Gladys Noon Spellman Scholarship Application
In honor of Women's History Month, Prince George's County Office of the County Executive is proud to present a scholarship in memory of Congresswoman Gladys Noon Spellman. Ms. Spellman was a distinguished public servant in Prince George's County for over two decades. This year's theme is: Elevate & Lead the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.
Gladys Noon Spellman
Gladys Noon Spellman was an educator in the Prince George’s County Public Schools System and served as president of the Prince George’s County Council of PTAs. She made history as the first woman elected to the Prince George’s County Board of Commissioners. Additionally, she held the prestigious position of being the first woman elected president of the National Association of Counties, representing county officials nationwide.
In 1974, she was elected to the United States Congress, where she played a key role in sponsoring legislation to prevent discrimination based on marital status and to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities and the elderly.
Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Resident of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
- In the 12th grade (accepted into a college/university or an accredited alternative vocational institution specialty.
- Involved in extracurricular school activities, as well as non-school activities.
- Provide examples of community service.
- GPA of 2.5 and above.
Applicants who are chosen must be able to attend the luncheon in person by attending the Annual Women's International History Month Luncheon on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm for the presentation of scholarships.
Applicant Requirements
Your application must be submitted via the WHML Portal and must include the following:
- Unofficial copy of your high school transcript
- Copy of most current report card
- Two (2) letters of reference (School Counselor/Teacher/Administrator and a non-family member)
- An original essay response to one of the following two essay prompts
Application Essay
Respond to one of the following two essay prompts:
Prompt A
In an increasingly complex world, the need for sustainable initiatives that foster community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equality has never been more critical. How you can leverage your unique voice and educational background to “Elevate and Lead” such an initiative in your community.
Prompt B
As a student, you are inheriting a world shaped by the decision of previous generations, In the context of “Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” is it more important for young women to grow within existing institutions to change them from the inside, or to lead by creating entirely new organizations or movements?
Essay & Video Requirements
- The essay must be a minimum of 1,500 words and must be formatted in Times
- Create a :30 YouTube Unlisted video and send the link to:
- Use the “Times New Roman” font, 12 pt., and double-spaced.
- Examples of your extracurricular/community service activities: High School and Community-oriented (i.e., certificates, news clips, etc.) to support your application are welcomed.
- Applications are due Friday, March 6, 2026, by 11:59 pm. We are unable to accept incomplete and late applications.
- Applicants must complete the Gladys Noon Spellman application form.
Plagiarism and AI Policy
Please note, the unethical use of AI software in the creation of your essay is not acceptable. If you use AI software to research background for your topic or use ideas or direct quotes from an AI search, your essay must have the appropriate in-text citation and include an appropriate reference page accordingly.
Essays found to have usurped the AI usage policy parameters, contain plagiarism or other ethical cautions will be excluded from consideration.
Contact
If you have any questions, please send them to pgcwhml@co.pg.md.us.