Photo of Abramson Scholarship Recipients and Mentors

"We believe that financial hardship or a lack of support
shouldn't be a barrier to a college education."

Our Mission

The Abramson Scholarship Foundation provides critical financial assistance and comprehensive mentoring to promising DC public high school graduates attending four-year colleges.

Our Values

Empowerment

ASF provides our Scholars with resources, guidance, and training to help them discover their potential and achieve their goals.

Opportunity

ASF opens doors for our Scholars by creating and maintaining a diverse and respectful community network that provides high-quality support.

Community

ASF fosters an inclusive environment where staff, volunteers, alumni, partners, and supporters work together to build relationships that students can rely on through college and beyond.

 

For nearly 30 years, the Abramson Scholarship Foundation (ASF) has supported promising high school graduates from the District of Columbia to help them succeed throughout and beyond their college years.

As high school seniors, applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to community service. Scholars who continue to meet these criteria are eligible for sustained financial support each year they are in college.

In addition to much needed financial support, each Abramson Scholar benefits from ASF's 1:1 Mentoring Program which pairs each student with a mentor. An Abramson mentor provides personalized attention and comprehensive mentoring to an Abramson Scholar. Specifically, the mentor provides academic, professional and emotional guidance and support as the Scholar navigates all aspects of the college experience and seeks to secure employment during summer breaks and after graduation. In discharging these responsibilities, the mentor draws on the Abramson Network for resources and advisors to supplement the mentor’s 1:1 work with the Scholar.

We currently support 35 Scholars who are at various stages of their college experience.

Erika Ventura-Castellon

“With the help of the Abramson family, each summer and winter break, I was refreshed with optimism and the chance to be a better student and person whenever I returned to campus. Whether it was deciding to study abroad, volunteer, or not doing as well as I hoped on an exam, mentors were with me every step of the way. I knew my Abramson family was rooting for me to enjoy my collegiate experience and grow as a student, all while providing me with mentors and financial support.”

Erika, University of Kentucky