Building Scholarships
To date, LWC has awarded $213,940 in scholarships since the 2011-2012 program year.
Leadership Washington County awarded its first scholarships during the 2011-2012 program year with Class #25, providing $3,000 in financial support to participants. Over the past 13 years, LWC has continued to grow both its scholarship funding and sponsorship support, helping make the program more accessible to leaders throughout Washington County.
During LWC’s 35th Anniversary year, the Board of Directors and staff made a meaningful commitment to create a dedicated scholarship fund that could be invested and grown annually. The goal was simple but important: to ensure scholarship dollars would always be available for participants who need financial support to take part in the Leadership Washington County experience.
LWC was fortunate to receive a $20,000 grant from the Fletcher Foundation to help establish this dedicated scholarship fund. As part of the grant, LWC was challenged to match the $20,000 dollar for dollar, and thanks to the generosity of our graduates, sponsors, and community supporters, we met that match.
As Leadership Washington County prepares to celebrate its 40th Anniversary during the 2026-2027 program year, we are once again focused on strengthening the future of leadership in Washington County. LWC has the opportunity to receive a $40,000 grant from the Fletcher Foundation, with a 2:1 match requirement. That means we are working to raise an additional $80,000 to secure this transformational support.
Growing the scholarship fund is one of the most important ways we can ensure LWC continues its mission for years to come, making leadership development accessible to those who are ready to learn, serve, and lead in our community.
Help us to continue to build this fund by making a donation today!
Join us! Donate today.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 Scholarship Recipients
Ally Sirbaugh, Executive Director for BISFA Foundation, Anne Holzapfel, Program Director for The Maryland Theatre, Jenna Huckle, Senior HR Generalist at Parker Plastics, Chaka Burnett, School Site Director, Amanda Gietka, Director of Finance & Development both for Boys & Girls Club of WashingBeverungenton County, Lauren Buechmann, Heard of PR & Marketing and Richard Beverungen, Business Intelligence Manager both of the Washington County Free Library
Thank you!
Your support means we can continue our goal to provide access for everyone in Washington County by eliminating some of the financial barrier for applicants.
How has LWC funded scholarships in past years?
Each year our commitment to dedicating a portion of our internal budget to scholarships has grown, as have our external scholarships provided from local organizations and foundations. From three $1,000 scholarships to the LWC Class of 2012 (#25) to over $20,000 in scholarships to LWC Class of 2025 (#38), LWC has proven our commitment to supporting scholarship internally and securing community support with external scholarships. Over the year’s The Judy Greenwald Fund has consistently supported scholarships for LWC class members for many years. Organizations like Patriot Federal Credit Union have committed to an annual scholarship, and the LWC Class of 2017 (#30) raised funds to award a Class 30 Be Nice scholarship annually.
Leadership Washington County began offering scholarships to non-profit leaders in our community to the Class of 2012 (#25). The following program year, we created scholarship opportunities for small business owners. In 2019, LWC created an additional scholarship category for self-funded applicants. There are many potential and current community leaders whose organizations will not or cannot support tuition or they may work part-time or volunteer full-time. LWC’s goal is to ensure that the core program is accessible to all who wish to advance our mission and actively participate in every aspect of the program.