Dawna J. Colbert and John Fitzpatrick Scholarships in Computing Studies 2025

Application Guidelines 

Technology Concept Group International (TCGi) Foundation is dedicated to connecting black women to meaningful opportunities in technology and computing. Through our work, we aim to diversify the next generation of technology leaders. The TCGi Foundation Scholarship Fund facilitates partnerships with key stakeholders to increase the visibility and representation of black women pursuing degrees in computing.  

The Mission of the TCGI Foundation is to connect black women to opportunities in technology. 

To support our mission, we have established the Dawna J. Colbert and John Fitzpatrick Scholarships in Computing Studies. Dawna and John were beloved members of the TCGi family, and upon their passing (Dawna in 2017 and John in 2021), scholarships were named in their memory. Our goal is to bestow multiple scholarships every year to deserving students studying technology. 

The Vision of the TCGi Foundation is to break down barriers for black women in tech, shifting the mindset of what is possible. 

The Purpose of the TCGi Scholarship Fund is to provide scholarships to deserving high school graduating seniors and current college/university students who intend to pursue a course of study in computing at either a two-year or four-year educational institution. 

TCGi Scholarship Committee will award $2,500 per semester to a Black woman who will be attending a two or four-year institution. If enrolled in a 4-year institution the scholarship can amount to $10,000. Scholarship funds will be awarded to the student upon evidence of registration at an accredited higher education institution.  

To receive their award, Scholarship winners must be able to attend the John Fitzpatrick Memorial Golf Classic IN PERSON at the Commonwealth National Golf Club (Horsham, PA) on Monday, June 16, 2025.  

Criteria and eligibility (Dawna J. Colbert Scholarship Fund for graduating high school seniors)   

1.    Applicant must be a resident of Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.

2.    Applicant must be a graduating high school senior in the year of the award. 

3.    Applicants must have at least a 3. 0 grade point average (or a “B” average). 

4.    Applicant must have a desired college major in Computing, Engineering, or Information Technology.  

5.    Applicants may not be related to any Board of Directors or staff for this presents a conflict of interest. 

Criteria and eligibility (John Fitzpatrick Scholarship Fund for current college and graduate students)   

1.    Applicant must be a resident of Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.

2.    Applicant must be enrolled in a two or four-year college in the year of the award. 

3.    Applicant must have at least a 3.3 grade point average 

4.    Applicant must have declared a major in Computing, Engineering, or Information Technology. 

5.    Applicants may not be related to any Board of Directors or staff for this presents a conflict of interest. 

General Instructions 

1.    DEADLINE for scholarship applications is March 7, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST.

2.    Refer to application process below for a list of the supporting documents needed (i.e., reference forms, evidence of GPA, etc.) Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

3.    If any question does not apply to you in this application, please put N/A in the space. 

4.    All semi-finalists will need to complete a virtual interview with the TCGI Scholarship Committee. Virtual interviews will be held in late March through early April. 

5.    All applicants will be notified by May regarding the status of your application. 

6.    If you have any questions about the application, please email [email protected]. 

Application Process for High School Seniors:   

Applicant must submit the following items: 

1.    Two (2) letters of recommendation from choice of high school teachers, administrators, counselors, employers, or individual with significant knowledge of applicant’s experience and involvement. 

2.    An official and recent high school transcript with cumulative grade point average and a class standing/rank. 

3.    Personal Essay.

• Essay must be at least 500 words. Please double-check your essay for any typos and grammatical errors. 

Application Process for Current College and Graduate Students:  

Applicant must submit the following items: 

1.    Two (2) letters of recommendations from choice of college instructors, advisors, counselors, employers, or individual with significant knowledge of applicant’s experience and involvement. 

2.    An official and recent college transcript (no earlier than May 2024) with cumulative grade point average. 

3.    Personal Essay. 

• Essay must be at least 500 words. Essay must contain no grammatical errors.