Founded with bequests from the Smith sisters for Frederick County residents.

Sisters Ruth E. and Mary E.M. Smith dedicated their lives to education in Frederick County, teaching 42 and 44 years respectively. Mary was the first educator in Frederick County to receive a Master’s degree in education; Ruth was the second. The Smith sisters, through their wills, established The Mary E. M. and Ruth E. Smith Scholarship Fund. Though deceased, the Smith sisters continue to make an education possible for others. Their fund awards scholarships to Frederick County residents pursuing a degree from an accredited college or university, with preference given to those studying education.