(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams officially kicked off the Tuition Assistance Program during a press conference at H.D. Woodson Senior High School. The Tuition Assistance Program is a result of the DC College Access Act of 1999 that passed in Congress and was signed by the President last November.

"This program is part of our overall effort to provide first class educational opportunities so that all of our citizens can reach their full potential," said Mayor Williams. "I strongly support expanding this program so that District students can receive tuition assistance at public colleges and universities anywhere in the country, instead of just in Maryland and Virginia."

The District has $17 million for the program. Over the next few months, the city will be evaluating whether or not these resources will allow the District to expand nationwide. A final decision will be made by this summer.

There are two types of subsidies available for District residents:

• For District residents who attend public colleges or universities in Maryland and Virginia, the program will pay the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition of up to $10,000 per year with a lifetime cap of $50,000 per student.
• For District students who attend private colleges in the local Washington, DC area and private historically black colleges and universities in Maryland and Virginia, the legislation authorizes grants of up to $2,500 per year with a lifetime cap of $12,500 per student.

To be eligible for the program:

• students must currently be District residents and have lived in the District for at least 12 months prior to the beginning of their freshman year of college;
• have graduated from high school or received an equivalent of secondary school diploma on or after January 1, 1998;
• began an undergraduate course of study within three years of graduating from high school;
• be enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate degree or certificate program;
• have not completed an undergraduate degree.

Applications for the program be picked up at One Judiciary Square in Suite 1040, or through local public and private high schools, participating colleges and universities, public libraries, and other organizations that are involved in secondary educational activities, or by calling (202) 727-2824. The priority deadline for submitting applications is June 30, 2000.

Starting Monday, February 28, 2000, more information can be obtained about the program from the web site at www.tuitiongrant.washingtondc.gov