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
Navigate Your Future Scholarship
Closing Date: June 26, 2026
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, 2026
Amount: $1,000
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Description: Applicants must be a high school junior, high school senior, or college student. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
25 Days of Scholarship
Deadline: July 1, 2026
Amount: $1,000
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited 2 year or 4-year college, university, trade school, or another educational program. The applicant must provide calid proof of enrollment and be in good standing academically and behaviorally within the institution.
Desire to Inspire Scholarship
Closing Date: July 12, 2026
Amount: $2,000
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Description: Applicants must a U.S. high school junior or senior in the fall 2026 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.
Grants and Scholarships Open until August 2026
District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) One App
Closing Date: August 21, 2026, at 3pm
Amount: Up to $15,000 (lifetime cap of $75,000)
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 21, 2026, at 3pm
Amount: Up to $4,000
GPA Requirement: 2.0 (for returning applicants only)
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).