The District of Columbia State Education Office (SEO) will award up to $10,000 to qualified students to attend eligible public universities and colleges nationwide through the 2007-2008 DC OneApp. Eligible schools also include historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Washington, DC, metro area private institutions. The DC OneApp is the only method by which a college-bound District resident may apply for funding from the District’s three college financial aid grants: DCTAG, DCLEAP and DCAS–using one application.
The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) can open the doors to the public college, university or HBCU of your choice by providing a grant of up to $10,000 to help cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. If you choose to attend any private HBCU nationwide, a 2-year community college, or an eligible private college or university in the Washington metropolitan area, you can receive up to $2,500 per year. The DC Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (DCLEAP) provides up to $1,500 per year towards college costs for those students who demonstrate financial need. The DC Adoption Scholarship (DCAS) provides a grant of up to $10,000 per year to students who were adopted from the DC Child & Family Services Agency on or after October 1, 2001, or who lost a parent as a result of the 9-11 terrorist attacks.
The purpose of these programs is to increase the number of DC residents attending college and the range of college choices. “The SEO is committed to providing access to college financial aid so that constituents can achieve a higher quality of life," said Deborah A. Gist, DC State Education Officer, “The District is fortunate to have the support of Mayor Fenty, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, other esteemed congressional members, college access providers, and community–based organizations, working together to increase college success.”
To qualify for the grants in the DC OneApp, you must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application FAFSA.ed.gov, be a DC resident, live in DC, and meet other eligibility requirements including: proof of residency for 1 year prior to start of college, register with selective service (males 18 and over), provide proof of US citizenship, not be in default status with federal student loans, and be in good academic standing. The application deadline is June 30, 2007, for the 2007-2008 academic year. This deadline is firm, students submitting applications after June 30, 2007 will be placed on a waiting list.
DC OneApp Saturday Session
To support SEO’s commitment in making the online process a smooth and easy one for DC OneApp applicants, SEO offers several outreach events geared specifically towards completing the DC OneApp including four upcoming Special Saturday DC OneApp Sessions.
The first Saturday session will be held on March 24, 2007. Additional Saturday Sessions will be held on April 28, May 19 and June 23, 2007. The purpose of the DC OneApp Sessions is to assist DC residents with completing their DC OneApp. From 9 am– 4 pm, HEFS counselors will be available to assist DC OneApp applicants with the online completion of their DC OneApp. Applicants will also have the opportunity to submit the documents required to complete the application process.
To fill in the DC OneApp, get a full list of DC OneApp Sessions, or find programs offered by the SEO, visit the website at seo.dc.gov. You may also call the SEO at (202) 727-2824 or visit the office located at 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 350N, Washington, DC, 20001.