Valuable Financial Aid Options

Scholarships are money that students don’t have to pay back to help cover the cost of their education. Scholarships are usually based on aspects, such as good grades, financial need, talent, or other specific requirements. Because they don’t need to be repaid, scholarships are a valuable type of financial aid that helps reduce tuition, book costs, and other school expenses.

FAFSA

FAFSA, also known as free application for federal student aid, is a free online form used to find a student’s eligibility for grants, scholarships, and other financial aid. In order to apply, you need to include parent’s income, tax returns, and information about your savings, investments, and business. 

Get Up and Go Scholarship

The Get Up and Go Scholarship honors the memory of Patrease Eugenia Jones-Brown. This scholarship fund recognizes her belief that higher education can change lives. High school seniors and undergraduate students who identify as BIPOC, female, or LGBTQ+ can apply. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and must live in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, or South Carolina. The deadline is on February 28, 2026, and the winners are announced on March 29, 2026. 

Hispanic Heritage Youth Foundation

The Youth Awards were founded in 1998 by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. The Youth Awards honor high school seniors who are outstanding in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories, including Community Service, Engineering, and more. It’s open to all states, and students must have a 3.0 or 4.0 GPA for eligibility. The application deadline is November 2nd, 2025. 

Jimmy Rane Foundation  

The Jimmy Rane Foundation goal is to send qualified students to college. The 2026 application starts on December 1, 2025. Requirements are a GPA of 3.0 for high school students, candidates must be enrolled full-time as a high school senior, and progressing toward graduation in the Spring/Summer 2026. For more information check their website at www.jimmyranefoundation.org. 

Maryland 2+2 Transfer Scholarship

The 2+2 Transfer Scholarship is designed to assist Maryland community college students in transitioning to a four-year institution within the state. If you’re interested in applying, be sure to complete your FAFSA. This scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees for up to three years or six semesters. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrate financial need, and be a resident of Maryland.

YouthCon Scholarship

YouthCon’s “Act with Impact” program empowers students to make a difference. Participants receive a $300 budget to address community needs. To qualify, you must be a high school student with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and reside in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington D.C. Apply by January 12, 2026.