Excel Beyond Belief

Equipping D.C. students with the holistic support they need to get to — and through — college.

Learn MoreApply Today

Empowering
D.C. Students since 1999.

We connect students with substantial financial support, build partnerships with excellent universities, and provide the personalized support systems students need to succeed.

Our approach ensures students do not just enroll in college—they thrive throughout their academic journey and graduate ready for meaningful careers.

Our Programs

Our flagship University Partnerships program anchors DC CAP’s work, ensuring students do not just enroll in college—they thrive throughout their academic journey.

University Partnerships

The University Partnerships (UP) program matches D.C. students with universities that work together with DC CAP to combine scholarship funding, intensive student support, and a strong community experience from day one through graduation.

Ward 7 & 8

A renewable scholarship program with personalized coaching for college-bound students attending schools in Wards 7 and 8.

GEAR UP

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) offers federally funded, cohort-based support — helping middle and high school students in D.C. prepare for post-secondary education.

Meet Our University Partners

#StudentSpotlight

Meet the Scholars.
Hear their Stories.

From freshmen finding their footing to confident college grads, meet the DC CAP Scholars who are leveling up – with support, community, and determination.
Meet Solomon.
‍
Solomon Redo earned his Civil Engineering degree from GMU and spent the summer interning in geotech engineering. He’s now off to Durham, England for grad school on a baseball scholarship.
Meet Miprecious.
‍
Miprecious Coley is an Economics and Finance major at West Chester University, graduating in 2027. A DC CAP Scholar, she’s found community, purpose, and support through the program.
Meet Allyson.
‍
Allyson Bautista is a DC CAP Scholar and first-generation college student graduating from George Mason University in December 2025 with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Aviation.
Meet Antonio.
‍
Antonio Robertson is a Communication Studies major with a minor in Public Relations at Kent State University, graduating in Spring 2026. He’s found mentorship, connection, and purpose through the DC CAP’s supportive community.
Meet Ruth.
‍
Ruth Alfaro graduated from GMU with a degree in Special Education. After switching from Biology, she found her passion—and now teaches at Hutchison Elementary in Fairfax, VA.
Meet Valentina.
‍
Valentina Fierro is a first-generation senior at George Mason University majoring in Management Information Systems. She interns as a software engineer and credits DC CAP for opening doors and building her confidence in tech.
Meet Morgan.
‍
Morgan Garnes earned his IT degree from GMU and headed to Army training before starting a consulting role. He credits family and DC CAP support for helping him stay on track.

Embracing a bold
vision for D.C.:
Our 2050 Moonshot Goal

Despite the economic growth and prosperity in D.C., educational inequities exist. We’re on a mission to eliminate the higher education gap in Washington, D.C.

With our 2050 Moonshot Goal, we are explicitly calling for an increase in the 6-year college completion rate to 80% by 2050. With deeper partnerships, stronger coaching, and long-term investment in student success, we’re building a future where opportunity is guaranteed.
Only 37%
of D.C. students who go to college, graduate
within 6 years
#1
Reason for stopping out is money

Join the 2050 Moonshot Goal

Learn MorePartner With Us
#NewsAtDCCAP
May 17,2024
Thousands of D.C. Students to Benefit from Historic $30M Investment in College Access
Continue Reading
arrow
May 24,2024
DC CAP Thanks Partners and Sponsors for Making College Signing Day 2025 Possible
Continue Reading
arrow
Donate

Make a Donation to Our Cause

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis.

Replace with donation embed