Harvard-Bound Student From Falls Church Receives Dunkin' Regional Scholarship

FALLS CHURCH, VA — A student from Falls Church attending Harvard University is receiving a scholarship from the second annual Dunkin’ Regional Scholarship for DC area students.

Dunkin' hosted the scholarship program this past spring, which awarded $125,000 in academic scholarships to high school and college students across the Washington, D.C., area. There were 50 students in the region who received a $2,500 academic scholarship to an accredited two- or four-year college or vocational technical school of their choice for the upcoming fall semester.

Falls Church's Emily Ocasio, a student at the New School of Northern Virginia, will use the scholarship at Harvard University. She will attend the Ivy League school as part of the class of 2027.

Working in partnership with Scholarship America, Dunkin' selected the scholarship recipients based on their academic record, demonstrated leadership skills and overall commitment to their school and local community.

"On behalf of my fellow local Dunkin’ franchisees, we are thrilled to support these hardworking and deserving students throughout the DMV," said Maria Icaza, a D.C.-area Dunkin’ franchisee. "Whether it’s serving your morning cup of coffee or helping support our youth in the pursuit of higher education, our team is proud to help keep our communities running."

The goal of the regional scholarship is to recognize hardworking students in the D.C. area and to help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

Dunkin’ franchisees in the D.C. area have awarded more than $225,000 in scholarships to 90 students since the program’s inception in 2022.

A recognition ceremony to award each of the student recipients with their scholarship will be held at Nationals Park in D.C. on Wednesday, Aug. 2.