Scholarship Opportunity

Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant

Offered by Maryland Higher Education Commission

The Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant provides Maryland state financial assistance to students preparing for careers in designated workforce shortage fields. Eligible areas include child care, human services, teaching, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, social work, and public service, with recipients generally required to work in an eligible Maryland service area after completing their education.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelCollege Freshman, College Sophomore, College Junior, College Senior, Graduate Student

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

2026–2027 Award Year

OpensJanuary 15, 2026
DeadlineOctober 15, 2026

Eligibility

  • Be a Maryland resident.
  • If classified as a dependent student, have a parent who is also a Maryland resident.
  • Attend a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university.
  • Enroll as a degree-seeking student in an eligible major leading to employment in an approved workforce shortage field.
  • Undergraduate students may enroll full-time with at least 12 credits per semester or part-time with 6 to 11 credits per semester.
  • Graduate students may enroll full-time with at least 9 credits per semester or part-time with 6 to 8 credits per semester.
  • Students enrolled for fewer than six credits in a semester may qualify if they earn at least 12 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits during the academic year, including summer.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to the standards of the enrolled institution.
  • Meet the specific major and service-area requirements associated with the selected WSSAG occupational field.

Requirements

  • Complete the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant application through the MHEC One-App in MDCAPS.
  • Identify an eligible major and corresponding workforce shortage service area on the application.
  • Submit any additional documentation required for the selected major or service area.
  • The FAFSA is optional but may be used by MHEC to determine award priority based on financial need.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress at the enrolled institution.
  • Continue meeting applicable enrollment requirements for renewal.
  • Complete the employment or service obligation associated with the recipient's approved workforce shortage field.

How to Apply

  1. 1Review MHEC's current list of eligible WSSAG majors and service areas.
  2. 2Log in to MDCAPS and complete the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant application through the MHEC One-App.
  3. 3Select the eligible major and service area that corresponds with your planned career.
  4. 4Submit any additional documentation requested for your specific major or occupational category.
  5. 5Consider completing the FAFSA if you want financial need considered when MHEC determines award priority.
  6. 6Submit the complete application and required documentation by October 15, 2026.
  7. 7Monitor MDCAPS for award information and additional documentation requests.
  8. 8If awarded, review the employment obligation associated with your WSSAG service area before accepting the grant.