The 2026 Ron Brown Scholar Application Window Is Now Open

The Ron Brown Scholar Program is pleased to announce that the application window for the 2026 Ron Brown Scholarship is officially open.

Each year, RBSP selects just 20 extraordinary high school seniors from across the nation to join our Scholar family. These students receive not only financial support but also mentorship, leadership development, and a lifelong community that defines our program.

What We’re Looking For

Ron Brown Scholars embody:

  • Academic excellence
  • Leadership potential
  • Commitment to community service
  • Open-mindedness and character

For more than 29 years, Ron Brown Scholars have made a transformative impact in every field—from venture capital and law to medicine, filmmaking, public policy, and beyond. Together, they form a robust network of leaders driving change and creating opportunity for others.

About the Scholarship

  • Award: $40,000 ($10,000 per year for four years)
  • Number of Scholars: 20 annually
  • Eligibility: Applicants must be Black/African American, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and current high school seniors at the time of application.
  • Use: The scholarship may be applied toward any academic discipline at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States.

Since its founding in 1996, the Ron Brown Scholar Program has designated 703 Scholars—all part of a network that continues to grow in impact and influence.

Apply Today

If you are a high-achieving high school senior with a passion for leadership, service, and excellence, we encourage you to apply.

Click here to begin your application

We can’t wait to meet the 2026 Class of Ron Brown Scholars.

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In Memoriam:
Cal LaRoche (1946–2025)

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Cal LaRoche, a brilliant and dedicated advisor and champion of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, who left us on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025.

Born in New York in January 1946, Cal graduated from Central State University in Ohio, where he joined the Eta Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. His career spanned decades of leadership and innovation, beginning at the National Security Agency and continuing through key roles at IBM, SkyTel Communications, and The Orkand Corporation. 

A visionary entrepreneur, Cal later co-founded DC Ventures and Associates.

His commitment to service was unwavering. Cal chaired the Boards of Trustees at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda and Norwood School and served with distinction for 15 years on the Advisory Board of the Ron Brown Scholar Program. His leadership extended to the Beta Mu, Boulé Foundation Board, where he served as Chair, and to Patients For Affordable Drugs, where he was a founding board member and Treasurer.

An avid golfer and advocate for equity in the sport, Cal co-founded the Pro-Duffer/Carter Foundation Scholarship to promote diversity in golf. A long-time member of TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, he was as passionate about creating opportunity as he was about the game itself.

Cal’s legacy is carried on by his beloved family: his mother, Lucille “Gloria” David; his wife, Esperanza, and their sons, CJ and Ethan; his former wife, Cheryl LaRoche; their daughters, Gina LaRoche, Renee LaRoche-Morris, and Danielle LaRoche; six grandchildren; and his siblings. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering belief in the potential of young people will remain an enduring part of the Ron Brown Scholar community.

We are forever grateful for Cal’s enduring support, leadership, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, generosity, and deep humanity. He will be deeply missed.