DC Futures Program
DC Futures is a public support program—not only a scholarship—for District of Columbia residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at a local university. The scholarship works as last-dollar aid toward eligible tuition and costs after other funds are considered. The program also combines college coaching and, subject to need and funding, emergency support; eligibility depends on institution, major, residency, and available resources.
About DC Futures Program
DC Futures is a public support program—not only a scholarship—for District of Columbia residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at a local university. The scholarship works as last-dollar aid toward eligible tuition and costs after other funds are considered. The program also combines college coaching and, subject to need and funding, emergency support; eligibility depends on institution, major, residency, and available resources.
Only Catholic University of America, Trinity Washington University, and University of the District of Columbia participate. A student’s major must align with high-demand industries, and the applicant must be pursuing a first associate or bachelor’s degree. The 2026–27 application opened February 2 and closed August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m. EDT. That date has passed, and OSSE says funding constraints prevent new applicants in this cycle; only current participants may apply.
The 2026–27 policy document sets a maximum of up to $8,000, but the partner university determines an individual award after Pell and other aid are applied. Some students may have their assessed need fully covered; others may still owe housing, transportation, books, or costs outside the calculation. OSSE also recommends completing the DC OneApp/DCTAG application where appropriate. Eligibility does not guarantee an award if funding or coaching capacity is exhausted.
New residents should check whether OSSE opens places in a later cycle and should not rely on old pages displaying historical forms. Current participants must follow renewal dates, remain enrolled at an eligible institution, and meet coaching and progress responsibilities. For budgeting, request a written financial-aid offer from the campus and confirm how prior balances, stipends, or emergency funds work; each component has separate rules.
Ask the financial-aid office for a written term-by-term estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, books, and other costs. Keep the award letter, records, and any service agreement. If your studies, residence, or course load change, contact the administrator before that decision affects your aid.
College scholarship and financial-aid program