the final four, or two. If you are a graduating high school senior, you are anxiously awaiting word from your first- choice school that confirms you will be part of the Class of 2025. It is just madness.

As a scholarship provider, the Adams County Community Foundation is also waiting anxiously—for the high school Class of 2021 to finish their scholarship applications. With an April 1 deadline, the clock is ticking fast.

So, what does the Community Foundation know about scholarships? Since 2001, I have been involved with various organizations that award scholarships, and during a six-year period, I was the nagging parent convincing my children that writing yet another essay would pay off in the long run. For the past five years, I have been serving the donors of Adams County who strive to help bridge the gap between what a student’s financial obligation is and what their family can afford.

A scholarship is not a loan, but a grant. It benefits the receiver and does not have to be repaid. This year the Community Foundation will award more than 110  scholarships through a single application process. The starting point to find out more is adamscountycf.org/grants-scholarships/scholarships. On that page there is a link to the common application (where you’ll find a list of scholarships organized by high school), links to scholarships requiring a separate application, and links to other local scholarship opportunities. 

Be prepared. The application process requires time and careful thought to complete. Students provide basic information and identify their academic or technical training plans. Three essays help the selection team determine the most suitable applicants for each of our scholarships. To reduce bias and even out the playing field, the entire scoring process is done anonymously.

Please don’t overlook the financial component of the application. Many scholarships require the estimated family contribution to be a factor in the decision process. But rest assured that this information is anonymous, and the Community Foundation maintains a strict confidentiality policy. However, leaving out the financial component may eliminate some opportunities for you.

And finally, did I mention the April 1 deadline?

Don’t forget to check in with your guidance office for other scholarship opportunities and take a minute to conduct a free scholarship search at Scholarships.com. There is scholarship money out there for the asking.

While a scholarship does not have to be paid back, many choose to pay it forward by contributing to scholarship funds once they have completed their education. We often hear from scholarship donors how grateful they are today for the support they received when they needed it. If you are a grateful former scholarship recipient, the Community Foundation can help you, too.

Enjoy the giddy madness of March!

Were you (or your child) the beneficiary of a past Adams County Community Foundation scholarship award? Please let me know how you are doing. You can contact me at bev@adamscountycf.org  or 717-337-0060.

Beverly Grazulewicz is Director of Scholarships at Adams County Community Foundation.