As you begin the process of applying for a New Futures scholarship, you should know that New Futures considers many factors in determining whether to award scholarships. Those factors include:

Character: Many of the applicants for these scholarships will have had a troubled academic performance.  What we are looking for is evidence of commitment, discipline, and a track record of performance, particularly in the last two years immediately preceding application.  This may be shown in terms of performance in obtaining a GED or high school degree, employment, extra curricular activities, church, community service or other areas.

Community-Based Organization (CBO): The applicant must have and agree to maintain regular contact and involvement with their sponsoring community-based organization and mentor during their college or post-secondary education.  Each New Futures scholar must sign an agreement that outlines the specific contact/involvement responsibilities with the community-based organization.

Financial Status: These scholarships are intended for students who clearly do not have the financial resources to finance their education without financial support. Students must also apply for all other forms of financial aid for which they are eligible (Pell Grants, DC LEAP, DC TAG, DC CAP, etc.).

What happens after I submit my application to my Community-Based Organization?

• The applications will be delivered to a Selection Committee that will review them and contact the finalists for an interview.
• The interview will focus on the applicant’s experience and plans for future education.
• The scholarships will be awarded shortly after the interviews are completed.
• Funds will be disbursed to the community-based organization partners, who will disburse directly to the educational institutions at the appropriate time and are dependent upon the applicant staying in school and maintaining a passing academic record.

Download the application for new students. (PDF) Completed applications, to be sent by the Community-Based Organizations, must be received by New Futures by October 15 (for fall selection) or April 7 (for spring selection).  They may be mailed or delivered to:

New Futures
1965 Biltmore Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

The following five (5) supplemental materials must also be included in the application:

• Current high school transcript or GED diploma and test scores. (If the student is already enrolled in post-secondary education, a current cumulative transcript must be included.  If the student has completed less than 30 post-secondary education credits, a copy of the high school transcript or GED test scores must also be included.)
• Two Letters of Recommendation (should be written specific to the applicant and not from family members. Suggested sources: teacher, employer, coach, clergy member, mentor)
• Personal Essay
• Financial Plan (use the template in the application)
• Financial Aid Documentation (FAFSA/Student Aid Report, DC OneApp receipt, etc.) if eligible; see checklist in part 6