The Scholarship for GED Holders

This spring, the Esperanza Education Fund will award at least $100,000 in scholarships—$5,000 two-year scholarships and $10,000 four-year scholarships—to immigrant students in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, to attend public colleges and universities, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status. Funded by a grant from the D.C. Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (OLA), at least $40,000 will be awarded to D.C. residents.

To download an application form, please go to http://apps.esperanzafund.org/2011/GED/Application.pdf.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be born outside the United States or have two parents born outside the United States.
  • Must be a resident of the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia.
  • Must have received a GED in the last two years.
  • Must enroll at an accredited public college or university in 2011.

Application Materials

  • Completed and signed application form
  • Copy of GED score report
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • One essay
  • GED Program transcript (if available)
  • Copy of SAT or ACT score report (if available)

Selection Criteria and Process

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on qualities traditionally valued and demonstrated by the immigrant community: hard work, resourcefulness, perseverance in the face of adversity, academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to one’s community. A committee drawn from the local community will review applications and select a group of finalists for interviews.

March 31, 2011 Application materials due
May 1 Finalists notified
May 7-8 / May 14-15 Interviews
May 16 Scholarship recipients notified

Scholarship Conditions

Scholarships will be disbursed directly to the recipient’s educational institution. Failure to comply with the following conditions may result in the suspension or revocation of scholarship awards.

  • Remain in good standing and maintain a 2.5 grade point average.
  • Submit yearly progress reports to the Esperanza Education Fund.
  • Participate in mentoring provided by the Esperanza Education Fund.

Additional Information

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