About John A. Wilson, 1943-1993

The Honorable John A. Wilson devoted his career to serving the public and championing education and opportunities for youth.

Raised in poverty on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Mr. Wilson became a courageous leader of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the 1960s civil rights movement, then moved to Washington and began a distinguished political career.

He led the successful 1974 campaign for adoption of the District's Home Rule Charter, then served 18 years on the D.C. City Council. From 1991 until his death in 1993, he was the City Council Chairman. At his death, it was said of him: "Johnny was a soldier in the army of social justice."

Scholarship Fund Established as Lasting Memorial to D.C. Leader John A. Wilson

The H Street Community Development Corporation (HSCDC) has established the John A. Wilson Scholarship Fund as a lasting memorial to the late civil rights leader, 18-year member of the D.C. City Council, and Council Chairman from 1991 until his death in 1993.

The HSCDC Board of Directors and Executive Director William J. Barrow III announced the action as a celebration of the organization's 25th anniversary. Mr. Wilson was a founding member of the HSCDC. His leadership helped facilitate the 1984 birth of the organization, which has produced new affordable housing and commercial retail and office space throughout the area.

The HSCDC will initially fund the scholarships with $500,000 dedicated from the organization's resources to ensure the longevity of the program. The first five scholarships of $10,000 each are scheduled to be awarded in June 2009.

Students who are D.C. residents graduating from D.C. public and public charter schools are eligible to apply.

The Wilson Scholarships

• Making it possible for worthy students to achieve a college education and compete in the high-tech global economy.
• Improving the quality of life in the community by fostering the development of well-educated young leaders.
• Inspiring community service and neighborhood involvement.

Scholarship Amount

• $10,000 over a four-year period necessary to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree.
• $2,500 to be paid out each year, with proof of acceptable academic performance and continuing enrollment necessary to qualify for 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-year payments.

FIVE 2009-2010 AWARDS PLANNED

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Residents of the District of Columbia with a preference for residents of Wards 5, 6, and 7, the areas where HSCDC focuses its work.
• Graduating seniors of D.C. public schools and public charter schools.
• Cumulative minimum high-school grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Demonstrated financial need and Pell Grant eligibility.
• Involvement in school and community activities.
• Acceptance by and enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited four-year college or university for the Fall Semester of the 2009-2010 school year.

How to Apply

Complete a Wilson Scholarship Application Form (provided by HSCDC or click here to download) and submit it with the following attachments:

• A copy of your Pell Grant eligibility,
• Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a school-based person (teacher, guidance counselor, teacher, or other school employee),
• An official high school transcript,
• Proof of your acceptance by and accredited four-year college or university for the Fall Semester 2009,
• Your essay of 750-1,000 words on the following topic: How can I help change the quality of life within my neighborhood by obtaining a college education and pursuing a career in Public Service (government), Economic Development (business/housing), Community Empowerment (organizing/advocacy), or Neighborhood Revitalization (community and real estate development)?

THE APPLICATION FORM INCLUDES INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE.

APPLICATION DEADLINE APRIL 30, 2009

For application forms & more information, contact: HSCDC at 202.544.8353 or Wilson_Scholarship@hstreetcdc.org.