The Ombudsman is an unbiased resource for helping families plan for post-secondary education including savings plans/strategies, identifying grant and scholarship resources, completing the Federal Student Aid process, understanding post-secondary admissions and financial aid packages sent to families by prospective colleges, universities and trade schools.
Scholarships and Grants
Private Henry Walker Minority Scholarship
Closing Date: June 14, 2025
Amount: $1,000
GPA Requirement: 2.8
Description: Applicants must be African American with volunteer experience and an undergraduate enrolled in an HBCU. This scholarship requires a 400–600-word essay.
25 Days of Scholarships
Closing Date: June 15, 2025
Amount: $1,000
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Description: Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year college, university, trade school, or other educational program during the 2025 school year. The applicant must be in good academic and behavioral standing with their institution or program. The scholar must agree to be highlighted and celebrated on Pond Lehocky Giordano’s digital channels.
Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest
Closing Date: June 15, 2025 @5pm
Amount: $200
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Applicants must legal resident in one of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia. This scholarship requires a written 200–900-word essay and must be used for the 2024-25 school year at an accredited college, university, or other higher education institution.
Desire to Inspire Scholarship
Closing Date: June 20, 2025
Amount: $2,500
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Description: Applicants must a U.S. high school junior or senior in the fall 2025 academic school year. The applicant must identify as Black/ African American, Native American, or Latinx-American, and interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Second and third place prizes are available for this scholarship.
Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship
Closing Date: June 20, 2025
Amount: $10,000
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This scholar must demonstrate an unmet financial need and be a first year entering student, enrolled full-time at any of the UNCF member institutions. This scholarship requires a transcript, one academic letter of recommendation, and a 300-word essay.
Navigate Your Future Scholarship
Closing Date: June 27, 2025
Amount: $2,500
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Applicants must be a high school senior with plans to enter a career in the general aviation field. The scholar must be accepted or enrolled into an aviation related program at an accredited college or university. This scholarship requires proof of college/university acceptance, a high school transcript, letter of recommendation, and a personal statement discussing career goals.
Courage to Grow Scholarship
Closing Date: June 30, 2025
Amount: $2,500
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Description: Applicants must be a high school junior, highs school senior, or college student. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
Grants and Scholarships Open February 3 through August 2025
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) OneApp
Closing Date: August 15, 2025 @3pm
Amount: Up to $2,500 private/ HBCU or $10,000 public
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Applicants must be US citizens or have an eligible non-citizenship status and attend an eligible public or private college/university.
Mayor's Scholars Undergraduate Program
Opening Date: August 15, 2025 @3pm
Amount: Up to $4,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Applicants must be a graduate of a public high school in the District of Columbia (including DCPS and public charters), or an older youth or adult learner who passed the GED or earned a diploma through the National External Diploma Program (NEDP).