Who We Are
ARCS® Foundation Metropolitan Washington Chapter (MWC), located in the Nation’s seat of government, is surrounded by our country’s largest defense, technology and research companies. It leverages an unparalleled opportunity to influence and respond to the National Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) agenda.
Founded in 1968 by women from the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland, MWC is an integral part of a national organization committed to supporting the ARCS Foundation mission of advancing science and technology in the United States by providing financial awards to academically outstanding United States citizens studying to complete degrees in STEM fields. MWC is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary this year.
Our chapter supports five area Universities: Johns Hopkins University, The George Washington University, Georgetown University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Maryland. Since inception, over $7.6 million in scholar awards has been provided to more than 600 scholars in support of the advancement of science. For academic year 2019-20, MWC will be funding 20 scholars, 15 graduate, 3 undergraduate scholars, and 2 endowment schoalrs for a total of $270,000 in scholar awards..
MWC funds all operating expenses through member dues and contributions so that 100% of all funds raised for awards directly supports the scholars. Annual fundraising events include our Spring Celebration and Eagle Award presentation with a silent auction. MWC also provides awards through its Endowment Fund that has typically been able to support one graduate scholar each year. The Endowment Fund was established in 1986 with a donation of $10,000. The Fund is approximately $800,000 with a goal of reaching $1 million in the near future. In 2016, MWC raised $15,000 to order to receive a matching grant of $15,000 for the Endowment Fund. In 2019, the Endowment Fund awarded 2 scholarships.
Finally, our chapter’s growing relationship with foundations and corporations in the Washington, D.C., area has proven to be instrumental in raising funds for our scholars. Each year we recognize those who have contributed $15,000 in one fiscal year or over a period of three years by giving them a “Named Scholar.” Some of our Named Scholars are made possible by the generosity of companies and foundations, such as Danaher Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, McNichols Family Foundation, The Mars Foundation, The Mulford Family Foundation, Aerospace Corporation, the Forster Family Foundation, JCM Foundation, KPMG, The Roche Foundation, The Perot Foundation, Clark Construction Group, AIAA, The Marilyn T. and David R. Heebner Foundation, Walbro, The Bodman Family Foundation, Heritage Properties, The Barrett Foundation, Gordon F. and Jocelyn B. Linke Foundation and Shell Oil Matching Gifts Foundation.
Our goal, to advance science in America by providing our nation with scientists and engineers, is as urgent as it ever was and MWC is proud to be in the forefront of this national effort.