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
World of 8 Billion Student Video Contest
Date: March 5, 2025
Amount: up to $1,200
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Applicants must be in grades 6 through 12 and should submit a video that explains a sustainable solution to one of the global topics, and its impact on human population growth.
Kiwanis Club Student Leader Awards
Date: March 6, 2025
Amount: $1,000- $20,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Applicants must be a DC resident who is a graduating high school senior from a DC Public, DC Private or DC Charter School. Scholars must demonstrate leadership qualities, academic achievement, and financial need. Any educational path including vocational training/ trade school are acceptable.
The McDonalds HACER National Scholarship Program
Date: March 6, 2025
Amount: $5,000- $100,000
GPA Requirement: 2.8
Description: Applicants must be a high school senior, legal U.S. resident, U.S. citizen or a DREAMER/DACA recipient. The applicant must be under 21 years of age and eligible to attend a two-year or four-year higher education institution, or vocational/technical school as a full time student. The scholar must provide a transcript, personal statement, letter of recommendation, and evidence of community service.
Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarships
Date: March 13, 2025
Amount: up to $5,000
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants must be a high school senior of African descent and plan to attend a U.S. four-year college or university the fall semester immediately following high school graduation as a full-time student. The applicant must pursue studies in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, business administration, finance, or marketing. The scholar must demonstrate a passion for technology, in school or community leadership, and a need for financial assistance. The application requires at least one letter of recommendation, transcript, and a 2,000-character essay.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarships
Date: March 15, 2025 (earliest) deadlines vary
Amount: up to $70,000
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants are required to complete an application. Requirements vary.
North Carolina A&T Washington, DC Alumni Chapter Scholarship
Date: March 15, 2025
Amount: Up to $5,000
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants must be from Washington, DC Metropolitan area (District of Columbia; Maryland Counties: Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Charles County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and St. Mary’s County; Virginia Cities and Counties: Arlington County, City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church).
UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
Date: March 15, 2025
Amount: Up to $10,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Applicants must have an epilepsy diagnosis by a physician or are the immediate family member (parent, spouse, child, or sibling) and/or caregiver of a person diagnosed with epilepsy. The applicant must be a legal U.S. resident, enrolled in or awaiting acceptance from an U.S.-based higher education institution for the Fall 2025 semester. The scholar must demonstrate academic and personal achievement, possess a strong record of participation in activities outside of school, and serve as a positive role model for others. The application requires 3 letters of recommendation, sections to be completed by community, medical, and school staff, and a one-page essay.
WDCAC of Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship
Date: March 15, 2025
Amount: varies
GPA Requirement: 2.75
Description: Applicants must be a DC resident graduating from a DC high school in 2025 and enrolling as a full-time student at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the fall semester of 2025. The applicant cannot be an immediate relative of WDCAC members.
Animal Welfare Institute Scholarship
Date: March 17, 2025
Amount: $3,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Applicants must be high school seniors in the United States. The applicant must demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare through volunteer work and/or advocacy and must pursue a career that will seek to reduce animal suffering and protect vulnerable species. Scholars must submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s education record and commitment to animal welfare.
Essential Visionaries Scholarship Fund
Date: March 27, 2025
Amount: up to $10,000
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Description: Applicants must be a high school senior, high school graduate, GED graduate, or current college undergraduate residing in the U.S. Scholars should attend a college or institution that is not on warning or probationary status with the federal government and not in litigation with the federal or state government. The applicant must be pursuing a degree with education, counseling, social work, psychology, or pre-nursing/nursing as their major.
New Futures Scholars Program
Date: March 28, 2025
Amount: up to $7,800
GPA Requirement: n/a
Description: Applicant must be between the ages of 17 and 29. The scholar must have a high school diploma or GED, live in the D.C. Metropolitan area, and have a combined household income of no more than 80% of the area median income. The applicant should be pursuing an associate degree or professional certification, and in IT, education, hospitality and culinary arts, health sciences, construction and trades, public service, or business under the New Futures’ Career Pathways program.
Kimmy Duong Foundation
Date: March 29, 2025
Amount: up to $3,000
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. The scholar must be enrolled in University of Maryland, George Mason University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, University of Virginia Northern Virginia Community College, Montgomery College, Viginia Commonwealth University, and University of the District of Columbia.
Ethel Payne Scholarship
Date: March 31, 2025
Amount: $1,500
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Description: Applicants must be a female currently or previously graduating senior from a DC Public or DC Public Charter High School. The applicant must be pursuing or planning to pursue a degree in journalism. Applicants are required to include a personal statement, official transcript, and letters of recommendation.
Louis Goaziou Lodge #1953 Scholarship Program
Date: March 31, 2025
Amount: $500
GPA Requirement: n/a
Description: Applicants must be a high school senior currently enrolled in a DC or Metropolitan area high school during 2024-2025 school year. The applicant must plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or other educational program starting in the 2025-26 school year. Scholars must take and pass a quiz about Freemasonry in the history of the United States and today.
Raised to Reach Back Scholarship
Date: March 31, 2025
Amount: up to $3,000
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Description: Applicants must live in the DC Metropolitan area and plan to attend a four-year university or college. Applications to several scholarships require an essay, evidence of community and school activities, evidence of community service, 2 recommendation letters, and a signed copy of parent waiver and release form.
Alpha Omega Chapter Academic Achievement Scholarship
Date: April 1, 2025
Amount: varies
GPA Requirement: n/a
Description: Applicants must be a black male, graduating from a D.C. high school, and intending to enroll full-time in a degree-seeking program at a college or university.
Generation Hope Scholarship
Date: April 1, 2025
Amount: $1,200 per year for 2-year college/ $2,400 per year for 4-year college
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Description: Applicants must be a teen parent by the age of 19 and under 25 at the time of application. The applicant must be raising or actively raising the child, enrolling or currently enrolled in a nonprofit college in D.C. area, seeking an associate or bachelor’s degree starting in the fall semester, and taking a minimum of 6 credits.
The GenerationHAND Scholarship
Date: April 4, 2025
Amount: $10,000 ($2,500 annually for four years)
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent student residing in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia. The scholar must be currently a high school senior, and planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study toward a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year.
D.C. Phi Beta Kappa Association Awards
Closing Date: April 6, 2025
Amount:
GPA Requirement: 3.5
Description: Applicants must show commitment to the values and mission of Phi Beta Kappa and be able to provide an acceptance letter from their chosen college or university.
National Coalition of 100 Black Women DC HBCU STEAM-READY Scholarships
Closing Date: April 11, 2025
Amount: Up to $15,500
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants must be a black female currently enrolled in a DC High School as a 12th grader. The applicant must be a D.C. resident, declared a college major in science, technology, engineering, fine arts, or math. The application requires one letter of recommendation, resume, HBCU acceptance letter, and transcript.
TMCF/McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholars
Closing Date: April 25, 2025
Amount: $15,000
GPA Requirement: 2.7
Description: Applicants must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior attending an HBCU during the 25-26 school year. The applicant must be able to demonstrate leadership abilities, financial need, and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. The application requires uploading a professional image in school logo or colors, and a 2-minute maximum video response to a question.
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).