In 1987, The Washington Post initiated the Eastern High School 500 Club, aimed at rewarding academic achievement at Eastern High School in Washington, D.C. Each semester, any Eastern student who achieves grades of all A's and/or B's earns $500 in scholarship funds. Many Post employees volunteer to work with the 500 Club members as mentors throughout the year.

To receive the scholarship funds, 500 Club members must graduate from high school and enroll in an accredited institution. As an added bonus, nearly 30 colleges and universities throughout the country have agreed to match The Post funds for these students. It is possible for each student to earn up to $17,500 for his or her higher education.

The goal of this program is to encourage Eastern students to work for solid academic achievements and to pursue higher education.