Scholarships from BECA
BECA awards as many as 10 Passport Scholarships each spring to seniors who have satisfactory performance during their high school career. Students apply for the Passport Scholarship using the St. Mary's County Common Scholarship Application. Winners are selected from the applicants based on success in school, leadership roles, community service and need. The value of each scholarship is $1,000. Each is a one-time award. Multiple scholarships are awarded depending on funds available.

BECA also attempts to award at least one scholarship per high school depending on applications received. BECA has provided $75,000 in scholarships for students who have earned at least five Passports to the Future in high school. Note that the Passport Program is on hold temporarily. Students should check their transcripts to be sure they have a 2.5 or higher g.p.a., and meet the 5 or fewer absences per semester ( for at least 5 high school semesters) requirement before applying.During those 5 semesters, students also may not have any disciplinary reports filed that resulted in suspension from school or school detention. Schools will verify that students selected for awards meet the Passport criteria.

The St. Mary's Common Scholarship Application
BECA has created the St.Mary's Common Scholarship Application , making it easier for students to apply for financial aid. Students complete this one form, and send it plus one set of transcripts, two letters of recommendation, one SAR and one essay to apply for the BECA, Chamber of Commerce, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, and other local scholarships. The Common Scholarship Application is accepted by over 20 local scholarship providers who offer over $600,000 in scholarships.

How to apply
Interested students must apply for one of the BECA Scholarships using Common Application, mentioned above. Please review specific guidelines for the BECA Scholarships on page 1 of that document.