February 27, 2026
Dear Washingtonians,
This week, we were at Calvin Coolidge High School, celebrating our students and educators and celebrating 25 years of the DC Tuition Assistance Grant program (DCTAG).
A few weeks ago, we got some good news about DCTAG from Congress. For the past decade, I have advocated for an increase to DCTAG. Prices on everything have gone up since the program was created 25 years ago, but the grant amount and the lifetime cap stayed the same — until this year. Recently, Congress approved an increase to both the annual award and the lifetime cap. Instead of students getting up to $10,000 to take with you to college, now you can take up to $15,000 – and that’s every year. Instead of a lifetime cap of $50,000, it is now $75,000.
I want to give a big thank you to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton who helped us get this done. She is also the reason DCTAG exists. Recognizing the need for a tuition assistance program for DC youth, Congresswoman Norton fought to establish DCTAG, introducing the DC College Access Act, which officially created DCTAG when it passed Congress in 1999. DCTAG addresses a unique challenge facing families in the District: Because DC does not have a state university system, District students historically had limited access to in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. DCTAG helps cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition when students go to colleges or universities across the country.
Since the first awards were made in the 2000-2001 academic year, nearly 40,000 DC residents have received more than $716 million in tuition support to attend 422 colleges and universities nationwide. More than 4,500 students were approved for DCTAG during the 2025-26 school year, the highest number in over five years.
This is what we want students and families to know:
- The increase will take effect starting in August for the upcoming school year.
- Applications are open now. The DCTAG application period opened on Monday, February 2 and runs through Friday, August 21.
- To apply, eligible students must complete the DC OneApp, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and submit required supporting documents. The DC OneApp needs to be recertified yearly. For more detailed information and to access the DC OneApp, visit .
These are real dollars – real money to pay for college. Help us spread the word to our many talented students across DC: DCTAG is up and applications are open.
Sincerely,
Find photos from events throughout February on Facebook.
The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program application is now open for District youth ages 14 to 24. Young people interested in gaining work experience over the summer should apply at summerjobs.dc.gov by Friday, March 6.
For over four decades, MBSYEP has employed thousands of District youth in summer jobs that provide them with both income and critical work experience.
Employers interested in hosting MBSYEP participants are also encouraged to register as soon as possible.
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Registration for DPR spring programming will open at noon on Tuesday, March 3 for aquatics programs and at noon on Wednesday, March 4 for all other programs.
This spring, DPR is expanding opportunities for residents of all ages with programs focused on wellness, workforce development, creativity, and community connection.
Spring Program Highlights Include:
- Lifeguard Training classes that prepare participants for certification and employment opportunities.
- The return of Girls Who Code, empowering youth through technology and STEM learning.
- Sweat & Sound Thursdays at Kennedy Recreation Center, combining fitness and music for a high-energy community workout experience.
- That’s My DJ at Brentwood Recreation Center, introducing youth to DJing and music production.
- Art Escape at Woody Ward Recreation Center, offering creative arts programming for youth and families.
- Spring Break Camps aligned with DC Public Schools’ spring break schedule.
- Sports and fitness programming, including tennis, pickleball, kayaking, dance, and youth athletics.
Offerings for seniors include wellness clinics, special events and registration for the DC Senior Games, alongside ongoing fitness and social programs designed to keep older adults active and connected.
Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and DPR will utilize a virtual waiting room on both registration days to manage demand. Residents are encouraged to create an account in DPR’s registration system in advance by visiting dpr.dc.gov/DPRaccount. Reduced rates are available for qualifying DC residents and must be approved prior to registration.
For a full list of programs and registration details, visit DPRprograms.com.
Join the DC Public Library this Saturday, February 28, for a celebration of the 10th anniversary of Books from Birth, DC’s free early‑literacy program that delivers a book each month to every child from birth to age five.
This celebration at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will feature:
- A concert with family favorites Marsha and the Positrons
- Laugh Together with Family Improv Fun by Story Tapestries
- Interactive storytimes highlighting beloved children’s books
- Hands‑on craft stations inspired by favorite characters and stories
- Playful literacy activities designed for little learners
- Giveaways and surprises to keep the fun going at home
Whether your child has been receiving Books from Birth titles for years or you’re just discovering the program, this celebration is for you.
Learn more about the Books from Birth celebration.
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