Three Days Remaining for Families to Apply for D.C. Opportunity Scholarships

Final Application Event for Voucher Program Scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2011

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Families in the District of Columbia have until 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2011 to apply for scholarships to send their children to a D.C. private school of their choice. According to the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Administration ("Trust"), more than 1,000 D.C. Opportunity Scholarships are available for low-income children.

The Black Alliance for Educational Options – in coordination with the administrator of the program, the Trust – will hold an application event on Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Anthony's School Cafeteria (12th and Lawrence Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20017). At the event, parents can apply for scholarships for their children and receive more information about schools participating in the program.

"Thousands of children have benefited from the scholarship program, and I've met so many students whose lives have been changed for the better because their parents were able to choose schools that best met their children's needs," said D.C. Councilman Marion Barry. "I hope parents will attend this informational event and learn more about the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program."

The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program allows low-income families to choose from more than 50 private schools in the District, and provides funding for tuition, fees, and transportation expenses. Scholarships are based on need, and scholarships do not impact a family's eligibility to receive any other benefits. Households receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps) financially qualify, as do other disadvantaged families. Parents can learn more information by calling the Trust at 1-888-DC-YOUTH.

"We fought to restore the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship  Program because parents across the District of Columbia demanded better options for their children," said Kevin P. Chavous, chairman of the Black Alliance for Educational Options. "Now that we've won this fight, I hope each and every parent who wants to give their children a brighter future will take the time to learn more about these scholarships."

Parents who are interested in applying for scholarships are strongly encouraged to bring the following items to the application event:

1. Child's report card or other school enrollment documentation for year 2010-2011.

2. Documentation of SNAP benefits OR documentation of 2010 household income (if you do not receive SNAP, bring your tax return for 2010).

3. Proof of D.C. residency (driver's license and utility bill OR utility bill and lease).

A more detailed list is available at www.dcscholarships.org.

If parents cannot attend the event, they can apply during the week of July 5th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Trust's offices. Call 1-888-DC-YOUTH for more information.

SOURCE Black Alliance for Educational Options

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED