Temple Hills, MD – The Maryland Standardbred Industry is proud to announce the opening of applications for the Maryland Standardbred Industry Thomas Cooke Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year. This scholarship program is designed to support students who have demonstrated a meaningful connection to Standardbred horses and to encourage professional development within the equine industry.
Sponsored by the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association, the Maryland Standardbred Horsemen’s Assistance Fund, Rosecroft Raceway, and Ocean Downs Racetrack, the scholarship recognizes the unique contributions of individuals involved in the Standardbred community. It aims to foster future talent in direct and indirect related fields, including veterinary medicine, farriery, equine marketing, and publicity.
“The Thomas Cooke Scholarship is an investment in the next generation of our industry,” said a spokesperson for the Maryland Standardbred Industry Scholarship Committee. “We are committed to supporting students who share our passion for Standardbred horses, whether they are pursuing a traditional degree or a specialized trade certification.”
Eligibility & Categories
Scholarships are available to applicants in three primary categories:
- Residents of Prince George’s or Worcester County (MD): Open to high school seniors or college students residing in these counties. While an industry connection is not required, applicants are encouraged to visit Maryland Standardbred facilities.
- Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association: Open to members or their immediate family members (spouse/child/dependent).
- Track Employees: Open to employees or contract workers of Maryland Harness Racing tracks (Rosecroft or Ocean Downs) and their immediate family members.
Award Information
The scholarship provides a minimum award of $1,000 per recipient. Funds may be used for qualified educational expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, and required tools for trade programs. Awards are paid directly to the student’s educational institution.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a completed application form, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. A key component of the application is a personal essay (500–750 words) or a video (2–3 minutes) detailing the applicant’s experience with horses and their career aspirations.
Deadlines
The deadline for all application materials is March 31, 2026. Award notifications will be sent on or before May 15, 2026.
Interested students can download the application form at https://marylandstandardbreds.com/scholarships or request a copy via email at scholarships@marylandstandardbreds.com.
About the Maryland Standardbred Industry Scholarship Program
The program is a collaborative effort between Maryland’s leading harness racing organizations and racetracks. It seeks to reward academic achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to the Standardbred breed, ensuring a vibrant future for the horse industry in Maryland.