Herb Block Foundation Scholarship

Offered by The Herb Block Foundation

Award
$1,000–$16,000
Deadline
Nov 10, 2026
Awards
100
Grade Level
College Student, All Grade Levels
Essay
Required

About This Scholarship

The Herb Block Foundation Scholarship funds community college education in the Washington, D.C. metro area, honoring the legacy of Herbert Block, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post editorial cartoonist known as Herblock. The foundation grants up to 100 scholarships every year, typically half for the fall semester and half for the spring semester.

This is a "last dollar" scholarship: awards are valued at up to $8,000 per academic year, not to exceed $16,000 over the life of the scholarship, and the actual amount depends on a student's remaining financial need after other aid is applied. Funds cover tuition, mandatory fees, books, and supplies, plus limited transportation costs. Recipients can renew their scholarships for up to five years, making it a rare multi-year commitment to community college students.

The program is open to high school graduates, current community college students, and adult learners attending D.C.-area community colleges. Applications are administered by International Scholarship & Tuition Services (ISTS): the application period runs March 1 through November 10, with a June 1 deadline for fall semester funding and a November 10 deadline for the winter/spring semester.

Eligibility

  • Attend or plan to attend a community college in the Washington, D.C. metro area
  • Open to high school graduates, current community college students, and adult learners of all ages
  • Award is need-based (last-dollar) after other financial aid is applied
  • No employment, membership, or citizenship-of-sponsor requirement

How To Apply

  • Create an account on the ISTS application portal at aim.applyISTS.net/HerbBlock (program key: HerbBlock).
  • Submit the completed application and supporting documents by November 10 for spring semester funding; the annual application period runs March 1 through November 10.

Apply Now →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Herb Block Scholarship pay?

It is a last-dollar award worth up to $8,000 per academic year (capped at $16,000 total), based on your remaining need after other aid. It covers tuition, mandatory fees, books, supplies, and limited transportation.

Can adults returning to school apply?

Yes. The scholarship explicitly serves high school graduates, current community college students, and adult learners attending D.C.-area community colleges.

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Herb Block Foundation Scholarship: $1,000–$16,000 Scholarship | The College Investor