Gladys Noon Spellman Scholarship Application

During Women's History Month, the Prince George's County Office of the County Executive presents a scholarship in memory of Congresswoman Gladys Noon Spellman. Ms. Spellman was a celebrated public servant of Prince George's County for more than two decades. This year’s theme is: “Celebrating Women Who Fight for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”
 

Gladys Noon Spellman

Gladys Noon Spellman

Gladys Noon Spellman was an educator in the Prince George’s County Public Schools System and president of the Prince George’s County Council of PTAs. She was the first woman elected to the Board of Commissioners of Prince George’s County. Additionally, she served in the highest capacity for County officials nationwide when she became the first woman elected president of the National Association of Counties.

In 1974, she was elected to the United States Congress where she was instrumental in sponsoring legislation to prevent discrimination based on marital status and prohibiting discrimination against the handicapped and elderly.

Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a resident of Prince George’s County. 
  • Be in the 12th grade (accepted into a college or pending). 
  • Have involvement in school activities, as well as non-school activities.
  • Be able to provide examples of community service.
  • Have a GPA of 2.5 and above.

If selected, the applicant must attend, in person, the Annual Women's History Month celebration on Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm for the presentation of their scholarship. 

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

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is often talked about as being a vehicle for change, justice, and freedom within our communities. What does DEI mean to you, and how do you think our communities can use the principles of DEI to bring about change?

Prompt B

The terms diversity, equity, and inclusion have been politicized over the years and used as a weapon to stifle the progress of those from underserved and marginalized groups. However, despite the efforts of the opposition, many women throughout history have been on the frontlines to ensure that the work continues. While there are many women that we have heard about, highlight someone in your life who continues to fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Essay Requirements

  • The essay must be a minimum of 1,500 words and must be formatted in Times New Roman, 12 pt., and double-spaced.
  • Examples of your extra-curricular/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 15, 2024, by 11:59 pm. Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted and there will be no exceptions.
  • All applicants are required to complete the Gladys Noon Spellman application form.

Plagiarism and AI Policy

The unethical use of AI software in the creation of your essay is strictly prohibited.  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 violated this AI usage policy, contain plagiarism or other ethical violations will be excluded from consideration.
 

Contact

If you have any questions, please send them to PGWHML@co.pg.md.us

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