SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

As the capital of the United States, the District of Columbia attracts students from all corners of the globe to receive the unique chance of earning a degree within the epicenter of America's livelihood. With a total of two public and 14 private colleges in Washington D.C., there are a wide variety of programs for students to choose from that provide unsurpassed learning outside the classroom in the financial, legal, business, and cultural center. In fact, the College Destinations Index from the American Institute for Economic Research has named the District Columbia as the 4th best area for attending college in the nation.

For students who have chosen the nation's capital as their college destination, the following are 25 excellent scholarships to assist students with achieving their higher education dreams in the District of Columbia.

1. Alma G. Logsdon Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Each year, the Alma G. Logsdon Scholarship is granted to undergraduate students enrolled full-time at Allegany College of Maryland who are residents of Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia or the District of Columbia. In order to receive the non-renewable $1,000 scholarship, applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and provide an essay within the application packet. Although it is not required of all candidates, preference will be given to students majoring in education.

Contact

Alma G. Logsdon Scholarship
12401 Willowbrook Rd.
Cumberland, MD 21502
(301) 784-5200

2. Crowell & Moring Diversity in the Legal Profession Scholarship

Deadline: December 15th

Crowell & Moring LLP law firm in Washington, D.C. has created a scholarship program as part of the firm's 25th anniversary celebration to promote increased diversity within the legal profession and foster legal talent in underrepresented populations. On an annual basis, the firm provides three separate awards, one for $10,000 and two for $7,500, to students who have overcome ethnic or racial obstacles to pursue a J.D. degree. All applicants must be currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school within the District of Columbia for consideration.

Contact

Crowell & Moring Diversity in the Legal Profession Scholarship
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 624-2849

3. D.C. Adoption Scholarship (DCAS)

Deadline: June 30th

The District of Columbia Higher Education Financial Services offers the D.C. Adoption Scholarship (DCAS) to children who have been adopted through D.C. Child and Family Services Agency and/or children who have lost one or both parents in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The scholarship is valued at up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of six years or a lifetime maximum amount of $50,000. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have lived in the District of Columbia for a minimum of 12 months, and be enrolled with good academic standing in an associate's or bachelor's degree program.

Contact

D.C. Adoption Scholarship (DCAS)
810 1st Street N.E. 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 727-2824
https://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/2751

4. D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG)

Deadline: May 31st

First created by Congress in 1999 through the District of Columbia College Access Act, the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG) is offered to college-bound residents with citizenship status within the District of Columbia. In order to receive a grant up to $10,000 to attend any public or private four-year university in the nation, applicants must be high school graduates, under the age of 25 years old, accepted for enrollment in a first-time degree at least on a part-time basis, and not be in default on any federal student loans.

Contact

D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG)
810 1st Street NE, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 727-6436

5. Dottie Thomas Library Scholarship

Deadline: May 15th

Alleghany College of Maryland also offers the Dottie Thomas Library Scholarship to undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at the school full-time who are permanent residents of Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, or the District of Columbia. In order to receive the one-time scholarship for $500, candidates must exceed all minimum entrance academic performance standards, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, and be actively pursuing a degree in a field related to library science or elementary education.

Contact

Dottie Thomas Library Scholarship
12401 Willowbrook Rd.
Cumberland, MD 21502
(301) 784-5200

6. Ernestine Matthews Trust Scholarship Award

Deadline: March 15th

Funded by an educational trust of Ernestine Matthews, this scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, or Pennsylvania who wish to further their education in college. Applicants for the $10,000 award must rank within the upper one-third of their graduating class, sign a statement that they will not use alcohol or tobacco products, demonstrate financial need, maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher, and submit two letters of recommendation.

Contact

Ernestine Matthews Trust Scholarship Award
P.O. Box 3797
Arlington, VA 22203

7. Family Matters Scholarship

Deadline: May 15th

Each year, the University of the District of Columbia offers the Family Matters Scholarship to undergraduate students enrolled full-time who have siblings that are attending UDC in an undergraduate or graduate program concurrently. Applicants eligible for receiving the $1,000 annual scholarship must be residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Contact

Family Matters Scholarship
4200 Connecticut Avenue N.W. Building 39
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 274-5060

8. Gus Knieriem Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

For students from the Four-State area of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia, Alleghany College of Maryland offers the Gus Knieriem Memorial Scholarship to current undergraduate students enrolled full-time with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. In order to receive the non-renewable $500 scholarship, deserving applicants in need of financial assistance must be majoring in liberal arts, education, business, or science with an interest in entrepreneurship that will lead to the better of humankind.

Contact

Gus Knieriem Memorial Scholarship
12401 Willowbrook Rd.
Cumberland, MD 21502
(301) 784-5200

https://allegany.academicworks.com/opportunities/51

9. Harry A. and Julia B. Craft Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

The University of the District of Columbia Foundation offers the Harry A. and Julia B. Craft Scholarship as financial assistance to students residing within the District of Columbia who are attending the four-year Electrical and Electronics Engineering program. Eligible applicants must be graduates of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and be an entering freshman with full-time status. Along with the application, students must submit a typed double-spaced 500-word essay answering the given question and three letters of recommendation.

Contact

Harry A. and Julia B. Craft Scholarship
4200 Connecticut Avenue N.W. Building 39
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 274-5060

10. Hilda M.R. Peterson Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 30th

The Alleghany College of Maryland provides the Hilda M.R. Peterson Memorial Scholarship to residents of Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia who are enrolled in the school's Therapeutic Massage program either full-time or part-time. Eligible undergraduate candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate participation or leadership in their church and/or community.

Contact

Hilda M.R. Peterson Memorial Scholarship
12401 Willowbrook Rd.
Cumberland, MD 21502
(301) 784-5200

11. James Edward Miller Chapman Education Foundation (JEMC)

Deadline: March 1st

Sponsored by the University of the District of Columbia, the James Edward Miller Chapman (JEMC) Education Foundation provides four $1,000 scholarships annually to students enrolled within the school's business degree program. Eligible students must have graduates from the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), be an incoming undergraduate or graduate student, and meet a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay on their interests in business and two letters of recommendation.

Contact

James Edward Miller Chapman Educational Foundation
4200 Connecticut Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 274-7176

12. James G. Pulos Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

Sponsored by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the James G. Pulos Scholarship is an annual award granted to students of Greek descent in Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or the District of Columbia. Eligible applicants must be undergraduate students enrolled full-time with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher in an accredited program in Engineering, Medical Sciences, Nursing, Biotechnology, Genetic Sciences, or Political Science.

Contact

James G. Pulos Memorial Scholarship
1909 Q Street N.W. Suite 500
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 232-6300

13. Junior Achievement of Greater Washington Essay Competition

Deadline: November 6th

Junior Achievement of Greater Washington hosts an Essay Competition each year for students in their freshmen, sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school within the Washington, DC metropolitan area. With more than $100,000 in scholarships up for grabs in the competition, students are required to write a 1,000 to 1,500-word essay on an assigned topic related to business or entrepreneurship. In addition, schools with the greatest number of eligible applicants in Maryland, Virginia, and District of Columbia will receive a $6,000 education grant.

Contact

Junior Achievement of Greater Washington Essay Competition
1050 17th Street N.W. Suite 750
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 296-1200

14. Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund, Inc.

Deadline: March 31st

As a division of the Washington, D.C. Alumni Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund (KSEF) awards scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors of the District of Columbia Public High School system with financial need to attend college. Eligible applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, be highly involved in extracurricular or community activities, and be accepted for full-time enrollment in an accredited four-year institution.

Contact

Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund, Inc.
P.O. Box 29331
Washington, DC 20017
(866) 671-5295

15. Korean American Scholarship Foundation Eastern Regional Chapter

Deadline: July 10th

Each year, the Korean American Scholarship Foundation of the Eastern Regional Chapter provides scholarships to full-time Korean American students enrolled at an accredited institution in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia. Although scholarships are available for high school sophomores up to graduate students, all applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate a need for financial assistance to achieve their college dreams.

Contact

Korean American Scholarship Foundation Eastern Regional Chapter
1952 Gallows Rd. Suite 310
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 748-5935

16. Legacy of Life Essay Contest

Deadline: March 31st

Endowed by the Leslie Ebert Memorial Fund from the Washington Regional Transplant Community (WRTC), the Legacy of Life Essay Contest is open to all high school seniors within the District of Columbia, Virginia, or Maryland who intend to enter college following graduation. After all applicants submit an essay centered on the theme on giving the gift of life through organ and tissue donation, the first place winner will receive $5,000, second place winner will receive $3,000, and six honorable mention winners will be granted $1,000 each.

Contact

Legacy of Life Essay Contest
7619 Little River Turnpike, Suite 900
Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 641-0100

17. MD and DC Credit Union College Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

The Credit Union Foundation of Maryland and the District of Columbia supports a college program that provides college-bound members with the opportunity to apply for one of ten $1,000 essay-based scholarships, one $1,000 video-based scholarship, and one $1,000 photo-based scholarship. Any member of the credit union who is entering their freshmen through senior year at an accredited higher education institution may submit their original piece of work representing one of the core values of the foundation.

Contact

MD and DC Credit Union College Scholarship
P.O. Box 190
Glenelg, MD 21737
(443) 325-0771

18. Muslim Sister Scholarship

Deadline: March 8th

In an effort to recognize the academic and civil achievements of young Muslim women through the District of Columbia metropolitan area, Sisters in Solidarity awards three Muslim Sister Scholarships annually for $1,000 each to one high school senior, one undergraduate student, and one graduate student. Eligible applicants must be a Muslim female between the ages of 17 and 24 years old, be currently enrolled or accepted into an accredited college, possess a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher, and demonstrate active involvement in community service.

Contact

Muslim Sister Scholarship
P.O. Box 407
Fairfax Station, VA 22039

19. Penelope Hanshaw Scholarship

Deadline: April 30th

Awarded each year by the Potomac Chapter of the Association for Women Geoscientist (AWG) Foundation, the Penelope Hanshaw Scholarship is for women who are currently enrolled as full-time undergraduate or graduate students in an accredited geosciences program in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, participation in geosciences community outreach activities, and potential for leadership as a geoscientist.

Contact

Penelope Hanshaw Scholarship
P.O. Box 6644
Arlington, VA 22206
(303) 412-6219

20. Robert E. Pence Memorial Christian Scholarship

Deadline: February 28th

The Alleghany College of Maryland grants the Robert E. Pierce Memorial Christian Scholarship to residents of Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia who are "born-again Christians." Eligible undergraduate candidates for the $500 scholarship must be enrolled in full-time status, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and submit an essay with the application packet.

Contact

Robert E. Pence Memorial Christian Scholarship
12401 Willowbrook Rd.
Cumberland, MD 21502
(301) 784-5200

21. The Mid-Atlantic Security Traders Foundation, Inc.

Deadline: April 15th

As an affiliate of the Security Traders Association, the Mid-Atlantic Security Traders Foundation offers one $2,500 scholarship in each member jurisdiction of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Eligible candidates for the scholarship must be undergraduate sophomores or juniors majoring in business with a concentration in finance or economics at an accredited four-year university. Along with the application, candidates are required to submit an official transcript, two letters of reference, list of extracurricular activities, and a 500-word essay on the securities market.

Contact

The Mid-Atlantic Security Traders Foundation
901 East Byrd Street Suite 500
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 780-3265

22. Thursday Network "I Empower" Scholarship

Deadline: January 31st

As part of the Thursday Network's commitment to the Washington, D.C. community, the committee offers scholarships annually to high school seniors in the District of Columbia who need funding assistance to attend any accredited four-year college in the United States to earn an advanced degree. In order to receive a $2,000 scholarship, applicants are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, be a permanent resident in the D.C. area, and plan to enroll full-time in the upcoming fall semester.

Contact

Thursday Network "I Empower" Scholarship
2901 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 265-8200 Ext. 278

23. Western Maryland AHEC Physical Therapy Caucus Scholarship

Deadline: April 30th

Each year, the Alleghany College of Maryland offers the Western Maryland AHEC Physical Therapy Caucus Scholarship to undergraduate students from Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia who are enrolled in the school's Physical Therapist Assistant program. All eligible applicants for the $250 scholarship must be enrolled in full-time status, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, be U.S. citizens, and submit an essay.

Contact

Western Maryland AHEC Physical Therapy Caucus Scholarship
12401 Willowbrook Rd.
Cumberland, MD 21502
(301) 784-5200

24. William Rucker Greenwood Scholarship

Deadline: April 30th

The Potomac Chapter of the Association for Women Geoscientist (AWG) Foundation awards the William Rucker Greenwood Scholarship for $1,000 each year to outstanding minority women who are actively pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in geosciences. Eligible applicants must be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited geosciences program in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia. Along with the application, candidates must submit a letter of nomination from a professor, one letter of recommendation from employer, and a statement of career goals in geosciences.

Contact

William Rucker Greenwood Scholarship
P.O. Box 6644
Arlington, VA 22206
(303) 412-6219

25. Women's Opportunity Awards

Deadline: December 1st

Soroptimist International of Washington, D.C. offers Women's Opportunity Awards as recognition for young women who show outstanding community service work to make the world a brighter place. Eligible recipients for the $2,000 scholarships are women who provide the primary financial support for dependents, demonstrate financial need, are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, reside in the District of Columbia, and are motivate to achieve advanced educational/career goals.

Contact

Women's Opportunity Awards
3531 Holmead Place NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 464-1596

As tuition prices and the cost of living on a college campus continue to race upwards, it is becoming more important than ever before to take advantage of the free-flowing scholarship funds available to lighten the financial burden of earning a degree. Whether you have been born and raised in the capital city or are drawn to the large urban hub to receive a top-notch education at some of the nation's best universities, it is highly recommended that you check out these 25 scholarships specifically designed as tuition assistance in the District of Columbia.