1600 Communications Foundation Scholarships
The 1600 Foundation was established in 2021 after much research and work to create a non-profit entity to function in partnership with the Association to provide our members with a vehicle to make tax deductible donations to support our scholarship program and charitable activities.
The Foundation was founded and incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity to administer the Scholarship Program and veteran related charitable support of the membership of the 1600 Communications Association.
We are a philanthropic organization that relies on the generous donations of its members.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include those whose academic and career goals include completing a college, professional school or technical school education. Those pursuing continuing education to retrain, recertify, renew technical skills or
change careers are also encouraged to apply.
- All members in good standing, their immediate dependents, and grandchildren
- All associate members in good standing, their immediate dependents, and grandchildren
- Spouses, children and grandchildren of deceased members and associate members
In addition to be considered for a 1600 Communications Foundation Scholarship, the applicant must fulfill the following criteria:
- Be a senior at a public, private or parochial high school who is admitted to an accredited college or technical school; or a continuing enrollment student admitted to an accredited college, technical or professional school; or a college graduate admitted to an accredited professional school for continuing studies or advanced degree; or a continuing education student enrolled in, or admitted to, an accredited college or technical school.
- Maintain a record of good academic standing in a competitive curriculum.
- Compile a record of commitment to school and community service that demonstrates leadership qualities.
- Show potential for academic success and evidence of responsible citizenship.
- Demonstrate motivation to complete higher level educational goals.
- Show evidence of commitment to meeting the financial responsibilities of earning an education (e.g. part-time work, student loan plan, work/study program participation, federal or private grants).
Note: The sponsor must be or have been a member of the 1600 Communications Association in good standing for a minimum of two consecutive years prior to May 31st in the year of application. The sponsor verifies his/her membership status within the Association by signature on the scholarship application form. The status of the sponsor’s membership is confirmed by the Association’s Membership Committee.
* Individuals accepted to a school in which tuition, books, and other academic fees are not charged to the student are not eligible.
* Individuals are only eligible for two total awards either consecutive or nonconsecutive.
2025 Scholarship Awardees
The 1600 Communications Foundation has awarded $14,000 in scholarships to four students this year. The following are this year’s awardees:
- Janiah Collier was recognized as this year’s Ron Thomsen Memorial Scholarship winner and was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Janiah is a sophomore attending Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia.
- Curtis Lilijergren was awarded $4,000 from the general scholarship funds and $1,000 as a co-recipient of the General Tuck Memorial Scholarship. Curtis will be starting his studies at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.
- Logan Reed was awarded $3,000 and will be starting his studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.
- Rebecca Dilks was recognized as a co-recipient of the General Tuck Memorial Scholarship and was awarded $1,000. Rebecca will be continuing her studies at Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois.
Our congratulations to all the awardees.
Interested in Applying?
NOTE: Deadline for all 2026 scholarships is MAY 31, 2026.