History of the Scholarship

The University of Maryland and the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation have been partners in support of returning students at the University of Maryland since 1981. The Newcombe Foundation is generously offering University of Maryland students a challenge grant for all eligible returning students. Every gift made in support of the Newcombe scholarship at UMD will be matched by the Newcombe Foundation up to $15,000. Once the gift is received, individual students receive funds in the forms of scholarships, immediately and throughout the year. 

Who is in need

Today, adult students comprise a large portion of the enrollment at most colleges and universities, with a majority of these as non-traditional students. In 1981, the Newcombe Foundation focused on creating scholarship programs for returning or second-career women who were seldom able to qualify for financial aid. While aid formulas have changed so that independent and part-time students have increased access to federal, state and institutional aid, available funds have not kept pace with educational costs. Most financial aid now comes in the form of student loans, an especially discouraging factor to mature women students, whose lives are often complicated by family and work responsibilities. Newcombe Scholarships enable recipients to avoid excessive reliance on loans as they manage the costs of tuition, housing, and caring for family members.

Who are the Scholars

Newcombe Scholars both apply and are selected based on their need.  Many returning students face unique challenges such as caring for children and fully supporting their households. In order to succeed in college, students must devote time to attending and studying outside of class. For returning students, this often means taking a hit financially and/or incurring additional childcare costs. This increase in expenses, added to the ever growing cost of books, and left over tuition balances not covered by financial aid can seem insurmountable for many without the possibility of added financial assistance. Those who give to this cause are afforded a unique opportunity to assist a returning student with completing their degree, and impacting the lives of generations to come.  

Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents.  Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax deductible as allowed by law.  Please see your tax advisor for details.