About the Scholarship

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), in conjunction with Morgan State University, has established the Eddie B. Tombs Scholarship Program to honor Mr. Eddie B. Tombs Sr.

Mr. Tombs is a significant figure in MDOT SHA history, as he was one of the first Black Americans hired in 1957 to perform engineering work for MDOT SHA, known at the time as the State Roads Commission. Mr. Tombs was a Navy veteran and was well-known within his community as an active member/leader of his church and many civic organizations. He was an integral contributor to the preliminary planning of the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), Interstate (I-70), and the National Freeway (I-68). This scholarship will be awarded to honor his efforts to encourage a safe and equitable workplace for all Maryland state employees.

As a trailblazer of his time, Mr. Tombs faced many challenges in the workplace, and he did so with great dignity and strength. He did not allow the climate of the times to define him. Despite these challenges, Mr. Tombs helped establish a system for change over his successful 33-year career with MDOT SHA.

This scholarship is intended to encourage Morgan State University-bound high school seniors to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Transportation and Urban Infrastructure Studies. The recipient will join MDOT SHA’s workforce as a summer intern to immerse them in the rewarding aspects of a career in transportation and expose them to the potential impact they may have to help others. This scholarship is intended for students who demonstrate the courage and stamina to act on their pursuit for a better community and a rewarding career in transportation.

Award Amount

The recipient will receive a total of $16,000 ($2,000 per semester) four-year scholarship [$2,000 per semester for eight semesters].

Eligibility

• A graduating Baltimore City high school student interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Transportation and Urban Infrastructure Studies at Morgan State University.
• In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Exceptional personal success skills.

Application Process

• Complete the online scholarship application form between January 1st and March 31st.
• Provide a copy of your high school transcript.
• Submit a 300 to 500-word written essay or a two-minute video essay based on one of the three personal narrative questions below:
  
  

  MDOT SHA is a customer-driven, leader in transportation. Our mission is to deliver safe, sustainable, intelligent, and exceptional transportation solutions to connect our customers to life's opportunities. MDOT SHA is a community where people experience fellowship, build relationships, and become interdependent while working towards a common goal. Mr. Eddie B. Tombs Sr. was exemplary in all these regards, which made him a great asset to the community.

  1. How are you an asset to your communities, whether it be your neighborhood, school, church, social club or employer?
  2. How do you use your time and talents to contribute to the greater good or broader mission despite facing challenges?
  3. Can you share a time when you've left a situation or project better than how you found it?
  
  

  Submit three letters of recommendations from a leader who can speak to your positive impact on the community:

1. someone who can describe your leadership capabilities.
2. someone who can describe your character during adverse circumstances
3. someone who can describe the positive impact you have had on their life.

To maintain the scholarship for your four-year career at Morgan State University you must

• agree to use all awarded scholarship funds at Morgan State University. Participants who mismanage the funds disqualify themselves from eligibility for future scholarship opportunities;
• maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout your undergraduate degree career; and
• Participate in summer internships with MDOT SHA.

Questions?

Contact EddieBTombsScholarship@mdot.maryland.gov