The Benefits of the Ward 7 & 8 Scholars Program

Story by Zhiyah Anderson. Photo from www.DCCAP.org 

NOV. 25, 2019: Wanting to go to college and having the finances is one of the biggest worries for high school seniors. A lot of the time students aren't allowed to enroll in the colleges of their choice because they didn't receive any scholarship money or maybe didn’t have enough to attend. However, we are so fortunate to have the Ward 7 & 8 Scholars program at Tech Prep so those who are eligible can apply to this program without having to worry about not having enough money for college because with this program, $25,000 is automatically guaranteed. 

According to the DCCAP website, “The Ward 7 & 8 Scholars Program is designed to increase college awareness, academic readiness, access opportunities, and improve graduation rates for African-American, Latino, and other underrepresented, low-income and first-generation students who live in Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, DC.” 

As a junior in high school, I'm concerned about whether or not I will get any scholarships, but being part of the Ward 7 & 8 Scholarship program ensures that I get a certain amount of money no matter what. 

Prospective students attend twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays for two hours. During that time students attend a study session to get extra time to do any homework, school assignments or extra assistance with work. To get guaranteed money, students must have an 80% attendance rate. 

When some people think of Ward 7 & 8 in DC usually the first thing that comes to mind is the ghetto and the crime rate. While that is a major stereotype for my community, many of the students who work hard in school strive to make sure they get into their dream colleges and out of DC. With a program as beneficial as this one, students living and attending schools in wards 7 & 8 can be successful in life and earn the one thing that's needed when talking about college. So, why not take a chance and sign for a program that can benefit you in the future?

Zhiyah Anderson is a junior at Friendship Tech Prep Academy.