The Scholarship for GED Holders
This spring, The Esperanza Education Fund will award at least $100,000 in scholarships—ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on financial need—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 $30,000 will be awarded to D.C. residents.
An application form is available for download at http://apps.esperanzafund.org/2012/2012_Scholarship_Application_GED.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 2012.
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
- Application forms are available at 2012_Scholarship_Application_GED.pdf
- Questions can be directed to apply@esperanzafund.org
- Application materials must be postmarked and mailed by March 31 to:
The Esperanza Education Fund, Inc. br>
P.O. Box 27507 br>
Washington, D.C. 20038


