Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce awards four scholarships each year, one through the Carson Scholars Fund and three through the CCBC Foundation. These scholarships assist in financing the college education of local students.

Carson Scholars

The Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce supports the Carson Scholars Fund in providing a $1,000 interest-bearing scholarship for students between grades 4 and 11 across the country. This scholarship goes toward the 4-year college or university of the local scholar’s choice. It requires a minimum unweighted high school grade point average of 3.75. This particular scholarship looks for students who exhibit leadership skills and a desire to make a difference in the community. To submit an application, an educator or school administrator must request an application to nominate a student. For more information about the Carson scholarship: https://carsonscholars.org/scholarships/scholarship-application-request/.

The Carson Scholars Fund was founded in 1994 by Dr. Ben Carson and his wife Candy. They created this fund at a time when students in the United States were ranked second to last in performance of math and science. They were disappointed yet inspired to improve education in this country. Their mission is to teach children from an early age how to succeed and to increase literacy rates in the United States. Each year, the Carsons Scholars Fund rewards 500 scholarships to students and has awarded more than 8,800 scholarships since opening in 1994! The Carson Scholars Fund scholarships are funded by donors and partners such as the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce. 

CCBC Foundation

The CCBC Foundation also offers a college scholarship funded by the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce. This scholarship goes to students who are Maryland residents. In order to apply for this scholarship, students must be enrolled in classes at CCBC at the time of completing the application and must have a student identification number. They must either have graduated from a public or private high school in Maryland or have earned their GED. The minimum unweighted high school grade point average is 2.3 to apply. Finally, they must apply for a federal student aid application before applying to this scholarship. More information about the requirements and application process: https://www.ccbcmd.edu/Costs-and-Paying-for-College/Help-Paying-for-College/Scholarships-and-Grants/Promise-Program.aspx. 

The CCBC Foundation was founded in 2005. It provides financial support to deserving students who cannot afford to attend college. It receives contributions and donations from the community and provides educational opportunities for bright and determined students.