The Mitchel O. Dennis Sr. Scholarship is established in honor and memory of Mitchel O. Dennis Sr., who placed a strong and unwavering emphasis on the importance of education. He believed that education is a powerful foundation for personal growth, community advancement, and lasting impact.
This scholarship recognizes graduating high school seniors who demonstrate a genuine passion for academic excellence and a commitment to using education as a tool to uplift and strengthen their communities.
Applicants should reflect a dedication to learning, a drive to succeed, and a desire to promote the value of education through leadership, service, and positive influence.
Through this scholarship, we continue Mitchel Dennis Sr.’s legacy by investing in students who are committed to excellence in education and who aspire to create meaningful change within their communities.
Essay Requirement
Applicants must submit a 500–1,000 word original essay responding to the following prompt:
Describe a specific moment when your commitment to education was challenged or strengthened. What actions did you take, what did you learn from that experience, and how will you use your education to create a positive impact in your community?
Essays must reflect the applicant’s personal experiences and perspective.
Scholarship Rules
Eligibility: Open to legal residents of Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia who are graduating high school seniors enrolling full-time in a two (2) year or four (4) year accredited institution. Minimum GPA: 3.0. PRAF board members and their immediate family/household members are not eligible.
Agreement to Rules: By applying, applicants agree to be bound by these rules and PRAF decisions, which are final.
Application Period: April 1, 2026 through April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Late submissions will not be considered.
Application Requirements: Applicants must submit a complete application, including required forms, essay, and participation in the interview process if selected. Only one submission per applicant is permitted.
Incomplete or non-compliant applications may be disqualified at PRAF’s sole discretion.
Interview Requirement: Selected applicants must be available for an interview between May 4 and May 16, 2026. Failure to participate may result in disqualification. PRAF reserves the right to conduct interviews virtually if necessary.
Scholarship Award: Awards are determined at PRAF’s sole discretion, are non-transferable, and will be paid directly to the recipient’s educational institution. As a condition of receiving the scholarship, awardees must attend the Scholarship Awards Ceremony on July 11, 2026, and must successfully complete the required five (5)-week PRAF Wellness Circle, scheduled from June 2 through July 1, 2026. The PRAF Wellness Circle consists of one (1) session per week, with each session lasting approximately sixty (60) minutes. Failure to meet these requirements may result in forfeiture of the scholarship award.
Selection Process: Selection is competitive and based on merit. Evaluation includes essay quality, originality, clarity, and alignment with PRAF’s mission.
Submission of an application does not guarantee selection.
Equal Opportunity: Scholarships are awarded without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other protected status.
Notification: Awardees will be notified via email on or about May 28, 2026 and must respond within 7 days.
Applicants under 18 will require parent/guardian notification.
Rights and Publicity: Applicants grant PRAF permission to use their name, likeness, and submission for promotional purposes.
Original Work: Submissions must be original, not infringe on third-party rights and accurately reflect the applicants’ own work and experiences.
Program Administration: PRAF reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the program due to unforeseen circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to fraud, technical failures, or disruptions.
Limitation of Liability: Applicants agree to release and hold harmless PRAF and its affiliates from any claim arising out of participation in the scholarship program or acceptance and use of the award.
Disputes: Governed by Washington, D.C. law; disputes handled individually in D.C. courts. Applicants waive the right to claim punitive or consequential damages.
Privacy: Information submitted is subject to PRAF’s privacy policy.
Sponsor: Pink Rocki Advocacy Foundation, Washington, DC.
Awardee List: To request a list of recipients or a copy of these rules, send a written request with a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Pink Rocki Advocacy Foundation
121 Sheridan Street NW
Washington, DC 20011Requests must be received by April 30, 2026.
Disclaimer: This program is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by any social media platform.
Disqualification: Violation of these Official Rules may result in disqualification and forfeiture of any scholarship award at PRAF’s sole discretion.
Award Disbursement: Scholarship funds will be mailed on or about September 17, 2026 to the awardee’s designated educational institution. PRAF reserves the right to adjust the disbursement date as necessary due to administrative or institutional processing requirements.