The United States of America is a nation built on the foundation of diversity, inclusivity, and equality. This strength is reflected in its population, with Black Americans making up nearly 12.7% as of 2020. Despite this representation, disparities in access to educational opportunities persist, particularly for Black and African American students. Recognizing the importance of addressing these disparities, various organizations, institutions, and foundations have established scholarships specifically aimed at supporting and empowering students from these communities.
Therefore, this article looks at some of these scholarships which not only provide much-needed financial assistance but also acknowledge the exceptional talent and potential of Black and African American students!
Top Scholarships for Black and African American Students
Now, let’s look at all the exciting opportunities of scholarships specifically designed to support Black and African American students. We’ll explore a variety of options, from merit-based awards recognizing academic excellence to need-based scholarships that ease financial burdens!
1. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
- Scholarship Value: $35,000 over four years
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
Established by the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), the JRF scholarship honors the legacy of the baseball legend and civil rights icon Jackie Robinson. It provides a comprehensive support system for talented Black high school seniors demonstrating academic merit, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service. Recipients of the JRF Scholarship receive a generous four-year grant of up to $35,000 to attend the accredited undergraduate institution of their choice.
In addition to financial aid, scholars benefit from a unique mentoring program, leadership development workshops, and networking opportunities, ensuring their success not just academically but also personally and professionally.
2. TMCF | Sanofi Next Gen Scholarship
- Scholarship Value: up to $15,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelors, Masters
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), in partnership with Sanofi, a global healthcare company, offers the Sanofi Next Gen Scholarship program. This scholarship targets Black and African American students pursuing careers in healthcare or related fields such as STEM; Public Health; Finance; Marketing/Sales; and IT/Digital. Awarded to outstanding students enrolled as sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students, the Sanofi Next Gen Scholarship provides need-based financial assistance of up to $15,000 per academic year.
It’s also important to note that TMCF offers a variety of other scholarships, so be sure to check their website to discover additional opportunities that align with your academic goals.
3. Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship
- Scholarship Value: $2,500 – $5,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship offers valuable financial support for Black students passionate about technology and pursuing careers in computer science, engineering, information systems, or business fields like finance and marketing. Program-specific, this scholarship awards $2,500 to $5,000 to deserving undergraduate students. Be mindful that application deadlines typically fall around the winter-spring season in the USA, so plan accordingly. The application process usually involves submitting transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and an essay.
4. Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars Program
- Scholarship Value: $2,500 – $5,000 per year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider for minority students, awarding over 100 million dollars each year to help Black students achieve their educational goals. As part of its vision and mission, the UNCF offers the Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars Program. This program provides scholarships of $2,500 to $5,000 per year to deserving undergraduate students pursuing STEM degrees at accredited colleges and universities. By investing in the academic success of Black students in STEM fields, the UNCF empowers the next generation of innovators and leaders.
5. McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Scholarship
- Scholarship Value: $15,000 per year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
When it comes to snacking on fries or grabbing a classic burger, McDonald’s is a familiar destination. But did you know they’re also committed to empowering Black students through educational opportunities?
The McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Scholarship program, in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), provides financial support to deserving Black high school seniors pursuing undergraduate degrees. This scholarship offers valuable financial assistance, easing the burden of college costs and empowering recipients to focus on academic achievement. Prospective applicants should be aware that the application window typically opens in November and closes in March of the following year.
6. Ron Brown Scholar Program
- Scholarship Value: $40,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
Honoring the legacy of Ronald H. Brown, a champion for social justice and economic empowerment, the Ron Brown Scholars Program offers a life-changing opportunity for talented Black high school seniors. This prestigious program awards full scholarships of up to $40,000 per year, renewable for four years, to exceptional students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need. The Ron Brown Scholar Program is particularly focused on supporting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have access to a top-tier education.
In addition to financial aid, scholars benefit from a comprehensive support network including mentorship opportunities, leadership development workshops, and networking events, helping them throughout their studies.
7. Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship
- Scholarship Value: $2,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Funded by the NAACP in honor of a long-time member, the Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship offers financial support to Black students pursuing their academic ambitions in any field of study. This scholarship awards $2,000 to deserving undergraduate and graduate students. While not a renewable full scholarship, this award can be a valuable resource to help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with higher education.
8. Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship
- Scholarship Value: $10,000 per year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
Empowering Black female students, the Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship is another initiative funded by the NAACP, in partnership with Dark & Lovely. This scholarship program awards $10,000 per year, renewable for up to three years, to outstanding Black female high school seniors with a focus on pursuing careers in communications, marketing, finance, business, or science.
Therefore, it can be said that this scholarship program not only helps defray the costs of higher education but also celebrates the accomplishments of deserving young women.
9. LDF- Earl Warren Scholarship
- Scholarship Value: $15,000 per year
- Eligible Degree/s: Professional Law Degree
Named for the Honorable Earl Warren, the 14th Chief Justice of the United States and a champion for civil rights, the LDF-Earl Warren Scholarship is designed to support aspiring law students committed to racial justice. This scholarship, offered by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), awards $15,000 per year for up to three years (provided scholars remain in good academic standing and meet scholarship criteria) to entering first or second-year law students at accredited law schools.
10. National Black MBA Association Scholarship
- Scholarship Value: up to $5,000 per year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The National Black MBA Association Scholarship, offered by the organization of the same name, provides financial support to Black students invested in achieving their academic goals. Unlike many scholarships targeted toward specific majors, the NBMBAA Scholarship welcomes applicants enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs across a wide range of disciplines. Awarding up to $5,000 per year, this scholarship helps ease the financial burden of higher education, but to access full eligibility requirements and application details, be sure to register at the NBMBAA scholarship portal.
Tips for Securing Scholarships
Winning these scholarships takes effort and planning, but the financial rewards can make a huge difference in affording your education. Therefore, here are some unique tips to help you stand out in the scholarship crowd!
Tip 1. Start your Search Early
Don’t wait for scholarships to find you. Start your search early, ideally in the fall or winter of your senior high school year. This gives you ample time to research deadlines, compile a strong list of potential opportunities, and gather necessary application materials. Utilize resources like scholarship websites, college financial aid offices, and professional organizations in your field.
Tip 2. Build Networks
Look beyond application essays and connect with past scholarship winners or even the scholarship providers themselves. Social media and alumni networks can also be great starting points. These connections can provide valuable insights into what scholarship committees are looking for and open doors to future opportunities you might not have discovered otherwise.
Tip 3. Be Honest in Your Application
When applying for scholarships, it’s essential to be authentic and truthful in your application materials. Honesty not only reflects integrity but also helps you present your true self to scholarship committees.
FAQs: Scholarships for Black and African American Students
What are the Types of Scholarships Available for Black and African-American Students?
The scholarship opportunities for Black and African-American students are rich and diverse. Firstly, opportunities exist to reward academic excellence, leadership, and talent through merit-based scholarships like the Ron Brown Scholarship Program, which provides $40,000 to exceptional Black high school seniors.
Financial need is another crucial factor. Scholarships like the Julius Quentin Jackson Scholarship offer significant need-based aid for undergraduate studies, easing the financial burden of higher education. Many universities also offer their need-based scholarships specifically for Black students.
Lastly, the field of study can also play a role. The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship supports Black students pursuing STEM degrees, while the Earl Warren Scholarship targets students interested in law fields.
Why Should Black and African American Students Apply for these Scholarships?
Student loan debt can become a severe financial burden, delaying homeownership, family planning, and professional development. One effective way to combat this is via scholarships designed especially for Black and African American students. By lowering financial stress, they allow you to focus on your academic ambitions and create a brighter future free of debt.
Furthermore, these scholarships have a particular advantage: a smaller application pool than ordinary scholarships. This dramatically boosts the likelihood of winning a scholarship and getting recognized for your accomplishments. Last but not least, these scholarships honor the Black African American student community in addition to providing financial help, encouraging a feeling of pride and inclusion in the minority academic community. This is especially important for students who may experience inadequate representation in their chosen areas.
With these resourceful tips, the 10 best scholarships, and some important questions answered, if you are a person of color or an African American student in the US, achieving your academic goals can be easier and less financially burdensome. So, start your search early and brighten your future– apply for those scholarships!
We hope that you found this article on the best scholarships for black and African American students helpful. If you want to study abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students and Guide to Studying in the USA!
About the Author: Hyun Lee
