Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q:  What is the Ellen Garrison Scholarship?

A:  The Ellen Garrison Scholarship grants cash awards to four female Concord-Carlisle High School graduates who participated in the METCO program and are planning to further their education. The purpose of the scholarship is to honor the life and legacy of Concord’s first Black daughter and the town’s African American history. There are two $1000 awards and two $500 awards intended to assist the students with their college costs.
   
Later in her life, Ellen Garrison settled in Altadena, California. Click here to learn about the efforts of the Altadena Historical Society to honor Ellen Garrison and offer their own scholarship program.

 

Q:  Where can I learn more about the METCO program?
A:  METCO stands for The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity. Please click here to learn more about this excellent program, of which Concord has participated since its inception in 1967.

To learn more about the METCO program within Concord Public Schools, click here.

To learn more about the METCO program within the Concord-Carlisle High School, click here.

 

Q:  How is the Ellen Garrison Scholarship funded?
A:  In 2024 the Ellen Garrison Scholarship is privately funded by an individual Concord resident.
In 2025 onward, The Robbins House will fund the Ellen Garrison Scholarship with tax-deductible donations to The Ellen Garrison Scholarship Fund from the community and local businesses.

 

Q:  Why isn't this scholarship part of the The Scholarship Fund of Concord and Carlisle?
A:  There are two reasons:

1. In its inaugural year, the Ellen Garrison Scholarship is privately funded as four awards totaling $3000. This amount does not meet the criteria for a scholarship within The Scholarship Fund of Concord and Carlisle.
2. Autonomy in the selection of its awards is important to uphold the goals of the Ellen Garrison Scholarship.

 

Q:  Who is on the Selection Committee for the Ellen Garrison Scholarship?
A:  Eight members from The Robbins House, the METCO program and the Concord DEI Commission volunteer their time to serve on the Selection Committee for the Ellen Garrison Scholarship.

 

Q:  Can I contribute to the Ellen Garrison Scholarship?

A:  Yes! The Robbins House is in the process of setting up an Ellen Garrison Scholarship Fund to sponsor this scholarship beginning in 2025, making all future donations tax-deductible.

Please send an email to EGarrison1823@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list for updates and information on how you can contribute. Our goal is to expand the scholarship program in 2025 to benefit even more students. Thank you!