Program areas at MCPSEF
The largest MCPSEF program are its scholarships and awards. In the spring of 2024, MCPSEF provided more than 18 scholarships and awards to 238 students, totaling over $2.3M to students across every high school in the district. For the class of 2024, 207 seniors were awarded a four-year scholarship totaling $10,000 in honor of the community services and legacy of Ruth and Norman Rales, as well as former Montgomery County board of education member, Patricia Baier-O'Neill.
The Joseph D. Byrd Scholarship provides a four-year scholarship [totaling $20,000] to students at Poolesville High School. Established in 2007, this is one of the most generous awards supported by MCPSEF. Three seniors from the class of 2024 were awarded the Byrd scholarship. MCPSEF strives to support pathways to promising futures for MCPS students. Alleviating the rising cost of post-secondary education, particularly for students with the greatest need for financial support, in partnership with our generous partners.
The ongoing funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute enabled MCPS to continue making foundational changes in science instruction that enable students from all backgrounds to actively engage in innovative science learning experiences. Activities during FY 24 included expanding and enhancing classroom and laboratory experiences, such as providing DNA Resource Center Investigation kits to middle and high school teachers from the DNA Resource Center; continued participation of students from underrepresented populations to attend STEM summer camps that provide laboratory and field experience in the life, environmental, and physical sciences; and participation in opportunities like the Youth Climate Summer for students to take action on scientific issues.
The MCPS Educational Foundation also completed several other program services (both scholarship and non-scholarship) in support of its mission during FY 24.