WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dunkin’ and its DMV-area franchisees announced March 2, 2026, the launch of the fifth annual Dunkin’ Regional Scholarship Program, which will award $125,000 to students in the region that includes Southern Maryland.
In collaboration with Scholarship America, the program will provide 50 academic scholarships of $2,500 each to qualifying high school seniors and current undergraduate students. Recipients will use the awards to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in Fall 2026.
Selection criteria include academic record, demonstrated leadership skills and overall commitment to school and local community. The program remains open to permanent residents of specified areas across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
St. Mary’s County and Calvert County residents qualify for the scholarships. Eligible Maryland counties also include Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Talbot and Washington. Washington, D.C., the City of Baltimore and the City of Alexandria, Virginia, along with multiple Virginia and West Virginia jurisdictions complete the list.
“Dunkin’ franchisees across the DMV have been proud to invest in the future of our communities by supporting students through the fifth annual Dunkin’ DMV Regional Scholarship Program,” said Jackie Keown, Field Marketing Director for Dunkin’. “Through this scholarship program, we’re able to recognize students who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and a commitment to giving back, while helping ease the financial burden of continuing their education. We’re honored to support the next generation of leaders as they pursue their academic and career aspirations right here in our region.”
Since its creation in 2022, the Dunkin’ DMV Regional Scholarship Program has awarded $475,000 in scholarships to 190 outstanding part-time and full-time undergraduate students and high school seniors.
Applications will be accepted through April 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants must plan to enroll in a part-time or full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited institution in Fall 2026. For more information or to apply, visit https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/dunkinbaltimoredc/.
The program reflects Dunkin’ franchisees’ ongoing commitment to local education in the communities they serve. In Southern Maryland, where students often balance academics with family responsibilities and regional economic factors, such scholarships provide meaningful support for higher education goals.
High school seniors graduating in spring 2026 and current undergraduates remain eligible regardless of full-time or part-time status. The straightforward application process through Scholarship America emphasizes merit based on academics and community involvement rather than financial need alone.
This marks the fifth year of the initiative, which has grown steadily in impact since its 2022 launch. By awarding $125,000 annually, Dunkin’ and its local partners help reduce the cost of college for dozens of students each year while recognizing those who contribute positively to their schools and neighborhoods.
Southern Maryland students from St. Mary’s and Calvert counties have direct access to this opportunity without needing to travel outside the region for eligibility. The inclusion of these counties ensures that young people in coastal and rural communities can compete for the awards alongside those from larger metropolitan areas.
Dunkin’ operates numerous locations throughout Southern Maryland, making the scholarship a tangible way the brand gives back to the area’s youth. Franchisees view education investment as essential to building stronger local workforces and communities.
Students interested in applying should gather transcripts, leadership examples and community service details before the April 15 deadline. Scholarship America manages the selection process to ensure fairness and transparency.
The announcement arrives early in the 2026 college preparation cycle, giving prospective applicants several weeks to prepare strong submissions. Past recipients have used the funds for a wide range of programs, from traditional four-year degrees to vocational-technical training aligned with regional job markets.
