Dunkin' Awards $125K in Scholarships to 50 DMV Students

Fifty students across the DMV region just got some life-changing news: they're $2,500 richer thanks to Dunkin's commitment to education.

Dunkin' and its local franchisees announced the fifth annual Dunkin' Regional Scholarship Program on March 2, 2026. The program partners with Scholarship America to award a total of $125,000 to deserving students across Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, including Southern Maryland.

Each of the 50 winners receives $2,500 to put toward their education at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school starting this fall. The scholarships recognize more than just good grades.

Selection committees looked for students who demonstrate leadership skills and show real commitment to their schools and communities. High school seniors and current undergraduate students who are permanent residents of the DMV region were eligible to apply.

The Ripple Effect

This program does more than help individual students pay tuition bills. By investing in young people who already give back to their communities, Dunkin' is multiplying the positive impact these future leaders will have.

The scholarships particularly benefit students pursuing vocational and technical training, pathways that often get overlooked despite offering strong career opportunities. When companies recognize all forms of higher education as valuable, they help break down outdated barriers about what success looks like.

For five years running, Dunkin' has made education accessible to students who might otherwise struggle with the rising costs of college. That consistency matters. Students and families can count on this opportunity year after year, making long-term planning possible.

The program also strengthens the connection between local businesses and the communities they serve. DMV-area franchisees aren't just serving coffee; they're investing in the next generation of their neighbors.

These 50 students will carry their education forward into careers that serve their communities, creating a cycle of opportunity that extends far beyond a single scholarship check.