October 26, 2021
Student looks at laptop screen
High school students attend the Applied Math in Action! summer program at CUA.

The Catholic University of America is partnering with local non-profit District of Columbia College Access Program (DC-CAP) to expand college access for District of Columbia public and public charter high school students.

Up to 15 scholars will receive renewable financial assistance from the University that will cover the full cost of their tuition, plus $5,000 annually from DC-CAP, a privately-funded, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping the District’s public and public charter high school students enroll in and graduate from college.

The University is DC-CAP’s only private and only District-based university partner.

“We are thrilled to partner with DC-CAP,” said Chris Lydon, University vice president for enrollment management. “Catholic University is committed to supporting local students with the opportunity to receive a high quality education, affordably and without leaving their hometown. This is an investment in the students and an investment in the District of Columbia.”

Argelia Rodriguez, president and CEO of DC-CAP added, “We are so excited that Catholic University has joined us in creating even more opportunities for DC high school students to enroll in and graduate from college. Catholic is joining an impressive list of 14 university partners that are committed to supporting our students in their pursuit of a college education.”

With the University’s commitment to provide gift aid covering full tuition plus the DC-CAP scholarship, students who also receive the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) and Federal Pell Grant will have the majority of their direct costs met.

Scholarship recipients will receive additional support from the University and DC-CAP to support their success in college, such as coaching, tutoring, advisors, peer support and access to resources such as the University’s signature Take Flight program for first-generation college students.

Applicants must be graduating seniors from a DC public or public charter high school and eligible for the city’s DCTAG program. They also must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and DC-CAP’s scholarship application, and meet the University’s academic requirements for admission. Interested high school students from the District of Columbia should contact DC-CAP to apply.