February 10, 2000
Mayor Kicks Off Tuition Assistance Program in the District
(Washington, D.C.) Mayor Anthony A. Williams announced the implementation of the Tuition Assistance Program as a result of the DC College Access Act of 1999 that passed in Congress and was signed by the President last November. Applications for the program will be available by the District on February 24, 2000, just in time for the fall school term.
"Our children now have the same opportunity as students in other parts of the country in-state tuition rates to attend state schools," said Mayor Williams. "We've worked hard to make this program one that District families can be proud of through partnerships, building our team and setting up a first class program. I encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity."
To obtain an application for the Tuition Assistance Program call 202-727-2824. An application can also be picked up at One Judiciary Square in Suite 920S, or through local public and private high schools, participating colleges and universities, public libraries, and other organizations that are involved in secondary educational activities. The priority deadline for submitting applications is June 30, 2000.
There are two types of subsidies available for District residents:
- For District residents who attend public colleges or universities in Maryland and Virginia, the program will pay the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition of up to $10,000 per year with a lifetime cap of $50,000 per student.
- For District students who attend private colleges in the local Washington, DC area and private historically black colleges and universities in Maryland and Virginia, the legislation authorizes grants of up to $2,500 per year with a lifetime cap of $12,500 per student.
To be eligible for the program:
- students must currently be District residents and have lived in the District for at least 12 months prior to the beginning of their freshman year of college;
- have graduated from high school or received an equivalent of secondary school diploma on or after January 1, 1998;
- began an undergraduate course of study within three years of graduating from high school;
- be enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate degree or certificate program;
- have not completed an undergraduate degree.
The DC College Access Act of 1999 provides tuition subsidies to District residents to attend colleges and universities in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. The Mayor's office will handle the administrative responsibility for the tuition assistance program. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of District of Columbia residents who go to college and increase their choices of colleges by providing students tuition grants to attend colleges and universities in Maryland and Virginia.
