Scholarship Brochure & Application

 The Foundation will offer at least 100 community college scholarships annually to Washington, D.C., area students pursuing either academic or vocational training.  The Herb Block Scholarship program is designed to serve high school graduates, first year college students or those who went to work after high school and now wish to resume their studies. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of financial need and academic performance. In addition to "A" and "B" level students, the Foundation will award scholarships to "C" students who have demonstrated academic improvement during their high school career.

The Herb Block Foundation initially awarded 49 scholarships to community college to Washington, D.C. area high school graduates and non-traditional students pursuing either academic or vocational training in the Fall of 2005.   The board elected to raise the number of scholarships to 100 in the Fall of 2007.

   Jean Rickard, Executive Director of the Foundation, said the board of directors chose community colleges because they are the least well-served in the field of higher education and because they provide accessibility and a mix of course work that mirrors the urban communities they serve.

   "Mr. Block saw education as a cornerstone for a better life. In his will he urged the creation of post-secondary education for scholarships for those with financial need. He wanted to give a chance to students who had successfully completed high school but found the cost of college out of their reach," said Mrs. Rickard.

   The Herb Block Scholarship program is designed to serve high school graduates, first year college students or those who went to work after high school and now wish to resume their studies.

   Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of financial need and academic performance. Mrs. Rickard said that in addition to "A" and "B" level students, the Foundation would award scholarships to "C" students who have demonstrated academic improvement during their high school career. 

      Certain financial and academic requirements apply for those seeking scholarship aid.  These will be "last dollar" scholarships awarded on the basis of need.  All applicants also must apply for federal Pell grants.  The Foundation will supplement any Pell award up to $8,000 annually.  Receiving a Pell grant, however, is not a prerequisite for receiving Foundation financial support.

     Applicants must be residents of the District of Columbia; or Prince George's or Montgomery counties in Maryland; or Arlington or Fairfax counties or the cities of Alexandria or Falls Church in Virginia.

     The eligible colleges designated by the Foundation (including all campuses) are:

     Montgomery Community College

     Prince George's Community College

     Northern Virginia Community College

     University of the District of Columbia (2-year associate programs)

     The Foundation has contracted for the services of Scholarship and Recognition Programs to administer the program and make the final selections.  High school counselors and financial aid directors at schools in the metropolitan area will be provided with application forms and brochures that give full details of the benefits and requirements of the scholarship program.  Applicants who may need additional information may also call the Scholarship and Recognition Programs office at (609) 771-7878.