The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is an “organization of organizations” (comprising over 300 community-based and campus sections and 32 national women’s organizations) that strives to inspire, enlighten, and connect more than 2,000,000 women and men.  Founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, the mission of NCNW is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities.  The Capital Area Section will award scholarships to deserving students from marginalized racial and ethnic groups who demonstrate scholastic achievement, leadership, and service to the community.