Washington, DC Area Young Scholars Application
Submit your application by April 24, 2026, for the Washington, DC Area Scholarship Program
What is the GFWC Young Scholars Fund?
The Giving Foundation for Women and Children (GFWC) created the Young Scholars Fund in 2025 to help young mothers in college thrive. The fund grew out of our founder, Shawn Yancy’s own reality as a young mom in college, working toward her degree while caring for her infant son and holding everything together, one deadline, one diaper, one decision at a time. Shawn stayed in school and graduated because her parents provided steady support. She knows not every young mother has that kind of safety net. The Young Scholars Fund exists to provide that support. Our mission is clear: remove the everyday barriers that push student mothers off track and replace them with steady financial help, practical resources, and mentorship that helps young moms and their families rise.
What do GFWC Young Scholars receive?
Scholarship support:
- Up to $1,500 per year for Scholars attending a 2-year college
- Up to $2,500 per year for Scholars attending a 4-year college
Program support:
- Mentorship is mandatory, with structured monthly check-ins. Each Scholar will be paired with a dedicated mentor who will provide one-on-one support through graduation, offer steady encouragement and practical guidance.
Who is eligible for the GFWC Young Scholars Fund?
Applicants must meet all requirements below:
- You must be a student parent (defined as a mother between 18 to 25 years old) at the time of application.
- You must be the primary caregiver of at least one of your children and actively involved in the regular care and support of your child/children.
- You must live within 50 miles of metropolitan Washington, DC.
- You must be enrolled in an accredited college or university (including 2-year colleges) and be pursuing an undergraduate or associated degree or credential.
- You must have completed at least 12 academic credit hours at time of application.
- You must plan to take a minimum of 6 credits each semester during the award year.
- You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.
What are the requirements of GFWC Young Scholars?
If selected, Young Scholars agree to:
- Participate in the mentorship program, including monthly check-ins
- Attend required training courses
- Maintain 2.7 GPA and at least 6 credits per semester
- Respond to communication from GFWC Mentors within 24 hours
- Submit midterm and final grades each semester
- Provide requested documentation for enrollment and award administration (as applicable)
Required documents for the application
Have these ready before you begin:
- You must provide proof that you live within 50 miles of the program city (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
- Proof of Identity (e.g., Copy of Driver’s License, US Passport, Alien Registration Card, School ID, etc.)
- Most recent college transcript (unofficial is acceptable for initial review; official may be requested if selected)
- Proof of financial need (FAFSA Submission Summary or financial aid award letter)
- Two letters of recommendation submitted directly by recommenders (one academic, one personal/professional). After you apply, GFWC will email your recommenders a link to submit.
Important: GFWC does not require a Social Security number or credit card number to apply. There is no fee to apply.
How Young Scholars are selected
GFWC’s scholarship reviewers evaluate applications using the criteria below:
- Eligibility and completeness of required documents
- Financial need
- Academic standing and persistence toward degree completion
- Personal essay (see prompt in the application)
- Commitment to the mentorship program
Timeline
- Applications open: March 20, 2026
- Deadline: April 24, 2026
- Award notifications: June 2026
- Funds distributed: Fall Semester, 2026
- Award year: 2026-2027
Applications will be accepted starting March 20th.
Questions
Email: Info@theGFWC.org
Phone: 202.883.3362
Mailing address: 1395 Piccard Drive Suite # 200 | Rockville, MD 20850
Privacy
Your information is used to administer the scholarship and communicate with applicants.