Joseph A. Beavers College Scholarship

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