This scholarship for graduating seniors of D.C. Public and public charter high schools was established in 1997 in memory of Claudette Franklin Ford, founder of the Oracle Set Book Club.  Claudette was passionate about improving educational opportunities for Washington, DC youth, and this scholarship is a tribute to her efforts on their behalf.  The Ford Scholarship began as an Oracle Set Book Club project, and in 1999 administration of the Scholarship was transferred to the newly established Oracle Set Foundation — a 501(c)(3) organization.  The awards provide financial support to assist deserving students with college expenses.  The Oracle Set Foundation has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to 68 students.

Winners are selected on the basis of an annual essay competition that also considers scholastic achievement, extra-curricular activities and financial need.  The recipients are extraordinary students and outstanding citizens, and many of them have overcome enormous hardships. Despite facing such challenges as poverty, homelessness, neighborhood violence, and absent parents, these students have graduated from or are attending colleges and universities across the Nation and abroad.