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DMV Scholarships: Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia

by | Oct 31, 2026 | Education

Are you a student living in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia? You may qualify for scholarships simply because of where you live.

The DMV has hundreds of local scholarship opportunities offered through county governments, community foundations, school districts, local businesses, nonprofits, professional associations, and community organizations.

Some scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Others support current college students, community college students, trade-school students, graduate students, and adult learners returning to school.

This guide brings together opportunities across the region so you can find scholarships based on your state, county, city, school district, and personal background.

Important: You do not necessarily have to attend college in the DMV to qualify. Some scholarships are based on where you live, while others require you to attend a particular high school, college, or training program. Always check the individual eligibility rules.

PART 1: Scholarships for students across the DMV

These opportunities serve students across multiple DMV jurisdictions rather than just one county. Some are limited to specific parts of the region, so review the geographic eligibility carefully.

1. Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America

  • Award: Need- and merit-based scholarships; award amounts vary.
  • Who qualifies: Full-time high school and undergraduate students in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
  • Additional eligibility: Students attending school outside the DMV may qualify if their parents live in the DMV and filed the required prior-year income taxes at a DMV address.
  • Requirements: Academic achievement, financial need, and required application materials.
  • Important: Graduate students and international students are not eligible under the published criteria. Check the current application cycle for deadlines and requirements.

Apply: https://www.ssfa.org/scholarship

2. High Bridge Foundation Scholarship Program

  • Award: Two $4,000 Impact Awards, five $2,000 scholarships, and seven $1,000 book awards in the 2026 program.
  • Who qualifies: Graduating high school seniors in the Greater Washington, D.C. region.
  • Eligible locations: D.C.; Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Charles, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties in Maryland; Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax in Virginia.
  • Focus: Students facing and overcoming personal or family hardship.
  • Eligible education: Trade schools, community colleges, colleges, and universities.

Apply: https://highbridgefoundation.org/what-we-do/

3. COMTO Washington, D.C. Chapter Scholarship

  • Award: $1,000–$2,000.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible students residing in or attending a college, university, or trade/technical school in the qualifying DMV metropolitan region.
  • Focus: Students interested in transportation and related fields.
  • Eligible locations: The program uses specified metropolitan-area boundaries, which include parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Apply: https://www.dccomto.com/

4. Greater Washington Urban League Scholarships

  • Award: Approximately $1,000–$8,000, depending on the scholarship.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible Black/African American, African, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Latino high school seniors and undergraduate students in the D.C. metropolitan area.
  • Requirements: Financial need, community service, academic eligibility, and other application requirements.
  • Important: Review the current scholarship application for income and residency requirements.

Apply: https://www.gwul.org/

5. Esperanza Scholarship Fund

  • Award: Up to $10,000; number of awards varies.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible graduating high school seniors in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, or recent graduates who have not yet started college.
  • Additional eligibility: Applicants must meet the program’s immigrant-family eligibility criteria, including being born outside the U.S. or having two parents born outside the U.S.
  • Other requirements: Household income, enrollment plans, and application materials.

Apply: https://www.esperanzafund.org/

6. Herb Block Scholarship

  • Award: $8,000.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible high school graduates, community college students, and adult learners attending participating community colleges in the D.C. metropolitan area.
  • Requirements: Financial need, eligible residency, no previously earned college degree, and enrollment at a participating community college.
  • Citizenship: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible DACA or state Dream Act students may qualify.

Apply: Check the participating community college’s financial aid office or scholarship portal.

7. DC Pearls III Foundation Scholarships

  • Award: Multiple one-time and renewable scholarships; award amounts vary.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible graduating high school seniors who are residents of Washington, D.C.
  • Focus: Students planning to attend an HBCU as full-time freshmen.
  • Requirements: Academic achievement, leadership, community service, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 under the published criteria.
  • Citizenship: U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents under the published eligibility rules.

Apply: https://dcpearlsiii.org/scholarships

8. The Posse Foundation – Washington, D.C.

  • Award: Full-tuition leadership scholarship at participating colleges and universities.
  • Who qualifies: High school students in Posse’s Washington, D.C. recruitment area.
  • Eligible locations: Washington, D.C.; Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland; and Arlington County, Fairfax County, and Alexandria City in Virginia.
  • Requirements: Students must be nominated by their high school or an eligible community-based organization and demonstrate leadership and academic potential.
  • Important: Posse is not limited to students with financial need or to one racial or ethnic background. Students cannot simply apply directly for the scholarship; they must go through the nomination and selection process.

Explore: https://www.possefoundation.org/sites/dc

9. United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP)

  • Award: $12,500 college scholarship for each selected delegate, under the current published program information.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible high school juniors and seniors who hold qualifying elected or appointed student government or civic leadership positions.
  • What it offers: A scholarship and an all-expenses-paid Washington Week educational experience for selected delegates.
  • Important: Each state and D.C. select their own delegates. Students must meet the specific leadership and academic eligibility requirements.

Explore: https://ussenateyouth.org/

10. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

  • Award: Up to $55,000 per year toward college expenses, depending on financial need and the student’s cost of attendance.
  • Who qualifies: High-achieving high school seniors with significant financial need from across the United States, including DMV residents.
  • Requirements: Strong academic record, demonstrated financial need, and completion of the full application.
  • Important: This is a national scholarship, not a DMV-only award. It is included because eligible DMV students can apply.

Apply: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/

PART 2: Washington, D.C. resident scholarships

If you live in Washington, D.C., start with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).

11. DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)

  • Award: For the 2026–27 academic year, up to $15,000 per year for eligible public colleges and up to $2,500 per year for eligible private institutions, subject to program limits.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible D.C. residents attending participating colleges.
  • Focus: Helping D.C. residents attend college outside the District.
  • Important: Residency, age, citizenship or eligible immigration status, and institution requirements apply. The annual and lifetime award limits are subject to program rules.

Apply: https://osse.dc.gov/service/dc-tuition-assistance-grant

12. Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program

  • Award: Up to $4,000, depending on eligibility and available funding.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible D.C. residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at a participating institution.
  • Focus: Need-based, last-dollar assistance toward eligible tuition and fees.
  • Important: Eligibility includes specific D.C. residency and educational requirements. Students must review the current participating-school list and application instructions.

Apply: https://osse.dc.gov/service/scholarships-and-grants-students

13. OSSE Scholars

  • Who qualifies: Eligible D.C. students who meet the specific academic, leadership, and participation requirements of the relevant program.
  • What it offers: Scholarship and educational support opportunities connected to specific OSSE programs.
  • Important: OSSE Scholars is not one general scholarship open to every D.C. student. Review the current OSSE program information for the specific opportunity and eligibility rules.

Explore: https://osse.dc.gov/service/scholarships-and-grants-students

14. DC Public Schools Scholarship Resources

D.C. Public Schools provides scholarship information and college-planning resources for students.

Explore: https://dcps.dc.gov/

15. DC-CAP Scholarships and College Access Resources

The District of Columbia College Access Program helps D.C. students prepare for college, navigate financial aid, and access college-persistence support.

  • Who qualifies: D.C. students who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
  • What it offers: College access advising, financial aid guidance, and support for students navigating college.
  • Important: Check directly with DC-CAP for current scholarship opportunities and program eligibility. Do not assume every student receives a guaranteed scholarship.

Explore: https://www.dccap.org/

16. DC Futures Program

  • Award: Last-dollar tuition assistance and additional student support, subject to program rules and funding.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible D.C. residents enrolled in approved programs at participating local universities.
  • What it offers: Tuition assistance, college coaching, and other student support.
  • Important: The program’s 2026–27 information states that funding is limited to current participants and new applicants are not being accepted for that year. Check the official program page for future application updates.

Explore: https://dcfutures.org/

Additional D.C. scholarship resources

PART 3: Maryland scholarships

Maryland residents should explore state financial aid programs, county scholarships, community college foundations, and local community foundations.

17. Maryland Senatorial Scholarship

  • Award: Varies by legislative district and available funding.
  • Who qualifies: Maryland residents seeking eligible postsecondary education.
  • Education: Two-year colleges, four-year universities, and eligible private career schools.
  • Focus: Need-based or merit-based financial assistance, depending on the senator’s award criteria.
  • How to apply: Contact your Maryland state senator.

Apply: https://mhec.maryland.gov/

18. Maryland Delegate Scholarship

  • Award: Varies by delegate and district.
  • Who qualifies: Maryland residents pursuing eligible postsecondary education.
  • Education: Undergraduate and certain graduate programs at eligible Maryland institutions.
  • How to apply: Contact your state delegate and ask about the district scholarship application.

Apply: https://mhec.maryland.gov/

19. Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship

  • Award: Up to $5,000, subject to program rules and available funding.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible Maryland high school graduates and certain GED recipients attending an eligible Maryland community college or participating program.
  • Requirements: Income, academic, residency, enrollment, and other eligibility requirements apply.
  • Focus: Making community college and eligible workforce education more affordable.
  • Important: Eligible pathways may include approved credit-bearing programs, certain noncredit workforce sequences, and registered apprenticeships. Review the current program rules.

Apply: https://mhec.maryland.gov/

20. Maryland Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship

  • Award: Assistance for eligible workforce training and approved programs.
  • Who qualifies: Maryland residents pursuing eligible workforce development sequences at participating community colleges.
  • Focus: Career training, credentials, and workforce development.
  • Important: Program availability and eligibility depend on the current state funding and approved program list.

Explore: https://mhec.maryland.gov/

21. Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant

  • Award: Need-based state grant that can cover a significant portion of eligible college costs, subject to program rules and available funding.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible Maryland high school graduates with substantial financial need who meet the program’s academic, residency, and enrollment requirements.
  • Focus: Helping students with significant financial need attend eligible Maryland colleges.
  • Important: Students must meet specific income and academic requirements and submit the required financial aid application by the applicable deadline.

Apply: https://mhec.maryland.gov/

22. Maryland Educational Assistance Grant

  • Award: Need-based grant; amount varies according to the student’s eligibility and available funding.
  • Who qualifies: Maryland residents with demonstrated financial need attending eligible Maryland colleges.
  • Focus: Undergraduate educational expenses.
  • Important: Eligibility and award amounts are determined under state financial aid rules. Submit the required FAFSA or state financial aid application.

Apply: https://mhec.maryland.gov/

23. Maryland 2+2 Transfer Scholarship

  • Award: Varies by major and academic year. The program has offered higher awards for certain eligible fields, including STEM, teaching, engineering, computer science, mathematics, and nursing.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible Maryland residents who complete an associate degree at a Maryland community college and transfer to an eligible four-year Maryland institution.
  • Requirements: Academic performance, financial need, enrollment, and other program criteria.
  • Focus: Helping community college students complete a bachelor’s degree.

Apply: https://mhec.maryland.gov/

24. Maryland Part-Time Grant

  • Award: Need-based grant, with amounts determined by eligibility and enrollment.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible Maryland residents enrolled part-time in an undergraduate degree program at an eligible Maryland college.
  • Enrollment: Generally designed for students enrolled in fewer than 12 credits.
  • Focus: Helping part-time students afford college.
  • Important: Check the current credit-hour, financial need, and application requirements.

Apply: https://mhec.maryland.gov/

25. Maryland Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant

  • Award: Varies by enrollment, institution, and program.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible Maryland residents enrolled in approved programs leading to occupations experiencing workforce shortages.
  • Fields may include: Teaching, nursing, childcare, human services, social work, physical and occupational therapy, and other designated shortage fields.
  • Important: Some awards carry an employment or service commitment in Maryland after graduation.

Apply: https://mhec.maryland.gov/

26. Maryland Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship

  • Who qualifies: Eligible Maryland students pursuing approved cybersecurity education programs.
  • Focus: Preparing students for cybersecurity careers and public service.
  • Important: Program participation, service requirements, and eligible institutions are subject to current state rules.

Explore: https://mhec.maryland.gov/

27. Maryland State Financial Aid Programs

Maryland offers several additional grants and scholarships, including programs for students with financial need, specific career interests, and certain personal circumstances.

Other programs to explore include:

  • Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program.
  • Part-Time Grant.
  • Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant.
  • Tuition Reduction for Non-Resident Nursing Students.
  • Other state-funded grants and scholarships.

Explore the official directory: https://mhec.maryland.gov/

PART 4: Maryland county-by-county scholarships and resources

This is where students should spend extra time. Local scholarships are often less widely advertised than national awards, and many are limited to students living in a specific county or attending a particular school.

Montgomery County

28. Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation (MCPSEF)

  • Award: More than 200 scholarship opportunities, with awards listed from approximately $750 to $20,000.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible Montgomery County Public Schools students pursuing college or career training.
  • Focus: Financial need, academic achievement, career interests, and other donor-specific criteria.
  • How to apply: One application provides access to multiple opportunities.

Apply: https://mcpsef.org/what-we-do/scholarships-awards.html

29. Montgomery County local scholarship organizations and resources

Additional organizations and local scholarship opportunities to investigate include:

  • Kappa Youth and Community Scholarship.
  • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Eta Pi Zeta Chapter scholarships.
  • Ivy Vine Charities scholarships.
  • Greater Washington Urban League scholarships.
  • Herb Block Scholarship.
  • Montgomery College scholarships.

Eligibility varies. Some are open to students across the wider DMV rather than only Montgomery County residents.

Explore:

Prince George’s County

30. Prince George’s County Scholarship Resources

The Prince George’s County Council maintains a scholarship and financial aid resource directory.

Programs and resources listed include:

  • Maryland Delegate Scholarships.
  • Maryland Senatorial Scholarships.
  • Senator Alonzo T. Washington’s Scholarship.
  • Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County scholarships.
  • Prince George’s Community College Promise Scholarship.
  • City of Hyattsville scholarship programs.
  • Town of North Brentwood Scholarship Fund.
  • Mount Rainier Youth Scholarship Program.
  • Prince George’s County Public Schools scholarship resources.

Explore: https://www.pgccouncil.us/346/Scholarships

31. Prince George’s Community College Foundation Scholarships

  • Who qualifies: Eligible students enrolled at Prince George’s Community College.
  • Focus: Academic achievement, financial need, program of study, and other donor-specific requirements.
  • Important: Some awards may be restricted to specific majors or student groups.

Apply: https://www.pgcc.edu/

32. MGM National Harbor / Prince George’s County Local Development Council Scholarship Program

  • Who qualifies: Eligible students under the program’s county and education requirements.
  • Focus: Educational support funded through the local development council.
  • Important: Check the county’s current scholarship announcement for eligibility, application dates, and award details.

Explore: https://www.pgccouncil.us/346/Scholarships

Howard County

33. Community Foundation of Howard County Scholarships

  • Award: Varies by scholarship.
  • Who qualifies: Howard County students, including students attending specific public and private schools.
  • Focus: Academic achievement, financial need, community service, and specific career interests.

Examples of scholarships include:

  • C. Merritt Pumphrey Scholarship – $2,000.
  • Dorothy Iglehart Pumphrey Memorial Scholarship – $2,000.
  • Greg Speelman Scholarship – $2,000.
  • Aaron Worley Scholarship – $1,000.
  • Bob Kittleman Scholarship – up to $1,000.
  • Christina and Lawrence Tarbell III Scholarship – $1,000.
  • Tropf Family Scholarships – $1,000.
  • Wilbon H. and Mary J. Pulliam Scholarship – $1,000.

Some awards are limited to specific schools, majors, or extracurricular activities.

Apply: https://cfhoco.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/

34. Dr. Judith Docca Academic Excellence Scholarships

  • Award: Four $1,000 scholarships, with additional awards potentially available.
  • Who qualifies: High school seniors attending public or private schools in Montgomery County, Maryland, or Montgomery County residents attending high school elsewhere.
  • Requirements: Minimum 2.5 GPA and full-time enrollment at an eligible college, university, or career/technical school.

Apply: https://ncnwmc-md.org/academic-scholarships

Anne Arundel County

35. Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County

  • Who qualifies: Eligible Anne Arundel County students.
  • What it offers: Scholarships established by local donors and organizations.
  • Focus: Academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, and other individual criteria.

Explore: https://cfaac.org/

36. Anne Arundel Community College Scholarships

Students attending Anne Arundel Community College should explore institutional and foundation scholarships.

  • Who qualifies: Eligible AACC students.
  • Focus: Financial need, academic achievement, program of study, and donor-specific requirements.

Apply: https://www.aacc.edu/

Baltimore City and Baltimore County

37. Baltimore Community Foundation Scholarships

  • Who qualifies: Eligible students from Baltimore City and Baltimore County, depending on the individual scholarship.
  • What it offers: Donor-established scholarships and educational assistance.
  • Focus: Academic achievement, financial need, community service, and specific student backgrounds.

Explore: https://www.bcf.org/

38. Baltimore County Public Schools Scholarship Resources

Students attending Baltimore County Public Schools should check their school counseling and college-readiness offices for local scholarships.

Explore: https://www.bcps.org/

39. Baltimore City Public Schools Scholarship Resources

Students attending Baltimore City Public Schools should explore school-specific scholarships, college-access resources, and local foundations.

Explore: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/

Frederick County

40. Community Foundation of Frederick County Scholarships

  • Who qualifies: Frederick County residents.
  • What it offers: Scholarships for traditional students, current college students, adult learners, and students pursuing technical or vocational training.
  • Focus: College education, career training, certifications, and trade programs.

One particularly useful feature is its career education scholarship program.

Trades and Certifications Scholarships

  • Who qualifies: Frederick County residents, including nontraditional students over age 21.
  • What it covers: Training, certification exams, tools, and supplies for eligible trade and technical education.
  • Application: Career education applications are scheduled to open November 1 and are reviewed on a rolling basis while funds are available. Confirm the current cycle before applying.

Apply: https://www.frederickcountygives.org/apply/scholarships/

Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties

41. College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Foundation Scholarships

  • Who qualifies: Eligible CSM students, with many awards restricted to residents of Southern Maryland.
  • What it offers: Scholarships for degree programs, workforce training, and continuing education.
  • Focus: Academic achievement, financial need, career training, and specific fields of study.

Examples include:

  • L.K. Farrall III Memorial Scholarship – Charles County residents.
  • Dexter K. Bordes Scholarship – Waldorf residents.
  • Love Serve Go Scholarship – workforce training for eligible residents of Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, or St. Mary’s counties.
  • Gottfried Building Futures Scholarship – Southern Maryland residents pursuing noncredit career development.
  • Grace and Rich Fuller Family Scholarship – trade students who reside in St. Mary’s County.
  • Melissa Ann Solms-Baruth Memorial Scholarship – returning adult students.
  • Ives Family Fund for Cybersecurity Workforce Development – eligible St. Mary’s County residents studying cybersecurity.

Apply: https://www.csmd.edu/foundation/ways-to-give/scholarships/

42. Community Foundation of Southern Maryland

  • Who qualifies: Students from the Southern Maryland region, depending on individual fund requirements.
  • Focus: Educational support and community-based scholarships.

Explore: https://www.cfsomd.org/

Washington County

43. Community Foundation of Washington County Scholarships

  • Who qualifies: Washington County students, including high school students, college students, technical students, and graduate students for certain awards.
  • Focus: Academic achievement, nursing, agriculture, law, technical training, arts, and community service.

Examples include:

  • AAUW Hagerstown Scholarship – female students living in Washington County, with preference for nontraditional/postsecondary students.
  • Bar Association of Washington County Scholarship – students pursuing legal or paralegal education.
  • Karen C. and A. Wells Ridenour Nursing Scholarship – Washington County residents pursuing a BSN.
  • Artist of Change Scholarship – students whose work or career path promotes equity, diversity, or justice.

Apply: https://www.cfwcmd.org/all-scholarships

Mid-Shore Maryland

44. Mid-Shore Community Foundation Scholarships

  • Who qualifies: Students and adult learners in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties.
  • What it offers: Scholarships for graduating high school seniors and adult learners.
  • Focus: College, trade school, vocational training, and continuing education.

Apply: https://www.mscf.org/scholarships

Eastern Shore Maryland

Students in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties should explore:

45. Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore

  • Who qualifies: Eligible students from the Lower Eastern Shore.
  • What it offers: Local scholarships established by donors and community organizations.
  • Focus: College, career training, and community-specific educational support.

Explore: https://www.cfes.org/

Carroll County

46. Community Foundation of Carroll County

Carroll County residents should explore local scholarship funds, including awards for students attending college, trade school, technical programs, and certain professional programs.

Explore: https://www.carrollcommunityfoundation.org/

Garrett County

47. Community Foundation of Garrett County

Students from Garrett County should check for community scholarships and donor-established educational funds.

Explore: https://www.cfcg.org/

Harford County

48. Harford Community College Foundation Scholarships

  • Who qualifies: Eligible Harford Community College students.
  • Focus: Financial need, academic achievement, career goals, and specific programs of study.

Apply: https://www.harford.edu/

Students should also ask the Harford County Public Schools counseling office about local scholarships.

Explore: https://www.hcps.org/

PART 5: Virginia scholarships

Virginia residents should explore statewide financial aid, local community foundations, county-specific scholarships, and school district scholarship directories.

49. Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)

  • Award: Annual grant amount varies by academic year and funding.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible Virginia residents attending participating private nonprofit colleges in Virginia.
  • Focus: Reducing the cost of undergraduate education.
  • Important: This is a state grant, not a competitive private scholarship.

Apply: https://www.schev.edu/

50. Virginia Commonwealth Award

  • Who qualifies: Eligible Virginia residents attending participating public colleges and universities.
  • Focus: Financial need and undergraduate educational expenses.
  • Award: Determined by the institution and available funding.

Apply: https://www.schev.edu/

51. Virginia Two-Year College Transfer Grant

  • Who qualifies: Eligible Virginia community college graduates transferring to participating four-year institutions.
  • Focus: Supporting students who complete an associate degree and transfer to a participating institution.
  • Award: Depends on program eligibility and financial need.

Apply: https://www.schev.edu/

52. Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)

  • Who qualifies: Eligible Virginia students attending participating public colleges and universities.
  • Focus: Need-based assistance for eligible undergraduate students.
  • Important: Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the institution and applicable state financial aid rules. Students should contact their college financial aid office.

Explore: https://www.schev.edu/

53. Virginia G3 Program

  • Award: Tuition assistance for eligible students enrolled in approved high-demand career programs.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible Virginia residents who meet the program’s income and financial aid requirements.
  • Eligible fields: Healthcare, information technology, public safety, education, manufacturing and skilled trades, and hospitality and culinary arts.
  • Education: Participating Virginia public community colleges.
  • Important: Students must meet residency, income, program, and other financial aid requirements.

Explore: https://www.vccs.edu/

54. Virginia FastForward Workforce Credential Grant

  • What it offers: Financial assistance for eligible short-term workforce training and industry-recognized credentials.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible Virginia residents enrolled in participating FastForward programs.
  • Focus: Skilled trades, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and other in-demand career fields.
  • Important: Program availability and student costs vary by training provider and credential.

Explore: https://fastforwardva.org/

55. Virginia Community College System Scholarships

Students attending Virginia community colleges should explore scholarships offered through their individual college foundations.

Explore: https://www.vccs.edu/

PART 6: Northern Virginia scholarships by county and city

Fairfax County

56. Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Scholarships

  • Who qualifies: Eligible residents across Northern Virginia.
  • What it offers: Scholarships for high school seniors, college students, adult learners, and students pursuing specialized education.
  • Focus: STEM, healthcare, education, technical training, first responders, and other career paths.

Examples include:

  • AMS Opportunity Scholarship Fund – graduating seniors pursuing STEM.
  • Elizabeth Koury Scholarship Fund – Northern Virginia seniors pursuing medicine.
  • Rose Koury Scholarship Fund – Northern Virginia seniors pursuing education.
  • Dorothy Jean Coates Scholarship Foundation Fund – nontraditional students.
  • Northern Virginia First Responders Scholarship Fund – first responders and eligible dependents.
  • Plein Environmental Scholarship Fund – eligible NOVA students pursuing environmental studies.
  • Princess Kona! Scholarship Fund – veterinary medicine or animal science.
  • Martin J. Murafsky Scholarship Fund – technical or trade education.

Apply: https://www.cfnova.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships

57. Fairfax County Public Schools Scholarship Directory

  • Who qualifies: Eligible Fairfax County Public Schools students.
  • What it offers: A regularly updated collection of local, regional, and national scholarships.
  • Focus: Academic achievement, STEM, community service, leadership, and more.

Explore: https://www.fcps.edu/scholarships-fcps-students

Arlington County

58. Arlington Community Foundation Scholarships

  • Who qualifies: Arlington residents and eligible Arlington Public Schools students.
  • What it offers: A wide range of scholarships, including awards for traditional students, returning adults, and technical education.
  • Focus: Financial need, academic achievement, leadership, community service, career interests, and special circumstances.

Examples include:

  • Marjorie D. Buynak Scholarship – up to $5,000 per year for eligible Arlington seniors.
  • Charles M. and Elizabeth S. Munnecke Scholarship – Arlington residents who attended an Arlington public high school during junior and senior years.
  • Chen Frame Foundation Scholarship – includes returning adult learners.
  • Tony Young Memorial Scholarship – eligible students with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities.
  • New Horizons Scholarship – Arlington high school seniors and college students.
  • Aspire, Persist and Thrive Scholarship – first-generation students and eligible children of Arlington County employees.
  • Dolan Family Nursing Scholarship – eligible Arlington residents pursuing nursing.
  • Martin J. Murafsky Scholarship – technical education.

Apply: https://www.arlcf.org/scholarships/

Loudoun County

59. Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties

  • Who qualifies: Eligible Loudoun County residents and students from designated schools and communities.
  • What it offers: Scholarships for college, vocational training, trade programs, and career education.
  • Focus: Academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, and specific career interests.

Examples include:

  • Blair and Mike Pirrello Vocational Scholarship – $500–$2,500 for eligible Loudoun residents pursuing trade or apprenticeship training.
  • Quinn William Gorman Scholarship – approximately $2,000–$4,000 for eligible Loudoun high school graduates.
  • Stowers Loudoun County High School Scholarship – $5,000, renewable for eligible students.
  • Mary B. Tett Healthcare Professionals Scholarship – for eligible staff or volunteers of Loudoun healthcare nonprofits pursuing healthcare education.

Apply: https://communityfoundationlf.org/students/

Prince William County

60. Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Scholarships

Prince William County residents can access several scholarships through the Northern Virginia scholarship portal.

Examples include:

  • Amin Family Scholarship – graduating students from Unity Reed High School pursuing healthcare.
  • Louise Lightner Jamison Teacher Scholarship – Prince William County residents pursuing education.
  • Woody Marshall Memorial Scholarship – graduating seniors at Brentsville District High School.
  • Robert Spencer Smith Memorial Scholarship – eligible students at Patriot or Colgan High School.

Apply: https://www.cfnova.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships

Alexandria

61. Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Scholarships

Alexandria residents may qualify for scholarships available across Northern Virginia, including:

  • AMS Opportunity Scholarship Fund.
  • Rose Koury Scholarship Fund.
  • Dorothy Jean Coates Scholarship Foundation Fund.
  • Martin J. Murafsky Scholarship Fund.
  • Northern Virginia First Responders Scholarship Fund.

Apply: https://www.cfnova.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships

Fairfax City, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park

Students in these independent cities should explore the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s scholarship directory.

Explore: https://www.cfnova.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships

PART 7: Other Virginia regions and local scholarship foundations

The DMV is only part of Virginia. If you live outside Northern Virginia, these regional foundations can help you find local awards.

Richmond and surrounding counties

62. Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond

  • Who qualifies: Students from the foundation’s service region, depending on the individual scholarship.
  • What it offers: Donor-established scholarship funds.
  • Focus: College education, financial need, academic achievement, and local community involvement.

Explore: https://www.cfrichmond.org/

Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline, and Fredericksburg

63. Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

  • Who qualifies: Graduating high school seniors attending schools in Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline counties, and Fredericksburg.
  • What it offers: More than 50 scholarship funds.
  • Education: College, career, trade, technical, and certification programs.

Explore: https://www.cfrrr.org/apply/scholarships/

Hampton Roads

64. Peninsula Community Foundation

  • Who qualifies: Students meeting the requirements of individual scholarships in its service area.
  • What it offers: Local scholarships and educator grants.
  • Focus: High school, college, and technical education.

Explore: https://www.pcfvirginia.org/scholarships

65. C.R.O.P. Foundation Scholarships

  • Award: At least five $1,000 scholarships and up to two $500 scholarships in the published program.
  • Who qualifies: Seniors attending public high schools in Hampton Roads, including Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News.
  • Additional award: Dr. Charles E. Harris Scholarship for science and engineering.

Apply: https://chesapeakecropfoundation.org/programs/scholarships/

Henrico County

66. Henrico County Scholarships

Henrico County publishes scholarship opportunities for local residents.

One example:

Colonial Agricultural Education Foundation Scholarships

  • Award: Three $1,000 scholarships.
  • Who qualifies: Eligible Henrico County residents attending a Henrico County secondary school or Virginia state-supported college.
  • Focus: Conservation-related fields such as environmental science, forestry, meteorology, and agriculture.
  • GPA: Minimum 3.0 for high school students and 2.5 in the major field for college students.

Explore: https://henrico.gov/services/scholarships/

PART 8: More county and city scholarship directories

Not every local award has a single application portal. Some counties distribute scholarships through school counselors, community colleges, local nonprofits, Rotary clubs, and civic organizations.

Use these additional regional resources to locate more opportunities.

LocationScholarship resource
D.C.https://dc.gov/page/scholarships-and-grants-students
Montgomery County, MDhttps://mcpsef.org/
Prince George’s County, MDhttps://www.pgccouncil.us/346/Scholarships
Howard County, MDhttps://cfhoco.org/
Anne Arundel County, MDhttps://cfaac.org/
Baltimore City and County, MDhttps://www.bcf.org/
Frederick County, MDhttps://www.frederickcountygives.org/
Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, MDhttps://www.csmd.edu/foundation/
Washington County, MDhttps://www.cfwcmd.org/
Mid-Shore counties, MDhttps://www.mscf.org/
Eastern Shore, MDhttps://www.cfes.org/
Northern Virginiahttps://www.cfnova.org/
Arlington County, VAhttps://www.arlcf.org/
Loudoun County, VAhttps://communityfoundationlf.org/
Richmond region, VAhttps://www.cfrichmond.org/
Fredericksburg region, VAhttps://www.cfrrr.org/
Hampton Roads, VAhttps://www.pcfvirginia.org/

PART 9: How to find scholarships in your county

Here is a simple strategy for finding additional local scholarships.

1. Search your county’s community foundation.

Many community foundations administer scholarships funded by local families, businesses, and donors.

2. Check your high school’s scholarship list.

School counselors often receive scholarship applications that are never widely advertised online.

3. Contact your state delegate and senator.

Maryland and Virginia residents should ask their elected state representatives about legislative scholarships and local educational awards.

4. Check your community college foundation.

Community colleges often have scholarships for returning adults, part-time students, workforce training, nursing, technology, and other programs.

5. Search local civic organizations.

Explore scholarships offered by:

  • Rotary Clubs
  • Lions Clubs
  • Kiwanis Clubs
  • NAACP chapters
  • Sororities and fraternities
  • Local chambers of commerce
  • Professional associations
  • Community foundations
  • Local businesses and nonprofit organizations

6. Do not overlook trade schools and career certifications.

Some local foundations provide financial assistance for apprenticeship programs, technical training, licensing exams, tools, and career credentials.

7. Look beyond your state and county.

Some national scholarships accept students from all three DMV jurisdictions. Search for awards based on your intended major, career goals, academic achievements, community involvement, financial need, and personal circumstances.

PART 10: Scholarship application checklist

Before applying, prepare these documents:

  • High school or college transcript
  • FAFSA Submission Summary, if required
  • Resume or list of extracurricular activities
  • Community service and volunteer experience
  • Personal statement or scholarship essay
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Proof of residency, if required
  • College acceptance or enrollment verification
  • Financial information, if required

Final reminder: Local scholarships can have very specific eligibility rules. A scholarship may be limited to a particular ZIP code, high school, county, major, or community organization. Read the official requirements carefully before applying.

Local grants and scholarships can also have different rules. Some are merit-based, some are need-based, and others are restricted to a particular school, career pathway, or residency area. Always check whether an award is renewable, what expenses it covers, and whether it requires a service or employment commitment.

If you live in the DMV, do not limit yourself to national scholarships. Your county, city, school district, and local community may have money specifically set aside to help you pursue higher education.

Save this guide, share it with a student or parent, and check your local scholarship portals regularly. New opportunities become available throughout the year.

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