A Milestone Celebration for DC Students
The DC College Access Program (DC CAP Scholars) is thrilled to announce the return of College Signing Day for 2025, a powerful annual celebration of DC high school seniors’ post-secondary education commitments and the promise of their transformative futures. This year’s celebration will take place on April 11, 2025, at the Capital One Arena, and will build on the incredible energy of 2024, which featured Former First Lady Michelle Obama as the keynote speaker.
Last year’s celebration brought together over 2,500 students from across the DC area and featured special performances by TOB, a DC Go-Go band, the Benjamin Banneker Academic Senior High School Cheer team, and The War & Treaty, a Grammy-nominated country duo. This year, DC CAP is aiming even higher, continuing its mission to close the higher education achievement gap and foster a culture of post-secondary success in the District. College Signing Day 2025 will also serve as a milestone in DC CAP’s progress toward a city-wide 2050 Moonshot Goal, an ambitious initiative to achieve an 80% six-year college graduation rate for all D.C. students by 2050.
Details about speakers and performances will be announced in the coming weeks, promising an unforgettable experience that matches the high-energy celebrations of years past.
Why You Should Be There
- Celebrate Your Achievements: Stand proud among peers as we celebrate your hard work
- Be Inspired: Hear from speakers who have walked your path
- Win Prizes: Participate in activities for a chance to win exciting prizes
- Enjoy Live Performances from some very special guests!
Students: Celebrate Your Next Step With Us
This is your moment! Fill out the permission slip and media release form, provided to you by your school, and register to attend College Signing Day. This is your annual chance to be part of a community-wide celebration of your commitment to higher education. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be recognized for your achievements and get inspired for the exciting journey ahead.
Teachers & Schools: Support Your Students’ Success
Encourage your students to participate in the College Signing Day and join us in celebrating their commitment to further education. We will be sharing resources and materials to help you promote the event in your schools. Let’s work together to make this day memorable for our students and reinforce the importance of higher education. Your school officials will be in touch soon with all of the info required to bring your students to this monumental event. If you have any further questions, please reach out to Rahje Branch at rahje.branch@dccap.org.
Sponsors and Partners
If you’re interested in learning more about potentially supporting College Signing Day, please reach out to Sashia Moore at sashia.moore@dccap.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students can I bring? How many chaperones can I bring?
A: We request that you reach out to your school and/or your district leadership for specific information on the number of students you are allowed to bring and how many chaperones should accompany them. This year’s event will be open to Seniors, Juniors, and a select number of underclassmen.
What if I don't have enough chaperones?
If you need assistance with attaining chaperones in order to meet your district’s requirements, please email Rahje Branch at rahje.branch@dccap.org.
What should we wear?
We encourage all attendees (students and chaperones) to wear college gear (t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc).
What should we bring?
Adults/chaperones- please bring valid photo identification. While this event will abide by Capital One Arena’s bag policy, we kindly request that you do not bring anything into the arena. Food will be provided.
What time does the program start?
The doors will open at 10am. From 10am-11am, attendees will arrive. During this time, there will be music, performances, and other activities until the official program begins around 11:30am.