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Joseph A. Beavers College Scholarship

United Planning Organization

Foundation Annual Grants for EducationGrants for Youth Programs

Funding Amount

$10,000 per award

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Joseph A. Beavers College Scholarship

Funder: United Planning Organization (UPO)

Geographic Scope: Washington, DC

Overview:
The Joseph A. Beavers College Scholarship fund supports outstanding DC high school students pursuing higher education. Named in honor of former UPO advocate and famed laborer, this scholarship has awarded over $1 million to academic achievers from DC's low-income communities since the early 2000s.

Award Details:

  • Amount: $10,000 per scholar

  • Frequency: Annual awards (typically 5 scholars per year)

  • Total Awarded: Over $1 million to 200+ scholars over 40+ years

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Target Applicants: Rising juniors (high school juniors entering senior year)

  • Residency: Must be a DC resident

  • Academic: Minimum 3.0 GPA

  • Academic Excellence: High academic achievement required

  • Community Service: Demonstrated community and volunteer work valued in selection

    • Selection Criteria:
    Applicants undergo a demanding selection process. Winners are evaluated on:

  • Academic excellence

  • Community and volunteer work

  • Essay responses

    • Use of Funds:
    Scholarship funds can be applied toward:

  • Tuition

  • Room and board

  • Study abroad

  • Other collegiate expenses

    • Support Provided:

  • One-time $10,000 award

  • Ongoing support, motivation, and assistance through college

  • UPO accompanies scholars until they reach their final goal

    • Impact:

  • Beavers scholars have become scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders

  • Vast majority were first in their families to attend college

  • Supported rising pilots, engineers, biologists, therapists, zoologists, and other professionals

    • Contact:
    United Planning Organization
    301 Rhode Island Ave NW
    Washington, DC 20001
    202-238-4600
    www.upo.org/youth-services

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Eligibility:

  • Rising juniors only (high school juniors entering senior year)

  • DC resident

  • 3.0+ GPA minimum

    • Required Materials:
    1. Completed application form (PDF format)
    2. 2 Reference Letters
    3. 2 Essay Prompts responses
    4. Income eligibility documentation

    Application Instructions:
    1. Click "Apply Now" to access the application
    2. Download the attached PDF
    3. Complete the application offline (do not fill out in browser as it will not save)
    4. Submit completed application

    Important Notes:

  • Application must be downloaded and completed as PDF

  • Do not attempt to fill out application in web browser

  • Application will not save if completed online

    • Support:
    Questions? Contact UPO using their intake form on the website or call 202-238-4600

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    What United Planning Organization actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024

    Grants in 2024
    4
    Total given
    $534K
    Median grant
    $146K
    Range
    $47K–$195K
    • By dollars: District of Columbia 73%, Maryland 27%. Top recipient cities: Washington, DC; Bowie, MD.

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    • Healthy Babies Project Inc · Washington, DC

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    • Jewel's New Beginning Learning Center LLC · Washington, DC

      Child stabilization

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    IRS Form 990-PF, 2024. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    educationyouth-programs

    Categories

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