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SJT Scholars

George Mascot and future GW student

SJT Scholars

GW’s Stephen Joel Trachtenberg (SJT) Scholarship program, founded in 1989, provides academically talented D.C. high school seniors with a full, four-year scholarship covering tuition, room and board, books and fees at the university. Launched in January 1989 as the 21st Century Scholarship by former university president Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, the award was designed to attract talented high school seniors from D.C.'s public and public charter high schools to GW. Each spring, GW surprises SJT Scholarship recipients.

Students must apply to GW by January 5 and be nominated by their high school counselor by January 10.

 

 

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SJT Scholar Opportunities

  • Become part of a distinguished group of GW scholars and alumni 
  • Participate in collaborative learning environments 
  • Interact with university leadership, including provosts, deans, program directors, and a host of distinguished faculty 
  • Serve as ambassadors for special university and related events 

Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholars benefit from added academic support, mentorship, leadership and character development during their time at GW. These students truly learn the value of knowledge in action. 

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Selection Criteria 

Scholars are selected based on academic record, including GPA, course of study, teacher recommendations, leadership qualities, community service, and other extracurricular activities and achievements. 

There is also a required essay and an evaluative interview component, conducted by the Admissions Committee. The scholarships are renewed annually provided the recipients meet the university’s academic progress standards. 

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Eligibility Requirements

  • District of Columbia resident 
  • Attend a regionally accredited secondary school in the District of Columbia 
  • Apply for admission to GW by the Regular Decision deadline of January 5
  • Apply for financial assistance by submitting both the CSS Profile and the FAFSA* by January 5
    • *For Fall 2025 applicants, only the CSS Profile will be required by January 5, 2025, due to the delayed launch of the 2025-26 FAFSA. SJT nominees will need to submit their FAFSA by February 2.
  • If eligible, apply for the DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program (D.C. TAG) 

Learn more about the program in a webinar on December 4 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Registration is open for students and counselors.

Nominations are accepted from November through January 10.