For the driven students in ES, extra schooling is not a chore but an opportunity. Each year, it identifies and enrolls bright, hard-working fourth-graders, most of whom are youth of color and/or come from low-income-earning families; they meet competitive academic standards but lack the preparation and financial resources to reach their full potential. A 14-month, STEM-focused Scholars Academy, test prep, financial aid, academic and social support, prepare graduates to apply to the region's top independent schools. ES even works to meet the needs of scholar families, many of whom have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Partner schools commit to significant tuition assistance that funds life-changing opportunities for these capable kids. And they don't disappoint: ES scholars consistently rank in the top 10% of their class and attend some of the nation’s most competitive colleges and universities. You can support a great academic journey.

Headquarters: VA-Arlington County

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Prince George's County; VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-Prince William County; VA-City of Alexandria; VA-City of Fairfax; VA-City of Falls Church

Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic; Other

Population(s) Served: Students

Schools They Work In: Es works with independent schools throughout the DC metro area


  • Amount our scholars have received in need-based educational scholarships:   Over $20,000,000
  • Number of scholars who have graduated from the Scholars Academy:   Over 200!
  • Percent of scholars who graduate from high school:   100%
  • Percent of Scholars Academy graduates who are accepted to 4-year universities:   100% of applicants

Awards & Recognition

Catalogue for Philanthropy, 2013-2014: One of the Best Small Charities in the Greater Washington Area

Press

  • A Pathway to Success for Low Income Students
    Thu Apr 21 2016, Alexandria Gazette  
    Emerging Scholars offers life-changing educational and leadership opportunities to gifted underserved children and their families.
    connect here

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for Emerging Scholars Program is: Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

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