2026 Scholarships
College Access Fairfax administers several scholarships available to Fairfax County Public School Students. The best source of scholarship information is your school’s College and Career Specialists. Click here for a complete list of the College and Career Specialists. Remember, you should never have to pay to search for a scholarship application.
The mission of College Access Fairfax scholarships is to fill the gap between a student’s financial need and the amount of financial aid offered by the attending institution. Students who are awarded full financial aid (free grants that cover tuition, mandatory fees, housing and food) will not be awarded a CAF scholarship because their financial need has been met. However, if the student’s tuition, fees, housing and food have been partially covered by loans and work study, the student may be able to receive the award if the school is willing to decrease the loan amount (not the institutional award).
Unless otherwise noted, scholarship recipients must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher at the end of their Junior Year, be a senior in high school and enroll full-time (minimum of 12 credits or equivalent) in an accredited college, career or technical institution. Applicants may be public, private or home-schooled, must be residents of Fairfax County or City and may not hold a non-immigrant visa.
Students may apply for more than one College Access Fairfax scholarship, but may only receive one award.
Are you the recipient of a CAF Scholarship? Click here for instructions on how to proceed.
Have you ever considered creating a new educational scholarship?
Contact us for more information.
FCPS Countywide Scholarships
High School-Specific Scholarships
2025-2026: The Sharifa Alkhateeb Memorial Scholarship –
One $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior with a current minimum GPA of 3.0, who has been accepted to a 4-year college/university, and has done at least one of the following: a) Arabic: Completed at least one year of Arabic in Fairfax County Public Schools or b) Social Service: Maintained a successful track record organizing social service events and activities for those in need, such as domestic violence victims, the homeless, etc. and/or c) Undertaken activities which emphasize public service and civic activism. An essay and personal statement are required.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105155-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Bloomquist Family Scholarship
One $6000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Fairfax County Public Schools who has earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 and who has shown through sustained involvement in family, school, and/or community that (s)he has made an “above and beyond” significant difference. Candidates applying for this scholarship must show demonstrated need (a Student Aid Index (SAI) of less than $2,500) through the FAFSA, VASA, or other acceptable method. An essay and 2 letters of recommendation are required. Finalists will be interviewed.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105151-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026 The Bowe Family Scholarship
One $2500 scholarship (eligible for renewal for four years for a total scholarship of $10,000) will be awarded to a graduating FCPS senior with plans to attend a 2- or 4-year school with career aspirations and desire to make an impact on their family, community and society. Candidates should display the ability to overcome obstacles and the drive to create a better life. In addition, applicants should be First-Generation College Students (first in their family to attend college or community college). Documentation of financial need (a Student Aid Index of $5000 or less) must be shown through the FAFSA, VASA, or other acceptable method. A scholarship specific essay, personal statement, and transcript are required. Letters of recommendation are optional. Finalists will be interviewed. The scholarship may be renewable (up to four years) at the discretion of College Access Fairfax and the donor (student must maintain a minimum 2.80 GPA and meet with the donor on an annual basis).
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105152-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Tim Cohn Scholarship
One $4000 scholarship will be awarded by the Reston Runners Community Fund to a graduating high school senior with a Reston or Herndon mailing address and has demonstrated an interest in running. Candidates should plan to attend either a two-year community college or a four-year college/university and intend to continue running (competitively or for pleasure). An essay is required. Candidates applying for this scholarship are encouraged to submit their Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA or VASA, as well as two letters of recommendation (from a teacher and/or sports coach).
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105197-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026 The Crayons to Careers Scholarship
One scholarship of between $1000 and $2500 will be awarded to a graduating senior who started Fairfax County Public Schools PreK (formerly known as Head Start or FECEP) and continued the majority/all of his/her education in FCPS (grades 9 through 12 must have been completed in FCPS – this will be verified – any questions regarding eligibility, contact Lisa Pilson at 703-208-7770). Students who participated in FCPS Special Education Pre-school programs are not eligible for this award. Applicants must be continuing their education at any accredited post-secondary 2- or 4-year institution. An essay is required.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105143-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The John D’Elia Community College Scholarship – Applications still being accepted until May 31, 2026
Scholarships will be awarded to two graduating seniors who attend community college with the intention of completing their post-secondary education through a guaranteed admission agreement with a 4-year institution. Candidates applying for this scholarship must show demonstrated need (a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $10,000 or less) through the FAFSA, VASA, or other acceptable method. Applicants will be required to pay for their first semester, and upon successful completion of the first term, $3000 scholarships may be awarded for each of the following three semesters (students must take enough courses per semester to be on target for degree completion after four semesters). Recipients must maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.0 in order to remain eligible. An essay and personal statement are required.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105144-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The James H. Dillard, II Scholarship
One $2000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior planning to become a public-school teacher, preferably, although not required to be, in the subject areas of History or Social Studies. An essay and personal statement are required.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105150-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: FCPS Countywide Darla Ellis Memorial Scholarship
One $3000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who has completed the majority of his/her high school years in Fairfax County Public Schools. Falls Church High School students are not eligible for this scholarship, but should consider the Falls Church High School Darla Ellis Memorial Scholarship (See School Specific Scholarship listing below). Applicants must be continuing their education at a 4-year college/university. Candidates applying for this scholarship must show demonstrated need (a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $6500 or less) through the FAFSA, VASA, or other acceptable method. Participation and/or leadership in church/school/community activities is required. An essay and 2 letters of recommendation are required. This scholarship may be renewable at the discretion of College Access Fairfax.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105153-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Kendrick “New Trajectory 2-4-6-8” Scholarship
One $20,000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who has realized the importance of education following a slow academic start; turning lower grades (C’s or below) into stronger grades (A’s and B’s) during their junior and senior year and thereby changing his/her future trajectory. Candidates applying for this scholarship must show demonstrated need (a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $5,000 or less) through the FAFSA, VASA, or other acceptable method. There is no minimum high school GPA requirement. Awards will be paid as follows: $2,000 for freshman year; $4,000 for sophomore year; $6,000 for junior year; $8,000 for senior year. Payouts are dependent on the recipient’s maintaining an average college GPA of 3.0 or higher. Renewal is at the discretion of the donor. An essay and 2 letters of recommendation are required. Finalists will be interviewed.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105145-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Leslie Kent Memorial Scholarship
Two $2500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors who are the first in their family to attend college. Students where one or both parents have received either a 2- or 4-year degree are not eligible – this includes students whose parents earned degrees in countries other than the United States. Candidates applying for this scholarship must show demonstrated need (a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $5000 or less) through the FAFSA, VASA, or other acceptable method. An essay and personal statement are required.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105146-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The LimKim Dreamers Scholarship
One $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who has taken ESOL (English as a Second Language) classes during middle or high school in FCPS after immigrating to the United States. Applicants must plan to continue their education at any accredited 2- or 4-year post-secondary institution. Candidates applying for this scholarship must show demonstrated need (a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $5000 or less) through the FAFSA, VASA, or other acceptable method. There is no minimum GPA. Standardized test scores and letters of recommendation are optional.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105147-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Michael Marshall Fund Scholarship
At least one $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who has plans to pursue a degree at a 2- or 4-year school. Candidates must show a demonstrated interest and proficiency in the fields of vocal or instrumental performing arts through participation in school, community or personal activities. Documentation of extracurricular participation may be required (ex. choir director, music teacher, church director, etc.) While it is hoped that the student would pursue a degree in one of these fields, the intent to pursue these activities at the college level without a degree in those fields will be considered. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. Candidates applying for this scholarship must show demonstrated need (a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $5,000 or less) through the FAFSA, VASA, or other acceptable method. Please provide a 3–5-minute video recording of either accompanied or unaccompanied solo material that highlights your musicianship as a performer. You can use any platform that you would like (i.e. private, YouTube, Dropbox, Google, etc.), as long as you provide a link for the committee to access of your performance. Renewal (for up to a total of three additional years) is at the discretion of the donor. Applicants are not required to submit an essay or letters of recommendation.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105149-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Vishnu Murthy Memorial Scholarship – Sophia Huang – TJ High School
One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded by the Vishnu Murthy Foundation (https://www.vishnumurthyfoundation.org) to a graduating senior from Fairfax County Public Schools who plans to attend a four-year college/university and pursue a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) field in order to make the world a better and brighter place. Candidates must demonstrate strong academic achievement (a minimum 3.0 GPA), be active leaders in their community, have a deep love for learning, and demonstrate interest in academic research and/or entrepreneurship with an organization, company, or other entity outside of Fairfax County Public Schools. No financial need is required for eligibility. Letters of recommendation are optional. A scholarship specific essay and personal statement are required.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105157-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Ofinno Innovation Scholarship
At least one $2500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who plans to attend a four-year college/university with the intention of pursuing a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) field. Candidates applying for this scholarship must show demonstrated financial need (a Student Aid Index of less than 2500) through the FAFSA, VASA, or other acceptable method. A transcript, resume, and 2 letters of recommendation are required. Applicants must also complete a personal statement and scholarship specific essay.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105161-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026 Fannie Berliss Rosenbaum and Joseph Rosenbaum Scholarship
One $5000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Fairfax County Public Schools senior planning to attend a four-year college/university. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or students with their own personal Green Card. Priority will be given to applicants who will be first-generation college students (first in their family to pursue post-secondary education) or children of first-generation U.S. citizens/Green Card holders. Candidates should display strong academic achievement, with an emphasis on strong standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). No specific major is required. Candidates applying for this scholarship must show demonstrated need (a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $2,500 or less) through the FAFSA or other acceptable method. Two letters of recommendation and a scholarship specific essay are required. This scholarship may be renewable ($5500 for sophomore year, $6000 for junior year, $6500 for senior year) at the donor’s discretion. In order to be eligible for renewal, the candidate must maintain a 3.0 GPA and contact the donors at least once per semester to report progress, obstacles, decisions on majors, and any other information they believe would be relevant to renewal of the scholarship.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105154-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Anthony Bombay Memorial Scholarship
One $500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Falls Church High School who plans to continue his/her education at a 2- or 4-year college/university or vocational/technical school. This scholarship is open to applicants regardless of their intended course of study. There is no financial need requirement and letters of recommendation are optional. A scholarship-specific essay and personal statement are required.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105159-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: Falls Church High School Darla Ellis Memorial Scholarship
One $5000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Falls Church High School who is planning to pursue a degree in a field which gives back to the community (medicine, education, public safety, government, social work, architecture, engineering, non-profit). Applicants may be continuing their education at a 2- or 4-year college/university or technical school. Candidates applying for this scholarship must show demonstrated need (a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $6500 or less) through the FAFSA, VASA, or other acceptable method. An essay and 2 letters of recommendation are required. This scholarship may be renewable at the discretion of College Access Fairfax.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105158-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Pat Groves Memorial Scholarship
One $3000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ) who plans to attend a four-year college/university and who has shown involvement in his/her family, school and/or community. Preference may be given to students who are the first in their family to attend college and are planning to pursue a career in a helping profession (medicine, etc.). Candidates applying for this scholarship are encourage to provide proof of financial need through the FAFSA, VASA, or other acceptable method. A scholarship specific essay is required. Letters of recommendation are optional.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105162-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Loretta Khayam Scholarship
One $1500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Fairfax High School who has attained a Grade Point Average of up to 2.5 and, by graduation, will have completed math courses no higher than Algebra II. Candidates should plan on pursuing higher education at a 2- or 4-year accredited institution or technical school. An essay is required.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105148-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Phyllis Rojko Pearce Memorial Scholarship
One $1500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Herndon High School senior with documented learning disabilities (student must have a current IEP) who has demonstrated dedication to his/her school (e.g., mentoring other students, participating in extracurricular activities, etc.) and/or service to the local community (e.g., volunteer work). Recognition for outside employment can also be given in lieu of extracurricular activities or community service. Candidates may be planning to attend a four-year college/university, community college, or vocational/technical school or program. There is no financial need requirement and letters of recommendation are optional. A scholarship specific essay and personal statement are required.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105160-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: Reston Runners Community Fund Reston/Herndon Runners Scholarship
The Reston Runners Community Fund will award at least one $1,000 scholarship to a senior graduating from either Herndon High School or South Lakes High School who has demonstrated an interest in running and the community. Candidates should plan to attend either a two-year community college or a four-year college/university and intend to continue running (competitively or for pleasure). Letters of recommendation are encouraged (from a teacher and/or sports coach).
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105195-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Ruzicka Family Scholarship
One $3000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Annandale High School, Fairfax High School, Falls Church High School, Justice High School, Mount Vernon High School, or West Potomac High School who has participated in the Early Identification Program (EIP) and will be a First-Generation college student (first in their family to attend college). Applicants may plan on attending any two- or four-year institution other than George Mason University. Students must demonstrate academic achievement and participation in extra-curricular activities (including work or school/community organizations). An essay and personal statement are required. Letters of recommendation are optional. This award may be renewable at the discretion of College Access Fairfax and the donor (student must maintain a minimum 3.25 PGA while in school and provide a college transcript).
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105196-College-Access-Fairfax
2025-2026: The Woodyard Hawk Student Ambassadors Scholarship
Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors (1 female and 1 male) who have participated in Hayfield Secondary School’s Hawk Student Ambassadors program. Students should be pursuing a degree at a 2- or 4-year accredited institution. An essay and personal statement are required.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/105156-College-Access-Fairfax
