Sen. Jack Bailey Opens Applications For 2026-2027 Senatorial Scholarship

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Students in Maryland’s 29th Legislative District now have the opportunity to apply for the Senatorial Scholarship, Sen. Jack Bailey announced.

In a letter to constituents, Bailey said the scholarship is available to students who permanently reside within the district and plan to attend an in-state two- or four-year college, trade school or technical school. Students attending out-of-state schools may be eligible only if their major is approved as a unique program by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).

“The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) guidelines for the Senatorial Scholarship program only allow me to award scholarships to students who permanently reside within the 29th Legislative District,” Bailey wrote. “Students are eligible to apply if they plan to attend an in-state two- or four-year institution or an in-state trade or technical school. In order for students who are attending an out-of-state school to be eligible to receive funds from the Senatorial Scholarship Program, they must have an approved unique major from MHEC.”

Bailey encouraged students to verify their elected representatives before applying. “Applying to the incorrect office may result in missed deadlines and opportunities for an award,” he said.

Applicants must submit the online scholarship form by April 1, 2026, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1, 2026, even though the official FAFSA deadline is June 30.

“Please understand that though the official FAFSA deadline is June 30, it is required by MHEC that you must file your FAFSA by March 1 to be considered for a Senatorial Scholarship. I cannot award a scholarship to anyone who has not filed the FAFSA by March 1,” Bailey said.

The 2026-2027 school year application can be found by clicking here.

Bailey’s scholarship committee will review applications after the April 1 deadline, with award decisions expected by June 1. “Please make sure to fully complete all components of the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered,” he wrote. Applicants will receive an automated confirmation email once their submission is complete.

Students who miss the April 1 deadline may request to be added to a waitlist by emailing jack.bailey@senate.maryland.gov, though Bailey noted that available funds are limited. “Timeliness is incredibly important in this process as it is unlikely that funds will be remaining, as need in previous years has far outweighed available resources,” he said.

For questions or assistance with the application, Bailey asked constituents to contact his Annapolis office.

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