2. Utilize the chat function by licking the Green Chat Box on any page at aim.applyISTS.net
*ISTS Program Support is open Monday-Friday 7 AM to 7 PM CST and Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM CST
Please note that if you are promoted for a password key, it is HerbBlock.
For questions about the scholarship application or renewal process, please contact ISTS Program Support: (855) 670-4787 or [email protected].
Herb Block saw education as the opportunity for a better life. In his will, he urged the creation of scholarships for post-secondary individuals with financial need. Established in 2005, The Herb Block Scholarship provides financial assistance to high school graduates, community college students, and adult learners who wish to continue their studies at Washington, D.C. area community colleges. The scholarship is “last dollar” valued at up to $8,000 per academic year not to exceed $16,000 over the life of the scholarship. The actual award amount for each recipient is determined in conjunction with the school’s financial aid office and is based on a student’s financial need after all other resources are considered. The award covers tuition, mandatory fees, books, and supplies, as well as limited transportation. Scholarship recipients can renew their scholarships for up to five years. Up to 100 scholarships are granted every year; typically half for the fall semester and half for the spring semester. See the Scholarship Highlights for more details.
Quotes from Herb Block Foundation Scholarship Winners
"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the wonderful opportunity provided by the Herb Block Scholarship. This scholarship has been instrumental in my academic journey, allowing me to focus on my studies without the added stress of financial burdens.
The support from this scholarship has not only eased my financial situation but has also motivated me to strive for excellence in my educational pursuits. With your generous assistance, I am able to attend the BOND Academy for professional development at Bowie State University and participate in innovative projects at Montgomery College, such as the pilot history course conducted in Spanish. These experiences are invaluable and have significantly enriched my academic and cultural understanding.
Thank you once again for your generosity and support. This scholarship has truly made a difference in my life, and I am committed to making the most of this incredible opportunity.
Sincerely," Marinobi Medrano, May 2024
"My name is Raul Orellana Andrade, a student at Northern Virginia Community College, and I am also one of the individuals who was awarded the 2023-2024 Herb Block Foundation Scholarship. I am writing this letter to formally express my gratitude and to inform you that your generosity is making an impact in my life and helping me with achieve a degree in psychology.
I am excited to share with you that I am getting ready to begin my second and final year at NOVA this upcoming fall. Receiving your assistance with my tuition costs has provided me with the peace of mind I need to focus on my education. I plan on becoming a clinical psychologist and help other members of our community who struggle with mental health and substance abuse disorders live better lives.
Please know that I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and I will use this opportunity you have given me to join you in the effort of making our world a better place.
Warm regards," - Raul Orellana Andrade May 29, 2024
“I want to thank The Herb Block Foundation for the help that was given to me to make the gap of reaching my goals smaller and also for inspiring me to help others in the near future” - Miguel Angel Zapata Tito, May 2022
"Hello, my name is Marlen. I'm currently at Montgomery County Community College. I'm so grateful for everyone including this scholarship becausenow I'm a step closer to my dreams. At first it felt impossible but now I'm getting ready for my second year."- Marlen Perez, May 2020
"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to be your scholar for the year of 2020. When the pandemic hit, I lost my job and the amount I received helped my son and I with food and rent needs. I wanted to inform you it relieved me of a lot of financial burden, and I did not feel alone. I was able to focus on my classes and perform well.
Although I may have lost my job it could have been the best thing that has happened to me as I had the time to volunteer at a nonprofit organization helping families of low income in Montgomery county the organization is known as interfaith works located in Rockville. During my time of volunteering, I gave my best effort in all tasks assigned little did I know they were starting a new program and a job offer was given to me as a program coordinator! I absolutely love my job. I help distribute food, clothing and diapers to families in need. I couldn't be happier to have a job I'm passionate for!
My son and I are doing well, and I wanted to thank you again for the help and granting me and my son the help when we needed it most.
I look forward to another school year and I'm currently applying to scholarships and opportunity for financial assistance through school. I'm thankful you were a part of my success story, thank you for believing in me!"
-Carolina Avila, January 2021
"Dear Herb Block Foundation,
My name is Nikita Thompson and I am writing to express my gratitude for having been a Herb Block Scholarship recipient during my time as a Montgomery College student (2006-2007).
Noticing Herb Block comic strips hanging during a recent Library of Congress visit, I remembered fondly the awards ceremony, I attended with my then seven year old son.
Those memories we share would not be possible without the help of the Herb Block scholarship and the dedicated people like all of you, who are committed to providing opportunities for academic advancement.
Thank you immensely and God Bless.
– Nikita Thompson, June 2019
"I wanted to share with you an update about me. I not sure if the organization remembers me, but I was awarded the Herb Block Scholarship for the 2017-2018 school year. I was attending Northern Virginia Community College at the time and hoping to be accepted to a local nursing program. I wanted to share with you that I was accepted to George Mason University Nursing program and have completed my first semester of nursing. I wanted to thank you for helping me financially and contributing to my endeavors. I won’t be here if I did not have the support." – Ana Vasquez, January 2019
"It has been a true honor and pleasure to have been awarded a scholarship from The Herb Block Foundation. The help and support I receive allows me to continue to pursue my dreams and aspirations as a student. I am eternally grateful and thankful." – Edwin Ramirez, June 2018
"I am truly blessed to have received this aid for my career pursuits. I only hope & pray that others one day will receive assistance for their dreams like I have." – Caitlyn Morales, June 2018
"I wanted to say thank you for your support and for choosing me as your 2017 scholarship recipient. Your generosity has impacted my life! It has given me a chance and opportunity to receive higher education. Coming from a low-income household, your support has made it possible to afford college. Thank you again!" Heather Alba, October 2017
"Being a recipient of the scholarship has given me the opportunity that many do not get, which im thankful for. Two of the things I will forever carry with me through life is to always be thankful and to not complain, but instead work smarter... and harder." – Andree joyce Mbogba, November 2017
"I am writing this letter to show my appreciation for being awarded the Herblock scholarship to help further my education. I was able to use the money offered to me to pay my fees and tuition costs for the 2011/2012 year and to afford other expenses. The help means a lot to me and I remain grateful to your organization. I also promise to do my part by studying hard to get good grades and giving back to my community." – Madonna Mbomani Enwe
"The Herb Block Foundation Scholarship, through its dedication to supporting community efforts is helping me reach my goals of becoming an educator. Since I have similar passions for education as Mr. Block had, his Foundation Scholarship inspires me to be successful in my academic, career and personal endeavors." – Nneka Lyn, PGCC
"With the aid of the Herb Block Foundation Scholarship, I can afford to pursue my academic ambitions and bring me closer to realizing my dream as a Law Enforcement Officer or a Special Agent. This scholarship award will alleviate any financial burdens and I can afford books, supplies or school related materials. I would also like to than you on behalf of my parents, because this scholarship will definitely be a great benefactor for them. My parents can now focus on making ends meet without having to pay for my classes or paying for my books or supplies." – Jun Wang
"I am very happy and will be ever thankful to this great foundation for their support to help those who by themselves can't afford a college education and as such clearing a path for a better future for me and many others. Thanks once again for your support for me to get a college education." – Terence Tangoalem
"It is a great pleasure to be part of The Herb Block Scholarship program. I would like to thank you people for the opportunity you have given me to accomplish my goals." – Alhaji Dukuray
"I am much honored that I was chosen for this prestigious award...I can't thank you enough for providing me with the opportunity of going to college. This scholarship is my only hope to make my future better." – Tanzeel Ashraf
About Herb Block
Herb Block is among the world’s best known and most admired political cartoonists. Born on October 13, 1909, the native Chicagoan spent his 72-year career fighting against abuses of the powerful.
The Herb Block Foundation is committed to defending the basic freedoms guaranteed all Americans, combating all forms of discrimination and prejudice and improving the conditions of the poor and underprivileged through the creation or support of charitable and educational programs with the same goals.
The Foundation is also committed to providing educational opportunity to deserving students through post-secondary education scholarships and to promoting editorial cartooning through continued research. All efforts of the Foundation shall be in keeping with the spirit of Herblock, America's great cartoonist in his life long fight against abuses by the powerful.
Herb Block is among the world’s best known and most admired political cartoonists. Born on October 13, 1909, the native Chicagoan spent his 72-year career fighting against abuses of the powerful.