The AU District Scholars award is a scholarship provided to DC Native students. This scholarship was first launched in 2020, with the aim of supporting high-achieving students attending DC public schools or DC public charter schools with a scholarship the covers the full cost of attendance. Each year, AU aims to enroll 10 students as District Scholars. Within the first four years of this award being active we have seen representation with the 8 wards of DC represented.  

The 2024 graduates of District Scholars mark the inaugural class that received this scholarship to attain their bachelor’s degree.  It also signifies a 100% Graduation Retention.  CDI could not be more proud of this cohort of students. 

The scholarship may only be applied to fall and spring semesters of continuous full-time enrollment (12 or more credits) in courses that count towards the completion of the undergraduate degree. Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements (assessed at the end of the Spring semester) before the scholarship may be renewed for the next academic year. 

The scholarship may not be combined with any other tuition restricted awards and the total financial aid received from all sources is capped at the Cost of Attendance each year. Additionally, the scholarship does not include health insurance and may not be used for summer enrollment.

The Center for Diversity & Inclusion along with Admissions, and Financial Aid provide support to students as they navigate their American University Experience as an Incoming or Current District Scholar.  

For any questions or concerns related to the District Scholars Scholarship do not hesitate to reach out to the following people: 

• Allison Wallen (awallen@american.edu), Assistant Director Student Success, Transition, & Retention

• Ashley Peyton (apeyton@american.edu), Assistant Director Financial Aid Enrollment Services Administion

• Jeremy Lowe (lowe@american.edu), Assistant Vice Provost, Undergraduate Admissions