Rhonda Ray Scholarship Application
The MEDA Board of Directors is very pleased to announce the Rhonda Ray Scholarship. This scholarship will be made to a MEDA student member or non-member* taking credit courses in public policy or economic development-related subjects. Students must attend a Maryland public or private community college or four-year university and be a resident of Maryland. One scholarship award of up to $500 will be made in the fall, spring, and summer semesters when funds are available. Scholarship funds are to be used towards credit courses in the required fields and will be distributed directly to the student’s higher education institution on their behalf.
*Non-members will receive a one-year complimentary membership to MEDA.
Who Is Rhonda Ray?
Rhonda Ray was a dedicated economic development professional and MEDA member for over 20 years. During her time in membership, she served on the MEDA Board of Directors and as Co-Chair of the Public Policy Awareness Committee. This scholarship honors her dedication to mentorship, education, public policy, and economic development. Read more about Rhonda Ray and tributes from MEDA members on our Remembering Rhonda page.
The Rhonda Ray Scholarship Committee
- Renée M. Winsky, President & Founder, Bay One Group, LLC (Committee Chair)*
- James Fielder, PhD
- Richard Griffin, CEcD, Director, Economic Development, The City of Frederick
- David Iannucci, President and Chief Executive Officer, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation*
- Jennifer LaHatte, Director of Policy and Program Development, Maryland Department of Commerce*
- Brian Levine, Vice President of Government Affairs, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce*
- Stephen Primosch, Vice President, Financial Services, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
- Pam Ruff, Executive Director, Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA)
- Lori Valentine, Vice President of Policy and Public Relations, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation*
- Ex-Officio Members: Tammi Thomas and John Wasilisin
(*) indicates members of the selection/review committee
The Objective of the Rhonda Ray Scholarship
- To support and encourage students who choose to study public policy, economic development, or related fields.
- To honor Rhonda Ray’s professional contributions to Maryland and her passion for higher education.
Criteria for Selection – Please do not apply until all materials are ready to be uploaded together
- Must be enrolled in a Maryland community college or four-year university.
- Courses covered by the scholarship must be in Public Policy, Economic Development, or a related field.
- Must be a resident of Maryland.
- Must submit a complete application by the noted deadlines.
- A complete application includes:
- Application Form (below)
- Most recent high school or college transcript (PDF format)
- Two letters of recommendation (PDF format). Letters are required to be on letterhead and include the signature of the writer.
- Provide an essay of 250 to 300 words discussing the Public Policy, Economic Development, or related credit course you are considering and how this course aligns with overall educational goals. (PDF format)
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Deadlines
- Summer semester applications are due no later than March 31, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their scholarship status no later than May 9, 2025.
- Fall semester applications are due no later than June 2, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their scholarship status no later than July 15, 2025.
- Spring semester applications are due no later than November 17, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their scholarship status no later than December 22, 2025.
