40 Years Strong: Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Awards $22 Million to 6,000 ACHS Graduates
Alexandria, VA – Founded with just $7,000 in 1986, the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria now awards $700,000 annually to ACHS graduates — pairing financial support with hands-on college advising to help students enroll, persist, and graduate.
This year, the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria (SFA) celebrates 40 years of awarding scholarships to graduates of Alexandria’s only public high school. Founded in 1986 with $7,000 divided among 10 recipients, the organization has grown into a community cornerstone. In 2025 alone, SFA awarded $700,000 to 215 graduates of Alexandria City High School (ACHS). Since its founding, the Fund has distributed nearly $22 million in scholarships, helping almost 6,000 Alexandria students afford college. Scholarships may be used at any accredited postsecondary institution, including career and technical programs.
Beyond financial awards, SFA provides comprehensive college access support. Staff offer one-on-one advising and group workshops on financial aid, including assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Thanks in part to SFA’s efforts, ACHS has the highest FAFSA completion rate in Virginia. Students also receive guidance on college essays, interview preparation, and identifying federal, state, and institutional aid. SFA staff nominate students for prestigious external scholarships, including full-ride opportunities such as those offered by the Posse Foundation.
SFA is committed not only to helping students enroll in college, but to ensuring they graduate. Need-based recipients receive renewal grants for up to four years.
“For the team and myself, nothing is more powerful than hearing from an SFA recipient who reaches out to let us know how much the SFA and their scholarship made a difference,” says Executive Director Jasmine Milone. “This happens on a regular basis, and it’s incredibly uplifting.”
The organization administers two types of scholarships: need-based awards funded through community donations, and no-need scholarships funded by individuals, booster organizations, and community groups such as neighborhood associations. All applicants are evaluated using the same criteria, including academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and personal statements. Many recipients balance family responsibilities and work 20 or more hours per week while in school.
SFA scholars are high-achieving and deeply engaged. In 2025, recipients posted an average GPA of 3.71, and 98.7 percent of need-based awardees were first-generation college students. They are athletes, artists, leaders, activists, and scholars whose success often reshapes the trajectory of their families.
Preparation begins before college starts. SFA’s Summer Series Workshops help graduating seniors navigate financial aid finalization, course selection, commuter life, budgeting, and financial literacy. A summer Boot Camp for juniors jumpstarts the postsecondary application process.
Community support powers the organization. More than 7,800 donors contribute annually, and at least 350 volunteers give their time. Volunteers raise funds, evaluate scholarship applications, assist with workshops, and support administrative needs. The organization benefits from a dedicated Board of Trustees, a 30-member Gala Committee, FAFSA volunteers, and more than 200 application reviewers.
Students also play an active role. ACHS volunteers assist with the annual Spring Gala and Auction and the Scholarship Awards Ceremony. In 2022, SFA launched Titans 4 Scholars, a school club in which ACHS juniors raise funds to support a senior’s four-year scholarship.
Over four decades, SFA has witnessed generations of success. Some former recipients are now parents of current scholars. Others return to establish scholarships, serve on the Board, and give back in meaningful ways. Many alumni return to Alexandria and ACPS, becoming integral to the success of today’s students.
Two signature events anchor the year. The annual Gala and Auction draws approximately 500 guests and raises significant funds for need-based scholarships. This year’s event will be held April 18 at the Hilton Mark Center. Each June, the Scholarship Awards Ceremony brings together donors, families, and students to celebrate achievement and bright futures.
The need remains strong, but so does the promise of Alexandria’s students. For 40 years, SFA has ensured ACHS graduates have both financial support and guidance to pursue higher education. Its impact continues because of the generosity and commitment of the Alexandria community.
To volunteer or donate, contact Executive Director Jasmine Milone at 703-836-6730 or [email protected].
Did You Know?
Nearly 70% of 2025 SFA award recipients are first-generation students — and among need-based recipients, that number jumps to 98.7%. By comparison, 42.59% of ACPS graduating seniors in 2025 identified as first-generation, according to the ACPS Senior Exit Survey.
You’re Invited! Be Part of the Ruby Gala on April 18
Join The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria on April 18, 2026, for its 40th Anniversary Gala & Auction — a ruby celebration honoring four decades of helping Alexandria students achieve their postsecondary dreams. More than 30% of SFA’s scholarship funding begins in this ballroom, powering the next generation of Titan graduates and strengthening our community’s workforce. Wear a touch of red in tribute to SFA’s resilient, exceptional recipients — and be part of an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration and special surprises. Become a sponsor or reserve your ticket today: https://e.givesmart.com/events/LF4
Then & Now
Rubaiyat Rhidoy (SFA Class of 2016)
An SFA 2016 award recipient (Class of 1977 Clash Scholarship), Rubaiyat Rhidoy graduated from Northern Virginia Community College in 2018 and now works with ACPS as an accomplished videographer on the Communications Team. While building his film career — and working full-time with Arlington Public Schools — Rubaiyat credits mentors John Stuhldreher, Jeremy Koller, and Brian Ekerson, along with ACHS Media instructor Vilma Zefran, whom he calls “genuinely one of the best teachers at ACPS.”
In December 2025, SFA advisors serendipitously reconnected with him at a Financial Aid Workshop in the King Street Rotunda — this time behind the camera. Rubaiyat helped produce the ACPS partnership spotlight, “Meet the ACPS Partners: Scholarship Fund of Alexandria,” featuring current seniors and alumni alongside SFA Executive Director Jasmine Milone.
Rhidoy remains grateful for SFA’s financial support — and now helps tell the story of what happens when Alexandria students succeed.
Watch the video:
