“A successful first year of college is vitally important to what follows
in the life of a high school graduate who aspires to higher learning”.

​​History of the Scholarship Foundation

 A foundation is established when there is potential for substantial financial contributions for a specific purpose from an individual, business or corporation. The purpose meets standards set forth in a statute of the State where the interested person or business resides. The US Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service designates the status (tax codes) related to the purpose.

 Some of the first residents of Leisure World (1966) were interested in financing college study (higher education) at college funded by the State of Maryland budget.         The residents understood governance, human resources, philanthropic and financial accountability of service clubs and organizations The colleges are listed as the University System of Maryland.  They retained legal counsel for guidance to gain status in the State of Maryland to function as a nonprofit charitable organization. In 1971, titles were granted as a nonprofit charitable organization and status was received as Internal Revenue code 501c3 from the U S Department of the Treasury.

  The founding residents were members of a Leisure World service club. They chose the name of the service club as the title/name of the Foundation. From 1971 to 1979, there was planning for tuition scholarships. Financial contributions to the Foundation have been from individuals, Leisure World residents, Leisure World organizations and businesses that provide services to the Leisure World Community.

 Providing some financial freedom to support the mission of college study was made possible from three endowments, a trust and a bequest executed with legal counsel. These financial instruments enabled an investment portfolio. This ensures continuity of full tuition scholarship. The investment portfolio is used in accordance with stipulations stated in the financial instrument of the donor.  The gain on each financial instrument is used for funding the scholarship.  All other contributions to the Foundation’s programs are held in the savings account for use as indicated on a contribution form. If a donor wants to contribute each year for a grant or scholarship, a formal agreement is executed with an attorney.

 The first scholarship was awarded for academic year 1979-1980. Over the forty -five academic years (1979-80 to 2024-2025), more than 350 full tuition scholarships have been awarded. In addition, financial contributions have been received for scholarship for specific college majors.   Grants are awarded for when an applicant does not qualify for a tuition scholarship. Grants are awarded to assist with other expenses listed on college invoices. This money is identified as the Education Fund.

  The Foundation title/name was changed in 2020 with approval by the State of Maryland, Department of Assessments and Taxation. The title/name change in 2020 was to comply with fiduciary standards and to honor Leisure World residents for their commitment of expertise, commitment to purpose, time and money over decades. There was no change in the Foundation mission nor Foundation Programs.

 “Providing some financial freedom for college study” require timely assessment of actions and decisions. Foundation Directors collaborate with Principals and College and Career Counselors at the high schools. This assists with content of the application and process of distributing applications to graduating seniors.  Foundation Directors determine goals for three years and objectives are each year. Input is welcomed from all supporters and contributors.  
Foundation's Mission
  • to promote pursuit of higher education
  • to promote acquisition of leadership skills
Implementing the Mission
​Providing some financial freedom for the first year of college
  • award scholarships for tuition and mandated fees listed on college invoice 
  • award grant to applicants who do not qualify for assistance with tuition
  • award grant to applicant who meet grant donor stipulations
​​
Financial Assistance
  •  ​Three (3) full tuition and mandatory fee scholarships to applicants meet requirements of the financial instruments in the investment portfolio. Financial need is verified by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Recipient of these scholarships are required to enroll at a Maryland State supported four-year College/ University.  Recipients may choose any major.  The scholarship is for the first year of college.
  • Full tuition and mandatory fee scholarship to a student declaring a major in a life science; Financial need is verified by the Federal Student Aid Financial Assistance (FSAFA) form.  Recipient of this scholarship is required to enroll at a Maryland State supported four-year College/ University.   ​
  • Music scholarship to student declaring major in music with concentration in piano; the recipient may choose any college in any State with an accredited school of music. This is a full tuition scholarship is for the first year of college. Enrollment in a college is verified.
  • Achievement scholarship to student declaring a major in mathematics. The amount is determined each year. The recipient may choose college in any State that offers a major in mathematics. Applicants are required to verify maintaining   3.0 grade point average each year of high school. This is not a tuition scholarship.
  • Registration fees are paid for a seminar, course or event with program content focused on leadership skills and giving service. The fee is paid for students at Montgomery County public high schools zip codes. The number of registration fees paid for seminars/events is decided each year. If the high school has a Key Club, the Key Club members may attend a seminar/event provided by a Kiwanis International Service Leadership Program.
Maryland State Supported Colleges
The founding residents were interested in financing higher education through college study. They wanted to provide assistance for students that needed financial assistance to attend college and enroll in a Maryland State System College/University. 
  • Bowie State University
  • Coppin State University
  • Frostburg State University
  • Salisbury State University
  • Towson University
  • University  of Baltimore
  • University  of Maryland, Baltimore County
  • University, of Maryland, College Park
  • University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  • University of Maryland  Global Campus
  • The Universities at Shady Grove

Scholarships are available to graduating seniors from Montgomery County public high schools.  Applications are received from the Career and College Counselors at the high school.

​Visit the Foundation website-   www.betheirwings.org to learn about scholarship and grant requirements.