Billions of dollars of money for college is out there-- you just have to find it! As you search for college scholarships, make it a priority to look for organizations that set aside money for African American students and for minority students in general. Many scholarships and grants are designated for students who attend a particular school or live in a particular area, so it's important that you contact your high school, college, local Chamber of Commerce, and local minority organizations to find out what opportunities are available for you.
Here's a glimpse at some of the major scholarship and grant opportunities that are available.
The Ron Brown Scholar Program. These scholarships are awarded to at least ten high school senors annually based on academic excellence, financial need, community service participation, and leadership potential. This is a very competitive and prestigious award. As college students, Ron Brown Scholars must complete community service and internship requirements. Finalists are flown out to Washington, DC in March for a weekend selection process. For more information, contact the CAP Charitable Foundation at (434) 964-1588.
United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships. The UNCF awards grant and scholarship money for about 65,000 students a year and provides funding for historically black colleges and universities. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and verifiable financial need. Applicants should complete a UNCF General Scholarship Application, which has a late December deadline. The UNCF administers over 450 scholarships and grants, many for students with specific requirements, including the UNCF Liberty Scholarship for children of 9/11 victims. For more information, call 1-800-331-2244. Some of the more general UNCF scholarships and grants include:
- The Sallie Mae Fund American Dream Scholarship, awards of $500-$5000.
- Abercrombie & Fitch Scholarship Program, awards of $3000 annually
- Malcolm X Scholarship for Exceptional Courage, award of $4000
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Scholarships. The NAACP awards dozens of scholarships annually. Deadlines vary. Awards require a minimum 2.5 GPA for undergrads and a 3.0 GPA for graduate students, and most have specific financial need guidelines as well. Some scholarships require students to be members of the NAACP. For more information, contact the NAACP at(410) 580-5760 . Their scholarships include:
- Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship, awards of $1500 for undergraduates, $2500 for graduate students
- Earl G. Graves Scholarship, awards of $5000 (for junior and senior business majors in the top 20% of their class)
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities Fund, awards of $2000
- Lillian & Samuel Sutton Education Scholarship, awards of $1000 for undergraduates, $2000 for graduate students
- Roy Wilkins Scholarship, awards of $1000
- Huburtus W.V. Willems Scholarship for Male Students, awards of $2000 for undergraduates, $3000 graduate students (for engineering, chemistry, physics, and mathematical science students)
African American Future Achievers Scholarship Program. Ronald McDonald House Charities awards $1000 scholarships to students based on academics, financial need, community involvement, and personal qualities. The deadline is in February. For more information, call 630-623-7048.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program. To honor the legacy of the groundbreaking baseball star, this foundation offers awards of up to $7200 annually to high school seniors based on academics, financial need, and evidence of community interest and leadership potential. For more information, call (212) 290-8600.
Thurgood Marsahll Scholarship Fund. This fund awards an average of about $2200 per semester to students at historically black colleges and universities. To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA, a 1650 SAT score or 25 ACT score, financial need, and a recommendation from their high school. For more information, call (212) 573-8888.
See also: Weird College Scholarships and Student Loan Consolidation
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