DC College Access Program

It was a privilege to once again welcome the @dccapscholars to a @WashWizardsgame at @CapitalOneArena. DC-CAP’s mission is simple but powerful: ensure that DC students have the guidance, resources and support they need to get to college and graduate. By helping families navigate applications, financial aid and the entire college journey, the organization is opening doors for thousands of young people across our city. 📷: @ChuckKennedyDC

Expanding access to higher education is critical to DC’s long-term prosperity. When more students can afford to attend and complete college, we strengthen economic mobility and build the next generation of leaders. @washingtonpost recently highlighted the expansion of DCTAG – a meaningful investment that helps remove cost as a barrier for DC students. This work is core to what I’m proud to help champion with @ewwaldo and @dccapscholars. Programs like DCTAG send a clear message: DC believes in its students and is investing in their success. washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/…

Some closing thoughts from our President & CEO, @ewwaldo, following our SXSW EDU panel: the model we’re building works. Students want more access to debt-free scholarship programs. Funders want to fund programs that work. We must continue advocating for these types of programs!

That’s a wrap on our panel at #SXSWEDU! Our conversation on college completion reinforced one thing we've found to be true: access is only the first step. Students succeed when support is coordinated. A huge thank you to all of our panelists for their voices and expertise 🎓

Recent @GeorgeMasonU graduate and DC CAP Scholar, Allyson Bautista, joined us at @SXSWEDU today for a powerful conversation on what it takes to build local ecosystems that truly help students get to and through college. One of the most important reminders she shared: do not try to put students on a conveyor belt. Every student is different, every path is different, and success is rarely linear. As we continue to build stronger systems of support, we have to keep students and their lived experiences at the center. Thank you, Allyson! #SXSWEDU2026 #ExcelBeyondBelief

Thrilled to host the @dccapscholars Board at our offices @MSE to advance the mission of expanding college access for DC students. From applications to financial aid and ongoing family support, DC-CAP ensures students don’t just get to college – they’re set up for success. When we invest in students, we invest in DC’s future.

Good morning from #SXSWEDU ☀️ Today at 2 PM CT, we’re hosting our panel on what it takes to build local ecosystems that get students from enrollment to graduation. If you’re in Austin, come join us at @SXSWEDU! schedule.sxswedu.com/2026/events/PP…

I was honored to host several DC-area university presidents at @CapitalOneArena to cheer on the @Capitals! 🏒🎓 The DMV’s universities are true engines of opportunity – developing the next generation of leaders, driving innovation and powering economic growth well beyond their campuses. Pursuing higher education in this city changed my own life. My time at @Georgetown challenged me and opened doors I never imagined. Our universities keep DC as a global hub for innovation!

Thanks to @TedLeonsis for hosting our Consortium presidents and @MayorBowser at last night's game to celebrate our support for DC students and @dccapscholars. Ted's unwavering support for students is a shining example of giving back to our community!

Next week at #SXSWEdu, our President & CEO, @ewwaldo, will lead a conversation on what it takes to build local ecosystems that help students get to & through college. ⏰Mon, Mar 9 • 2:00–2:45pm CT 📍Hilton Austin Downtown If you're attending #SXSWEDU, we would love to see you there! schedule.sxswedu.com/events/PP11614…

⏰ REMINDER: Applications for DC CAP Scholars Ward 7 & 8 and University Partner Scholarships close Saturday, February 28 at 11:59 PM ET. If you are or know a D.C. high school senior — apply NOW 🎓 apply.dccap.org

Great news for DC students and their families! A 50% increase in funding for the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) is officially in place through @dccapscholars. Increasing the annual award will help more students manage rising tuition costs, stay on track to complete their degrees and build stronger futures for themselves – and for DC. When we invest in students, we invest in the future of our city.

BIG NEWS: Yesterday the President signed the FY26 appropriation bill, which includes a 50% increase in the DC Tuition Assitance Grant Program (was $10K a year and now will be $15K per year)!!!!!!!! This is the first increase since the original bill passed in 1999!!!! 1/

🎓Need funds for college? Explore DCTAG & the Mayor’s Scholars Program—applications are now OPEN for the 2026-27 school year! ✅ Lower your college costs. ✅ Join nearly 40,000 DC residents who’ve benefited from DCTAG. Apply today: ow.ly/NPAi50Y7OGN

Great to speak at the @UERUAssociation National Conference today about the power and importance of first-gen student success. Proud to share some lessons learned from my time at the White House and my time leading @dccapscholars.

We’re honored to partner with DC CAP and support D.C. students as they pursue affordable, career-focused pathways to a four-year degree. Excited to build this partnership and welcome future Saints to our community!

Located just minutes from Washington, D.C., Marymount connects students to internships, applied learning, and early career opportunities across government, nonprofit, tech, and corporate sectors. Read more about our partnership here: dccap.org/blog/dc-cap-ex…

.@marymountu is now a DC CAP University Partner! D.C. students applying through DC CAP can now select Marymount as a four-year option — opening doors to career-ready programs, hands-on learning, and opportunities just minutes from Washington, D.C.

With small class sizes and strong academic programs, Trinity Washington offers an amazing option for D.C. students wanting quality higher education while staying closer to home. Read more about our new partnership here: dccap.org/blog/dc-cap-sc…

🎓Big news: @TrinityDC is now a DC CAP University Partner! Beginning in January 2026, D.C. students through DC CAP will be able to select Trinity on their applications.