Scholarship Program

Each year, the Chesapeake Language Project offers multiple $1,000.00 scholarships to graduating Maryland seniors to recognize their hard work and help support their post-secondary educational journeys. In addition to the CLP scholarships, we also award the Cathy May Nelson Memorial Scholarship to honor Cathy’s legacy.   

Student selection criteria include:

  • A current or former English learner (has participated in ESOL/ESL program)
  • A current 12th grader
  • A student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • A student with extracurricular or work experience
  • A student who has applied to or been accepted to a college or university

For consideration for this scholarship, complete the application below.  Before applying, have your high school transcript, your completed extended responses and the e-mail addresses of two teachers or community members who are willing to write a recommendation for your consideration.  APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON APRIL 15.

The Cathy May Nelson Memorial Scholarship

Cathy May Nelson devoted much of her career to serving the English learner community. She first worked as a high school ESOL teacher and later led the ESOL program as Coordinator for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. During this time she worked closely with all of the founding members of The Chesapeake Language Project to support English learners in their journeys.

To honor her memory, the CLP and her loving husband, Pete Nelson, created the The Cathy May Nelson Memorial Scholarship. Your contributions will allow the CLP to honor her legacy.

Learn more about Cathy’s life and legacy here.