Each year, the Episcopal Diocese of Washington invests in the future of its leaders and communities through grants and scholarships that support education, leadership development, and justice-centered ministry. From continuing education for clergy through the Angus Dun Fellowship Fund, to the Claggett Fund for the children of clergy, to the Emergency Relief Fund for urgent needs, these resources reflect the Diocese’s commitment to equipping people for faithful service and long-term flourishing.

Among these opportunities is the St. Mary’s County Scholarship Fund, a strong expression of that commitment in action, offered in partnership with the Business, Education, and Community Alliance, Inc. (BECA).

Established to support students of African American heritage in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, the fund helps remove financial barriers and expand access to higher education. Rooted in a historic trust and sustained through faithful stewardship, it reflects the Diocese’s call to seek justice and invest in the next generation of leaders.

This year, the St. Mary’s County Scholarship Committee awarded 21 students a total of $18,000. These awards are more than financial support—they are affirmations of potential, resilience, and hope. For many students, they make a tangible difference in the ability to pursue academic goals with confidence and stability.

As one recipient shared, “This scholarship will ease some of my financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on my academic goals… I am motivated to make the most of this opportunity.”

Another reflected on the broader impact: “This scholarship makes a meaningful difference in my ability to continue my education, especially as I attend college far from home. Being so far away comes with additional expenses, and your generosity helps ease that burden so I can stay focused on my studies and personal growth.”

These words point to the real and immediate ways the fund supports not only access, but also persistence and flourishing.

A third recipient expressed both gratitude and resolve: “This scholarship will allow me to focus more fully on my studies and continue working toward my goals with greater confidence and determination.” Together, these reflections offer a glimpse into the impact of the Diocese’s investment—one that extends beyond tuition assistance to include encouragement, belonging, and belief in each student’s future.

The scholarship committee, composed of clergy, educators, and community leaders, approaches its work with care and intention. Each application is prayed for and reviewed with attention to both need and promise, helping ensure that funds are distributed in ways that are equitable and mission-driven. Their work reflects a spirit of accompaniment, walking alongside students as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of higher education.

At a time when the cost of education continues to rise, programs like the St. Mary’s County Scholarship Fund remind us that the Church has a vital role to play in expanding access and fostering hope. Supporting students is not separate from ministry—it is a tangible expression of it. It is a way of saying: you belong, your gifts matter, and your future is worth investing in.
Through this year’s awards, the Episcopal Diocese of Washington continues to affirm its commitment to building a more just and compassionate world—one student, one opportunity, and one act of generosity at a time.

Recipients will be honored at an awards ceremony at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland on Monday, May 18. As we celebrate these students and their achievements, we invite you to hold them in prayer—for their perseverance, their growth, and the faithful work ahead.