Posse Foundation Scholarship

This organization helps sixty students in the D.C. region receive a full-tuition scholarship to one of six partner colleges and universities: Bucknell University, Lafayette College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Sewanee University, University of Rochester, and Lewis & Clark College.

In April and May you will be asked to submit up to ten students as nominees for your school. The counselors will provide names of students whom they feel meet the criteria of the Posse Foundation. Students are nominated online. Meet with students to discuss the process and ascertain their interest in the program.

DETAILS ABOUT THE POSSE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP:

• The Posse Foundation started 20+ years ago by Mrs. Deborah Dial because of a statement that a student made who had dropped out of school. He told her that he would have stayed in school if he had his “posse” with him. At the time, the name “Posse” was the name for the Washington Commanders offensive and defensive line; they were known as the “posse” because of their teamwork, responsibility, dependability, reliability, and support to each other and the team. The Posse Foundation was created to send ten students to college as a team. This team would work together, support each other, and be accountable to each other. The college graduation rate of students in the Posse Foundation is over 90%.

• Within the process, all high schools in the DC area are invited to submit ten student nominees. Over 1500 students are invited to participate every year. There is a three-step interview process. The first interview is held in September and is a large interview using the Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP). DAP is Posse’s innovative approach to identifying exceptional students through non-traditional forums. A large group interview with approximately 50-100 students; Posse staff will lead students in a series of interactive small-group workshops. Approximately 40-60% of the students will be selected to move on to the semifinal round.

• The semifinals occur in October and November. It begins with a twenty-minute interview. Students may be asked to bring transcripts and SAT/ACT scores to this interview. Approximately 25-30 students will be selected to move to the final round.

• In December, in a small-group interview, 20-25 finalists will be observed and interviewed by Posse staff as well as staff from the college or university. Ten students from this group will be selected as Posse Scholars.

• IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS AN EARLY DECISION BINDING CONTRACT. If they are selected, they must attend the school they are selected for. This is a full-tuition scholarship, but room and board are not included. Students should have filed their FAFSA and should reach out to the school’s financial aid office.

POSSE FINALIST INFORMATION MEETINGS, POSSE SCHOLARS EVENT, WEEKLY POSSE MEETINGS

• Posse Finalists Meeting

  • This meeting is very important for students who have made it to the final round. It gives information about the college application process, transcripts, test scores, recommendations, and filing of the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile. Students will be given information that includes a checklist of items they need to bring to their next meeting.

  • There is a huge event (normally in the first week of January) that is held to celebrate the new Posse Scholars. All winners must attend. Parents are invited, as well as staff members, but space is limited at the venue (location changes yearly).

  • Posse Scholars must meet once a week for six to seven months for Posse training. The training is normally at the Posse headquarters office in DC, not far from 13th and F Streets NW.