Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. Scholarships and Grants

Here it is – time to seriously consider college, and who doesn’t need a little financial help? Take a breather from all your senior year activities and take a look at some of these possibilities for scholarships and grants. You’d be a amazed how many like these are out there just waiting for someone like you to claim them. First – check these out! Then – go meet with your high school guidance counselor to see what else might be available. Best of luck with this next stage of your life – you’re going to be great!

D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG)

This is a renewable scholarship, funds to be used at specific DCTAG schools. If you have been a resident of D.C. for at least 12 months, are graduating from high school, and can substantiate your need for financial aid, you should take a closer look at this one. Amounts awarded vary from $2,500 to $10,000, and over 4,000 grants of this type will be given. Along with your application you will need to submit your transcript, proof of eligibility, your Student Aid Report, and a copy of a current utility bill. If you would like more information about this program, check out this website: www.seo.dc.gov.

D.C. Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program (LEAP)

Much like the one noted above, this program requires that you be a resident of D.C., and be able to demonstrate your financial need. Funds are to be utilized at a 2 or 4-year college or university that is certified to participate in Title IV Student Aid Programs. Application should include transcript, proof of eligibility, Student Aid Report, and copy of current utility bill. There are over 2,000 of these scholarships available, ranging in amounts from $1,500 to $5,000. To find out more, go to www.seo.dc.gov.

Horatio Alger District of Columbia, Maryland & Virginia Scholarship Program

If you are a high school senior who has already faced and overcome great obstacles in your life, you need to take a closer look at this program.

You must be a graduating high school senior, living in one of the above mentioned states, who can demonstrate financial need. You must have a history of academic achievement, with at least a 2.0 GPA. Depth of character and your commitment to community service are also deciding factors. To apply you will need to submit an essay, copy of your transcript, a letter of support, and an income statement. The scholarship may be used for full-time undergraduate study at accredited universities and colleges in the United States. There are multiple awards, each in the amount of $2,500. Visit this website for additional information: www.hortioalger.org/scholarships.

Massachusetts MASSgrant Program

Don’t be fooled by the name — residents of D.C. are qualified to apply for these awards along with those who live in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. In order to be eligible for these renewable scholarships you must prove your need for financial assistance by completing the free FSFSA application found on line (see ‘note’ on the previous page for details of this process). Based on the results of that study, your anticipated family contribution to your education costs will be established. This must be less than $4,041 in order to qualify for this program. You must also be entitled to Title IV financial aid. The scholarships are renewable each year as long as you maintain a satisfactory academic record. There are over 28,000 of these scholarships given out, ranging in amounts from $300 to $2,400. If you would like more information, look at the website: www.osfa.mass.edu.