Offering admission and financial aid is not enough to prepare students from low-income-earning families to succeed in the rigorous environment of an independent school. ES was founded to give these hardworking students the resources they need to thrive. Each year, it identifies bright fourth-graders who meet competitive academic standards and enrolls them in a 14-month Scholars Academy. Students undergo a demanding academic curriculum, while their parents participate in workshops to learn how to navigate independent school environments and advocate for their children. Partner schools commit to significant tuition assistance that funds life-changing opportunities for these capable students, who consistently rank in the top 10% of their class and graduate into some of the nation’s most competitive colleges. ES scholars then become mentors themselves, guiding their younger peers while receiving consistent support in college and beyond.

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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