The Denton Scholarship Application

The Herbert H. Denton, Jr Scholarship is based on three criteria: general character and scholastic achievement, financial need, and demonstrated ability in non-fiction writing, though it is not a journalism scholarship. The Scholar receives an award of up to $120,000 for tuition, room and board, books, supplies and other higher education expenses, payable to the appropriate institutions or vendors. The amount awarded will take into consideration other commitments of financial assistance.

The award is open to graduating seniors of seventeen participating schools—Barrie School, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, DuVal High School, Eastern High School, Georgetown Preparatory School, H.D. Woodson High School, Jackson-Reed High School, KIPP D.C. College Preparatory Public Charter School, McKinley Technology High School, The Potomac School (McLean), St. Albans School, The School Without Walls, Thurgood Marshall Academy, The Washington International School, Washington Latin Public Charter School, and West Potomac High School.

To apply, graduating seniors from these schools must be nominated by their high school principal or a counselor or teacher designated by the principal. If you are a senior at one of the participating schools, please reach out to your administration for further details on the selection of nominees from your school.

I Have Been Nominated - How Do I Apply?


Application Process

The application form can be found by clicking here. You can save and update the application at any time until the deadline, but be aware that you will need the following application materials by the deadline for the application to be considered complete.

  • An original essay of no more than 250 words on the following topic: A friend once observed that an essential element of Herbert H. Denton, Jr.'s character was that Herb was "absolutely and utterly" his own person. Describe a situation that has challenged you to be true to your own beliefs or ideals.
  • Two letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor and/or principal on official letterhead. College letters of recommendation are fine.
  • Transcripts including all recorded grades from senior year and class rank if applicable
  • Copy of SAT or ACT Scores
  • Student Aid Report from Completed FAFSA application
  • At least one college acceptance letter

Click Here To Access The Application Form

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by Sunday, April 7, 2024. The recipient will be chosen by the end of May. You may save your work and come back at any time, but a complete application must be submitted by Sunday, April 7, 2024. Failure to meet the deadline or to include all items listed below will result in your application being deemed incomplete.

Questions?

We understand that these are difficult times. If you have any questions or need accommodations to meet the scholarship deadline, please contact Katie Britton, Scholarship Application Coordinator, at dentonscholarship@gmail.com.