David M. Rubenstein Scholarship Program

One of the few large-scale scholarships dedicated exclusively to students graduating from D.C. public and charter schools.

Award Amount: Approximately 50 scholarships of $20,000 awarded annually to bright, motivated students exhibiting impressive academic achievement.

Program History:

• Inaugurated in 2009 as a one-year grant of $5,000 per student
• Increased in 2012 to $10,000 per student over first two years of college
• Doubled in 2016 to $1,000,000 annually total funding
• Nearly $13 million awarded to 811 scholars to date

Geographic Scope: Washington, D.C. public and public charter schools only

Focus Areas: Academic achievement

Eligibility:

• Graduating seniors from D.C. public and public charter schools
• Must be enrolled in participating Washington, D.C. public schools and public charter schools
• Selection based primarily on academic achievement
• Nominated by high school principals and school nominating committees

What's Included:

• $20,000 scholarship award
• Scholars to Leaders Programming beginning summer after high school and continuing through college graduation
• Mentoring with alumni and Economic Club members
• Leadership seminars and professional development
• Access to summer internship program
• Invitation to attend Signature Events as special guests
• Alumni engagement opportunities
• Access to Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Fellowship for post-graduate degrees

Organization: The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., 1601 K Street NW, Suite 210, Washington, D.C. 20006, (202) 481-3260

Application Process

Status: The 2025 application cycle is now closed (closed January 31, 2026).

Application Method: Online application through the Economic Club website

Eligibility Requirements: Refer to scholarship eligibility requirements for details

Selection Process: High school principals and the school's nominating committee choose the recipients

Award Presentation: Scholarships are awarded in the spring in a formal ceremony that award winners attend