DC Mayor Muriel Bowser launched a new program Tuesday that will provide up to $8,000 in tuition assistance annually for residents seeking to study in high-demand career fields.
The tuition support, which comes as part of the city’s $12 million Futures Program, will apply to students pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree in areas such as Information Technology, Health Science, and Education at three local universities.
“When we support the career dreams of Washingtonians, that is the type of fair shot that can change the trajectory of someone’s life,” Bowser said in a release. “The DC Futures Program is a critical investment that will help break down traditional barriers to post-secondary education and provide more Washingtonians with the supports they need to succeed in college.”
Under the DC Futures Program, students will also have access to college coaching and emergency funds for additional expenses including food, housing, healthcare and child care, which amounts to up to $1,500 per year.
I’m kicking off #FairShot February by launching the DC Futures Program! DC residents enrolled at select colleges will receive tuition, coaching, & financial support while pursuing their first associate's or bachelor’s degree in a high-demand field.
More: https://t.co/nffhmoPRpY pic.twitter.com/JHSL34QHAe
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) February 1, 2022
Those taking part in the program may attend local universities like the University of the District of Columbia and the University of the District of Columbia Community College, Catholic University of America, or Trinity Washington University.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) launched a pilot of DC Futures earlier this year. A total of 304 residents, including 38 paraprofessionals and instructional aides, are currently attending it. They will receive tuition support as they earn their degree and pursue a career.
“We are excited to expand access to financial aid options for DC residents pursuing postsecondary education,” said State Superintendent Christina Grant. “Tuition support is essential and, when paired with the additional supports of coaching and access to emergency funds, DC Futures will be an excellent catalyst for helping our residents start and complete their higher education goals.”