Mayor Muriel Bowser, alongside the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), is on the beat to uplift DC residents aiming for college. Bowser issued an all-call for applications to DC Futures, the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG), and the Mayor's Scholars Undergraduate Program via an announcement on the city's website. Opening their gates on Monday, March 11, the programs promise a boost with tuition for those looking to earn a degree and sharpen their skillsets.
Striving to support local students seeking higher education, Bowser noted, "If you’re a DC resident looking to go to college, there are programs available to help you pay for tuition and take that first step." Looking to earn a degree, learners from Washington can tap into these resources for a "fair shot." This pledge coincides with a slight shift in application timelines due to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) release schedule adjustments, which pushed the deadline to mid-March.
The DC Futures initiative channels funds towards students chasing in-demand careers in health science, IT, and education. The program, made possible through a $12 million infusion of American Rescue Plan money in 2021, benefits eligible candidates attending select local institutions. Students can claw back up to $4,000 in tuition costs, as outlined in last year's figures that showed 1,327 residents saved north of $3.9 million in tuition, thanks to the DC Futures program.
As part of the Federal Government's contributions, DCTAG bridges the tuition gap for DC students attending out-of-state public colleges and even stretches to cushion the financial load at private colleges in the capital and HBCUs. On the other hand, the Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program homes in on providing need-based assistance for students working through their first associate or bachelor’s degree. Paving the educational pathway, State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant emphasized, "The Bowser Administration and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education have made substantial investments to ensure more DC residents have access to programs and funds that put them on a pathway toward a postsecondary degree or credential and the career of their choice." Students interested in these financial lifebuoys must reapply annually, therefore 2023–24 awardees are urged to apply again to keep the funding stream flowing into 2024–25.
