“Beat the Odds” 2020 Fundraising Video

Committee Co-Chairs: Bonnie Hoffman & Vincent Smith

E-mail: beattheoddsloudoun@gmail.com

Apply for a 2026 Scholarship here.

The “Beat the Odds” Scholarship Program

Loudoun County’s “Beat the Odds” scholarship initiative originated as the local faction of the nationally recognized Children’s Defense Fund initiative to identify local youth who had demonstrated the ability to succeed in spite of being at risk for failure because of their environment or life circumstances. Though CDF formally ended its initiative, Loudoun’s scholarship committee has continued its pursuit to honor incredible Loudoun County seniors who have overcome all odds and wish to pursue high education or technical training. As of May 2025, Loudoun’s “Beat the Odds” committee has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarship and technology grants to more than 100 students.

2025 Scholarship Recipients

$4,000 Recipient: Lydia Cam - Loudoun County High School
$4,000 Recipient: Kayly Nguyen - John Champe High School
$7,500 Merit Award: Matias Peters - Heritage High School
$10,000 Beat the Odds Scholarship: Viktoriia Tsymbal - Briar Woods High School

In addition to these scholarships, each 2025 recipient additionally received technology awards worth $500-$1,000 from the committee to use on equipment and supplies for their post-graduate endeavors.