Herb Block saw education as the opportunity for a better life. In his will, he urged the creation of scholarships for post-secondary individuals with financial need. Established in 2005, The Herb Block Scholarship provides financial assistance to high school graduates, community college students, and adult learners who wish to continue their studies at Washington, D.C. area community colleges. The scholarship is “last dollar” valued at up to $8,000 per academic year not to exceed $16,000 over the life of the scholarship. The actual award amount for each recipient is determined in conjunction with the school’s financial aid office and is based on a student’s financial need after all other resources are considered. The award covers tuition, mandatory fees, books, and supplies, as well as limited transportation. Scholarship recipients can renew their scholarships for up to five years. Up to 100 scholarships are granted every year; typically half for the fall semester and half for the spring semester. See the Scholarship Highlights for more details.
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Quotes from Herb Block Foundation Scholarship Winners
Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity, I am so humbled and grateful to be awarded such a prestigious award. I've just submitted my acceptance form. Can't wait to use this award towards my career and eventually be a leading mentor in my field and community! Best regards, Yishaq A. Woldesenebet, July 2025 (GS Stem/Pre-Nursing)
"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the wonderful opportunity provided by the Herb Block Scholarship. This scholarship has been instrumental in my academic journey, allowing me to focus on my studies without the added stress of financial burdens. The support from this scholarship has not only eased my financial situation but has also motivated me to strive for excellence in my educational pursuits. With your generous assistance, I am able to attend the BOND Academy for professional development at Bowie State University and participate in innovative projects at Montgomery College, such as the pilot history course conducted in Spanish. These experiences are invaluable and have significantly enriched my academic and cultural understanding. Thank you once again for your generosity and support. This scholarship has truly made a difference in my life, and I am committed to making the most of this incredible opportunity. Sincerely," - Marinobi Medrano, May 2024
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"My name is Raul Orellana Andrade, a student at Northern Virginia Community College, and I am also one of the individuals who was awarded the 2023-2024 Herb Block Foundation Scholarship. I am writing this letter to formally express my gratitude and to inform you that your generosity is making an impact in my life and helping me with achieve a degree in psychology. I am excited to share with you that I am getting ready to begin my second and final year at NOVA this upcoming fall. Receiving your assistance with my tuition costs has provided me with the peace of mind I need to focus on my education. I plan on becoming a clinical psychologist and help other members of our community who struggle with mental health and substance abuse disorders live better lives. Please know that I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and I will use this opportunity you have given me to join you in the effort of making our world a better place. Warm regards," - Raul Orellana Andrade May 29, 2024
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“I want to thank The Herb Block Foundation for the help that was given to me to make the gap of reaching my goals smaller and also for inspiring me to help others in the near future” - Miguel Angel Zapata Tito, May 2022
Herb Block is among the world’s best known and most admired political cartoonists. Born on October 13, 1909, the native Chicagoan spent his 72-year career fighting against abuses of the powerful.
The Herb Block Foundation is committed to defending the basic freedoms guaranteed all Americans, combating all forms of discrimination and prejudice and improving the conditions of the poor and underprivileged through the creation or support of charitable and educational programs with the same goals.
The Foundation is also committed to providing educational opportunity to deserving students through post-secondary education scholarships and to promoting editorial cartooning through continued research. All efforts of the Foundation shall be in keeping with the spirit of Herblock, America's great cartoonist in his life long fight against abuses by the powerful.
Herb Block is among the world’s best known and most admired political cartoonists. Born on October 13, 1909, the native Chicagoan spent his 72-year career fighting against abuses of the powerful.