2026 Application Opens - January 1, 2026
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2026 Application Opens - January 1, 2026 -
Ethel Payne Empowerment Foundation, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
P.O. Box 41283, Washington, DC 20018
"Inspiring The Voices of Women in Journalism"
Make a Donation
Please consider donating today.
Your generous contributions will support women pursuing a career in journalism.
Mission
The mission of the Ethel Payne Empowerment Foundation, Inc. (EPEF, Inc.) is to award scholarships to female high school graduating seniors, in District of Columbia (DC) public/charter high schools, and undergraduate collegiates, who have graduated from DC public/charter high schools, pursuing a degree in journalism.
Ethel Payne?
Ethel L. Payne was known as the "First Lady of the Black Press". She broke barriers throughout her career and was known for asking tough questions that other journalists did not want to approach. She was a columnist, lecturer, and freelance writer. She combined advocacy with journalism whether she was reporting on the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s, writing in support of freeing Nelson Mandela, or covering the African American troops in Vietnam.
Ms. Payne became the first African American woman to appear on a national network as a radio and television commentator. She is one of four journalists honored with a U.S. postage stamp in the "Women Journalism" set in 2002. The Washington Post, in its August 12, 2011, edition of her passing, stated "Had Ethel Payne not been Black she certainly would have been one of the most recognized journalists in American society."
The Ethel Payne Empowerment Foundation, Inc. honors this great trailblazer and endeavors to support and encourage young women in the field of journalism.
Empowering Women in Journalism
The purpose of the EPEF, Inc. is to afford young women residents of DC financial support through the award of academic scholarships in the field of journalism. The intent is to:
- Enable such young women to attain career and educational goals.
- Inspire recipients to address the relevant issues and challenges that impact the community by increasing awareness via mainstream media outlets.
- Cultivate women's leadership in the field of communication.
The ultimate goal is to empower scholars to use their talents as candid communicators and revered spokeswomen provoking effective change for the voiceless and disenfranchised among us.
Journalism Scholarship
DC Public & Charter High School — Undergraduate Female Students
"Inspiring The Voices of Women in Journalism"
Eligible Use
Tuition, room & board, books, and fees — paid directly to your institution.
Award Period
Granted for the academic year immediately following the award.
Other Aid
Apply even if you've received or applied for scholarships from other sources.
Requirement
All candidates must be in good academic standing at time of application.
Eligibility Requirements
Female DC resident graduating from a DC public/charter high school, or an undergraduate who previously graduated from a DC public/charter high school. Both high school and undergraduate applicants must provide proof of enrollment in a four-year college/university, an official transcript, and have a 2.5 minimum GPA.
What to Submit
Maximum of 3 typewritten pages, double-spaced, Arial or Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Tell us about you — we want to know why you want to be a journalist. Scores will be based on content, style, and presentation.
Content
Consider addressing the following:
- Academic potential and skills
- Current motivations and future aspirations
- Personal skills and qualities
- Work experience
- Community service activities
- Extracurricular activities
- Awards and honors
Style & Presentation
Reviewers will consider:
- Does your writing indicate an ability to communicate well?
- Is there creativity and enjoyment in your use of words?
- Is your writing clear and error-free?
The letter must include:
Feeding the homeless, registering voters, volunteering in local hospitals, volunteering in church activities that provide services to individuals, tutoring/mentoring programs, preparing/delivering meals, assisting senior citizens or the disabled, volunteering with community-based service organizations.
Church activities common to all churches such as Sunday School teacher, choir member, usher, sports team member, etc. Activities cannot be job-related or done in the interest of family.
A letter from an instructor or faculty member that includes:
Wallet or passport-size photo (cap and gown or headshot). High school applicants must also include a copy of their letter of acceptance to their chosen college/university.
Please note: Recipients of EPEF scholarships are disqualified from applying for additional EPEF, Inc. scholarships. Family members of the EPEF, Inc. are barred from applying.
How Applications Are Scored
Candidates are evaluated across five weighted criteria totaling 100 points.
Application Checklist
- Signed and completed scholarship application form
- Personal Statement
- One letter of recommendation from an instructor or faculty member
- One letter of recommendation from a community representative
- Copy of official transcript — due by March 31st
- Wallet or passport-size photo (cap & gown or headshot)
- Copy of letter of acceptance to chosen college/university by April 30th (High School Applicants Only)
Deadline: Applications must be postmarked or received electronically no later than 11:59 PM on March 31st. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
After You Apply
Application and all materials must be received.
Successful candidates will be contacted for an interview by the Scholarship Committee.
Final recipients notified of their award and amount.
Scholarship funds mailed directly to selected colleges and universities on the awardee's behalf.
Students who are not selected may reapply in subsequent years. Please note that your application becomes the property of EPEF, Inc. and will not be returned.
Questions?
Reach the EPEF Scholarship Team for any questions about the application process.
PO Box 41283 · Washington, DC 20018
Apply for The Ethel Payne Grant
The Ethel Payne Empowerment Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity organization.
We solicit financial support through the donation of tax-deductible contributions. Your generous tax-deductible donation will empower female scholars to use their talents as candid communicators and revered spokeswomen provoking effective change for the voiceless and disenfranchised among us.
Thank you for helping evoke change in our community through the empowered voices of women in journalism.