News from BECA

May 14, 2010: 71 students received local scholarships at BECA's Scholarship Awards Breakfast. Guest speaker Sheriff Tim Cameron shared the inspiring story of his dedicated pursuit of higher education and what it has meant to his career and life. Over 200 people attended the breakfast, held at the J.T. Dougherty Conference Center.

All 20 winners of $1,000 BECA Scholarships for 2010.

196 Common Applications Received

The March 15, 2010 deadline for the St. Mary's Common Scholarship Application has passed. Thanks to the students (and their helpful parents/guardians) who submitted applications. BECA cannot accept any late applications or additions to the applications.

196 student applications were received and over 1400 copies made. Application processing was completed by BECA board members on April 2, 2010 and the have been distributed to providers. Students selected for awards will be notified by the individual scholarship providers and invited to the awards breakfast to be held May 14.

BECA's Second Annual Fundraiser, held on Friday, March 11 at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, was an enjoyable evening for the 280 guests, with the highlight being the silent auction led by the lively and highly entertaining Commissioner Dan Raley. Proceeds are being tallied, with the estimated total expected to be near $18,000 . Every dollar raised helps provide scholarships to deserving students. Thanks to Beth and the other staff members at the Higher Ed Center for all of your assistance, and to the Director of the Center, Dr. Mel Powell for the use of your amazing facility.

BECA held its Fourth Annual Scholarship Fair on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. 482 students and parents/guardians attended, learning about the Common Application and meeting the Common Application scholarship providers.

About BECA....

BECA is the organization that created and processes the St. Mary's County Common Scholarship Application, which allows students to apply for numerous local scholarships with just one application. Over $1,000,000 in scholarships has been awarded through this application since 2007.

The 2010 version of the St. Mary's Common Scholarship Application is available for viewing here.The application deadline has passed, with the next years application to be available in December 2010 and the deadline for completion to be March 2011.