Edited By Gabriel D.
Review & Contribution By Jake Wilson
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, there’s a growing demand for individuals with diverse skills across private, public, and government sectors. Many aspire to meet these demands by pursuing advanced degrees in higher education. The African-American community shares this ambition; however, a notable enrollment gap persists compared to other communities. Recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics underscores this gap. In 2023, total enrollment stands at 18,939,568, a decrease from the 2013 figure of 20,376,677 (a decade ago). One contributing factor to this decline is the rising cost of tuition, creating a financial hurdle for some African-American students pursuing higher education.
Fortunately, various African-American scholarships are designed to ease this financial burden. This guide aims to explore tailored scholarship opportunities for the African-American community. We’ll cover different scholarship types, provide a comprehensive list, offer guidance on the application process, share valuable tips and tricks, and more. Join us as we navigate the pathways to educational and career success.
Table Of Contents
Top 10 African American Scholarships
There are many scholarships for African Americans. Many corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, associations, and organizations sponsor the scholarships. Some of them are current, and some of them are for the past years. We have compiled many African-American scholarships in the guide. The top African-American scholarships are listed below, not in any particular order.
- UNCF Scholarships
- Congressional Black Caucus Scholarships
- Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowships
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships
- Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology
- National Black Nurses Association
- Tom Joyner Foundation
- American Chemical Society Scholars Program
- Jackie Robinson Foundation
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African Amercian Scholarships
African-American families often grapple with systemic disadvantages, leading to financial crises. This vulnerability is highlighted by a higher susceptibility to extensive debt, primarily driven by substantial credit card balances, student loans, auto loans, and home loans. Despite strides in education access and other signs of upward mobility, persistent wealth and wage gaps persist for Black and African American communities, underscoring the ongoing challenges they face.
Even financial aid doesn’t resolve the gaps in financial problems related to education, as that amount needs to be paid back. On the other hand, scholarships are monetary gifts to students to pay for their higher education. And scholarships do not need to be paid back. There are hundreds of scholarships available for African Americans.
Typically, scholarships are provided to students who have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement, have shown financial necessity, are involved in community service, have demonstrated leadership, etc. There are other types of scholarships awarded to students committed to a cause or pursuing higher education in areas where the sponsors of those scholarships are doing business.
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List of Scholarships for African Americans
Here is a list of African-American Scholarships:
| Scholarships | Description | Application deadline | Award amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Congressional Black Caucus Scholarships | The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) aims to advance the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. The CBCF offers scholarships to students who demonstrate leadership ability through community service and academic talent to support this mission. Every year, the CBCF offers many years. Here are a few scholarships that CBCF administers: | ||
| CBC Spouses Performing Arts ScholarshipEstablished in 2000, this scholarship is awarded yearly to African-American students pursuing a degree in performing arts. Applying students should reside in the Congressional Black Caucus district. | March 31st, 2024 | $5,000 | |
| CBC Spouses Visual Arts ScholarshipThis scholarship was established in 2006 to provide financial assistance to African Americans pursuing a degree in visual arts. The scholarship is awarded once a year, and two winners will be invited to perform at the Annual Celebration of Leadership in Fine Arts in September. Applying students should reside in the Congressional Black Caucus district. | March 31st, 2024 | $5,000 | |
| CBC Spouses Education ScholarshipEstablished in 1988, this scholarship is intended to address the educational needs in the congressional districts in response to federal cuts in spending for education programs and scholarships. Applying students should reside in the Congressional Black Caucus district. | March 31st, 2024 | Varies | |
| The Tracking Foundation Multi-Year Scholarship ProgramThe Stephen Feinberg Scholarship Program recognizes and supports academically gifted and exceptionally motivated African-American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate degree in any discipline. This scholarship is renewable annually for up to four years, contingent upon meeting the renewal criteria. | March 31st, 2024 | $40,000 | |
| Jackie Robinson Foundation | The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) was founded more than 42 years ago with a commitment to equal opportunity by addressing the achievement gap in higher education and building the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City. JRF runs many programs, such as scholarship grants, hands-on mentoring, internships, job placement services, etc. JRF Scholars receive grants to complement the financial aid they receive from their colleges and universities. | January 10th, 2024 | $30,000 over four years |
| National Achievement® Scholarship Program | The National Achievement® Scholarship Program was established in 1964 by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). NMSC’s mission is to encourage Black American youth to continue their education. Since these scholarships were created in the half-century, more than 4.6 million Black Americans have entered the programs. | Students enter the competition when they take the PSAT/NMSQT at the school in the fall of their junior year. | $2,500 |
| Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarships | Brown and Caldwell is an organization that provides several services in safeguarding water, maintaining infrastructure, and restoring habitats. Brown Caldwell’s purpose is 100% commitment to the environment and is an employee-owned organization. Brown and Caldwell value diversity in the workplace and administer a minority scholarship to encourage minorities to pursue a career in the environmental profession. | May 2024 | $5,000 |
| American Chemical Society Scholars Program | The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit scientific organization with over 152,000 members in more than 130 countries worldwide. ACS’s mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners to benefit Earth and its people. ACS administers the ACS Scholars program to underrepresented minority students majoring in undergraduate chemistry-related disciplines and pursuing careers in chemistry-related fields. | December 15th – December graduatesApril 30th-Spring graduatesJune 15th-Final transcripts due | $5,000 |
| Carrington-Philbert Scholarship Program | Malcolm Carrington and Sherwin Bridgewater established the Carrington-Philbert Scholarship in memory of their grandparents. The Carrington – Philbert scholarship fund is founded on integrity, honor, and dedication to service. This scholarship is awarded to African Americans who plan to enter a two-year or four-year college degree. | January 1st-May 1st | $2,500 |
| American Bus Association Foundation Diversity Scholarships | The American Bus Association (ABA) is committed to maximizing its bus, tour, and travel members’ success. The ABA represents its members in the government policy areas, facilitates the industry buyer-seller interface, and supports the bus industry through engagement, education, research & education of members to help improve their success. The ABA Foundation promotes academic excellence and diversity in the motorcoach and tour industry through its scholarship program. | Varies | $5,000 |
| The Actuarial Foundation Diversity Scholarship | The Actuarial Foundation ensures the future of the actuarial profession through its scholarships and reimbursement program. Diversity Scholarships. The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship promotes professional diversity through an annual scholarship program for Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American, and Pacific Islander students. | To be announced for 2024 | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Ron Brown Scholar Program | The Ron Brown Scholar Fund is a non-profit public charity managed by an independent Board of Trustees. This program provides financial resources to attend colleges and universities. Young African Americans of the outstanding promise are offered scholarships, service opportunities, and leadership experiences | December 1st, 2023 | $10,000 each year |
| Gensler Scholarships | Gensler is an organization to create a better world through the power of design and reimagine the future of cities. Gensler is committed to building a just and equitable future. Gensler is committed to taking action that supports social justice and creates opportunities for the Black community. They administer scholarships for African-American students enrolled in architecture programs to support this mission. | March 1st, 2024 | Multiple Scholarships available up to $60,000 |
| American Meteorological Society Minority Scholarships | The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is a global community committed to advancing weather, water, and climate science and service. The AMS Minority Scholarships are awarded to minority students, including Black/African American students. | 23rd February, 2024 | The $6,000 scholarship spans two years. |
Scholarships for African Americans in STEM
One of the hot educational fields in today’s world is STEM education. Short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, STEM education facilitates students worldwide for technology careers. Several organizations provide STEM Scholarships for minorities, especially African Americans. Here are a few STEM Scholarships for African Americans and other minorities.
| Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massport STEM Scholarship Program | Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) connects Massachusetts and New England to the world safely, securely, and efficiently. Massport is committed to neighbors who live and work around the ports and facilities. Massport is committed to several initiatives and provides several internships and scholarships. One such scholarship is the Diversity STEM Scholarship, which intends to attract diverse students to pursue careers in the transportation industry. | April 28th, 2023 | Two $5,000 annual scholarships |
| NACME Scholarships | National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) is the largest provider of scholarships for minorities pursuing engineering degrees. NACME’s mission is to enrich society with an American workforce that champions diversity in STEM by increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in engineering and computer science. To support this mission, several scholarships that African American students in STEM degrees can apply for:Corporate Scholarships Renewable ScholarshipsBridge ScholarshipsGeneral Scholarships | Varies | $5 million in awards and scholarships annually to approximately 1,000 underrepresented students. |
| Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship | Microsoft is a well-known global giant that produces computer software, electronics, personal computers, and related services. Microsoft administers a scholarship program called Black at Microsoft Scholarship (BAM). BAM is dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of black employees and encouraging students to pursue a career in technology | January 22nd, 2024 | BAM will grant 50 scholarships totaling $212,500 (USD):Five (5) -$20,000 scholarships spread over four years ($5,000 per year, renewable).Forty-five (45) -$2,500 one-time only scholarships. |
| Gates Millennium Scholars Program | Bill Gates, best known as the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, and his wife Melinda Gates established a charitable foundation in 2000, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation administers a Gates Millennium Scholars scholarship program that promotes academic excellence, provides opportunities, and reduces financial barriers for outstanding students of color. | September | Varies based on financial need |
| National Society of Black Engineers | The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) was founded in 1975 with nearly 22,000 members worldwide. NSBE is a non-profit organization with a mission to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. NSBE has several scholarships to support this mission for which the award amount and deadlines vary. | April 1st -May 30th | $500-$5000 |
| Entertainment Software Association Foundation Scholarship | Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation harnesses the video game industry’s collective power to impact communication nationwide positively. To support that mission ESA Foundation administers scholarships. One such scholarship is the LGBTQ + Support Scholarship, which is meant to inspire women and minority students to take up STEM degrees and work in the video game industry. | March 3st, 2024 | $3,000 |
Scholarships for First-Generation African American College Students
In many communities across America, getting a college degree still needs to be put within reach. This is primarily because of the lack of access, the cost of higher education, and many other historic and cultural reasons. It is valid for the African-American community, too. Luckily, many organizations offer scholarships to African Americans attending college for the first time in their family history. These first-generation African-American Scholarships may not fully pay the tuition expenses, but they reduce the overall financial burden.
Here are a few first-generation African-American scholarships:
| Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Skeptics Los Angeles Scholarship | Black Skeptics Los Angeles is a community-based, all-volunteer, non-profit organization that provides social justice resources. Black Skeptics Group provides a safe space for Black freethinkers who feel marginalized and unaccepted. They administer a first-in-the-family scholarship awards program. | Not notified for 2024 | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Walmart Foundation and Thurgood Marshal College Fund | TMCF and The Sallie Mae Fund have partnered to provide crucial financial assistance to 260 outstanding students pursuing education at accredited post-secondary institutions in the 2023-2024 academic year. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a two-year, four-year, or trade/vocational program, exhibit a minimum GPA of 2.75, and demonstrate leadership abilities. | June 28, 2024 | $2,500 |
| Fontana Transport Scholars Program | Fontana Transport Inc. is a freight shipping and trucking company in Fontana, California. Fontana wants to find, sponsor and guide leaders determined to succeed by all means possible, regardless of their struggles. Fontana sponsors a scholar’s program for first-generation and underrepresented students to support this. African-American first-generation students can apply for this scholarship. | March 14th | $5,000 |
| The First-Generation Civil Rights Fellowship | The First-Generation Civil Rights Fellowship is a collaborative program to advance first-generation college students committed to social justice. This fellowship is awarded to students who are the first in immediate families to attend college. African Americans meet the eligibility to apply for this fellowship. | Varies | $1,000 |
Scholarships for African American Women
The number of African-American women in universities and colleges is steadily increasing. African American women are increasingly choosing a variety of professions geared towards highly competitive careers and higher wages. Many scholarships available to African-American women will help them attain higher education degrees.
Here is a list of Scholarships for African-American women.
| Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rossiter Family Scholarship | The Engineering Center Education Trust (TECET) administers the Rossiter Family Scholarship. Sponsored by Allen and Selina Rossiter, TECET administers this scholarship to support its mission by helping Massachusetts students pursue higher education in the engineering field. The Rossiter Family Scholarship is offered to benefit women and minority students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in civil or environmental engineering. | October, 2023 | One finalist will be chosen to receive a $10,000 scholarship, while the other three finalists will each be awarded a $1,000 scholarship. |
| National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club | The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club (NANBPWC) is an organization that promotes and protects the interests of African American business and professional women. To support this mission, they administer many scholarship programs for which African-American women can apply. | January 3rd -March 31st 2023 | Varies |
| National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc | National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. (NHBW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving families’ lives through the support of arts, culture, health, education, and human services programs. To support this mission, NHBW administers several scholarships for which African-American women can apply. | March 1st, 2024 | Varies |
| National Association of Color Women’s Clubs | The National Association of Color Women’s Clubs (NACWC) is an organization to uplift women, children, and families through community service, education, and scholarships. NACWC has many chapters nationwide and administers programs and scholarships for African American women. NACWC administers the Hallie Q. Brown Scholarship Fund, Patricia Fletcher Scholarship Fund, and numerous other college funding sources. | Varies | Not mentioned |
Scholarships for African American Men
Many organizations offer scholarships for African-American men. These scholarships are intended to encourage African-American men to pursue higher education degrees. Here is a list of Scholarships for African American men:
| Scholarship | Description | Application Deadline | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| The 100 Black Men of Scholarship | The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is a national top African American-led mentoring organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life within the communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities. To support this mission, they administer a national scholarship program that provides scholarships to national applicants. | Varies | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Dallas Foundation – The Pickard Scholarship Fund | The Dallas Foundation brings together people, ideas, and investments in the greater Dallas area so that individuals and families can reach their full potential. The Dallas Foundation provides many scholarship opportunities, and one such scholarship program is The Pickard Scholarship Fund. This scholarship was created to assist African-American male students in Dallas County. | Spring, 2024 | $10,000 |
| Community Foundation of Northern Illinois | Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is a community organization with the mission to catalyze attracting, preserving, and growing an endowment for the current and future needs of the people of the Northern Illinois area. This organization administers many scholarships, including the Era L. and Frances L. Walker Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to African-American males involved in community service and volunteerism. | December 1st to February 1st | Varies |
| The American Library Association | The Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) is part of the American Library Association. The LITA is a leading organization that provides education and services to its members by offering publications, programs, and other activities designed to promote, develop, and aid the implementation of libraries and information technology | March 1st of the year of scholarship | $2,500 |
How to Apply for African American Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the competitive landscape of today’s higher education, financing degree programs can pose a significant challenge. Scholarships, grants, student loans, and various financial assistance programs are crucial in alleviating this burden. However, navigating the qualification and application processes for these financial aids presents challenges, especially for African American scholarships.
Step-by-Step Guide for Applying for African American Scholarships
Step 1 – Identify
- Calculate the total cost of your higher education.
- Assess your personal financial contribution.
- Identify available scholarships, considering eligibility criteria and potential awards.
Step 2 – Application Process
- Create an outline for the application process for each selected scholarship.
- Note key dates, required documentation, and application submission details.
Step 3- Collect Material
- Gather all necessary materials specified by each scholarship.
- This may include transcripts, recommendation letters, records of past achievements, and other relevant documentation.
Step 4 – Essay Writing
- Be prepared to craft essays as many scholarships require them.
- Tailor each essay to the specific requirements of the scholarship, whether it’s a cause, personal experiences, or other specified topics.
Step 5 – Follow Instructions
- Adhere meticulously to the instructions provided by scholarship administrators.
- Avoid assumptions and diligently comply with all stated requirements.
Step 6 – Submit the Application
- Prepare a copy of the complete application kit.
- Submit the application, whether through traditional mail or increasingly common online platforms.
- Keep a record of submitted documents and ensure the application is submitted before the deadline.
By following this comprehensive guide, prospective students can streamline the application process for African American scholarships, increasing their chances of securing valuable financial assistance for their educational journeys.
Tips and Strategies for Successful African American Scholarship Applications
1. Discipline is Key
- In the realm of financial aid and scholarships, discipline is paramount.
- Establish a systematic approach for researching, documenting, and applying for scholarships.
- Adhere to deadlines, meticulously collect required documentation, and showcase discipline in the application process and your educational and career plans.
- A disciplined approach dramatically enhances your chances of success.
1. Prioritize a Good GPA
- A solid academic record significantly boosts your chances of securing scholarships.
- Aim for high grades and test scores to attract the attention of scholarship administrators and improve your eligibility for various opportunities.
1. Beware of Scams
- Stay vigilant against scholarship scams.
- Refer to our guide on How to Identify Fake Scholarships & Avoid Scams and Swindles to help you recognize and avoid scams to safeguard your scholarship pursuit.
1. Plan Ahead
- Preparation is vital.
- Research and compile a list of potential scholarships, qualify for each, and get everything ready well in advance.
- Conduct mock interviews to anticipate questions, providing you with a strategic advantage during the actual scholarship application process.
1. Craft Your Unique Story
- Your narrative is crucial in your scholarship application.
- Develop a compelling write-up that articulates who you are, your chosen field of study, career aspirations, community involvement, financial circumstances, and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Make your story resonate with administrators to strengthen your case.
1. Cultivate Relationships
- Establish positive relationships with everyone involved in the scholarship process.
- Administrators may seek input from your network, making these relationships influential.
- Positive connections contribute to the overall impression of your candidacy.
1. Build Connections with Counselors
- If attending a local college or university, proactively connect with counselors.
- Introduce yourself, make acquaintances, and foster a personal connection.
- Humanizing your application by associating a voice or face with your submission helps administrators better understand your unique story and circumstances.
Grants and Fellowships for African Americans
Grants are another monetary gift towards paying for higher education. Federal, state, or local governments typically offer grants. Research organizations can also provide grants. The difference between grants and scholarships is that grants are usually based on financial need, while scholarships are primarily based on merit.
Fellowships are typically short-term assignments, specialized work, research work, etc. Fellowships generally are offered by organizations or universities performing research. Just like scholarships, grants, and fellowships also do not need to be paid back. African Americans can fund their higher education through grants and fellowships.
Types of Grants
Here are some types of grants that African Americans can apply for:
Federal Pell Grants: The US Department of Education administers the Federal Pell Grant program. They are usually awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. Students need to apply for FAFSA to be able to be considered for the Federal Pell Grant program.
Government Grants by State: Many state governments administer state-level grant programs. Typically, these grant programs are administered by the state department of education or a separate department of grants. Check-in your region to learn more about your state grant programs for students.
Private Grants: Many private organizations administer grant programs for minorities. Organizations such as community associations, non-profit entities, private foundations, etc., want to encourage higher education diversity. To support this mission, they administer grant programs.
One can read our Grants for Graduate School guide to understand more about grants.
List of Grant and Fellowship programs
Here is a list of some grant and fellowship programs that African Americans can apply for:
| Grant/Fellowship Name | Description | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| State of Wisconsin Higher Education Board | The State of Wisconsin’s Higher Educational Aids Board administers several financial aid programs for Wisconsin residents. The students should be enrolled in a non-profit college or university based in Wisconsin for all these financial aid programs. The students should be enrolled in an undergraduate degree and have a high school diploma. One such financial assistance program is the Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant, for which African Americans can apply. Date – Varies | $250 to $3,150 per year for up to eight semesters or twelve quarters | Varies |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program | The United States Federal government administers several student aid programs through the US Department of Education. One such grant program is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program. The FSEOG program is awarded to low-income undergraduate students enrolled or accepted for enrolment in participating schools. Application is through FAFSA. | November, 2024 | Varies |
| AICPA Fellowships | The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession. AICPA’s mission is to power the global business’s success, CPA’s, CGMA’s, and specialty credentials. To support this mission, AICPA administers a fellowship for Minority Doctoral students. | May, 2024 | $1,500-$10,000 |
| Ford Foundation Fellowships | The National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine is a non-profit organization that provides independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the science’s benefit. They also administer fellowships sponsored by the Ford Foundation for underrepresented groups such as African Americans. | Varies | $27,000 for three years, an annual stipend |
| Thurgood Marshal College Fund | The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), in partnership with Hennessy, offers the Hennessy Fellows Program to high-achieving graduate students who are pursuing a degree from Historically Black Colleges and Black Institutions (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). | December | $20,000 per academic year for two years and a one-time $10,000 stipend. |
| Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship | Goldman Sachs is a multinational investment bank and financial services company. Established in 1997, they administer an MBA Fellowship program for first-year MBA students pursuing summer associate programs for Black, Hispanic, and Native American communities and women. | Summer 2024 | $35,000 |
| Page Foundation Grants | The Page Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports young people of color throughout Minnesota. Page Foundation administers several programs that help people of color. They assist the Page Grant program for students of color enrolled in accredited Minnesota post-secondary educational institutions. | April 1st, 2024 | $2,500-$3,500 |
| Caltech WAVE Fellowships | California Institute of Technology, known as Caltech, is a private research university in Pasadena, California. Caltech is famous for its science and engineering programs. Caltech administers the WAVE fellows’ program that aims to foster diversity by increasing the participation of underrepresented students in science and engineering programs. | June 18th-August 23rd | $7,740 for the ten-week duration, complemented by a $2,260 on-campus housing and travel supplement. |
| Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Fellowships | The Congressional Black Caucus (CBCF) administers a fellowship program that equips early-career policy professionals committed to contributing to public policy. This intensive fellowship program has 20 months of policy training and leadership development. | June 30th, 2023 | $60,000-$70,000+benefits |
| POISE Foundation Grants | POISE Foundation is an organization with a vision to empower the Black community in the Pittsburgh area to be empowered and self-sufficient. Their vision is to assist the Black community in self-sustaining practices through strategic leadership, collective giving, grant-making, and advocacy. To support this mission, POISE administers grant programs | June 26th, 2023-October 5th, 2023 | $1,000-$5,000 |
Alternative Strategies for Cost Savings for African American Students
Beyond financial aid, African American students can adopt additional strategies to alleviate the overall cost of higher education. While these suggestions may not eliminate the expenses, they can certainly ease the financial burden with careful planning.
Here are various ways in which African American students can reduce their overall educational costs:
1. Student Discounts
- Numerous businesses provide discounts to students with a valid student ID.
- Examples include discounted laptops from various vendors and software companies offering student-friendly pricing.
- Students should actively seek and take advantage of such discounts whenever available.
2. Test Fee Waivers
- Standardized testing administrators often grant fee waivers for students from low-income backgrounds.
- Tests such as SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and others may offer discounts or complete fee waivers.
- Exploring these options can significantly reduce the financial burden of standardized testing.
3. Application Cost Management
- Careful planning of the university application process can result in cost savings.
- Students can minimize expenses by applying selectively, avoiding unnecessary applications if they receive prompt admission decisions.
- Utilizing platforms like the Common App enables applying to multiple institutions through a single application, streamlining costs.
4. Assistantships Opportunities
- Many universities offer assistantships to students, providing valuable financial support.
- Students should actively explore opportunities in various departments and offices on campus for assistantship possibilities.
5. Tuition Reimbursements from Employers
- Some employers extend partial tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing degrees from accredited institutions, contingent on maintaining an acceptable GPA.
- Students should inquire with their employers about existing tuition reimbursement programs, which often have annual dollar limits.
- If no formal program exists, students may consider discussing with supervisors to explore the possibility of employer support for higher education, as some managers may have budgets for employee education initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions about African American Scholarships
What are African American scholarships?
African American scholarships are financial aid programs for Blacks/African Americans. These scholarships serve various purposes, including promoting diversity, supporting historically underrepresented communities, and encouraging higher education among African Americans.
Can African American students apply for multiple scholarships?
What do scholarship administrators look for in the application before they award?
Is the essay a must for all scholarships?
What are common mistakes in scholarship applications?
How can I maximize my chances of landing scholarships?
Additional Resources for African American Students
While this guide is certainly intended to provide information about African American scholarships and students, plenty of others offer more information. These organizations and associations provide an excellent opportunity for African Americans in financial aid opportunities, networking, career, and information sources. African American students need to stay in touch with these organizations.
Below is a list of such African American resources:
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities Network: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Network is where African Americans find a comprehensive list of HBCUs nationwide, career information, student networks, black student associations, and many more resources. The HBCU Network allows black students to get information about career events, financial aid opportunities, and other helpful resources.
- The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education: The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education (JBHE) is a journal that provides information about education in African American communities and other helpful resources for African Americans.
- United Negro College Fund: United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is an organization that believes in creating an environment in which all Americans have equal access to a college education. UNCF believes that college education prepares students for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship, and service to our nation. To support this mission, UNCF provides several scholarships and other resources.
- HBCU Foundation: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Foundation is a non-profit and charitable organization that provides scholarships, internships, and career opportunities to deserving students attending Historically Black Colleges Universities.
- Black Career Network: Black Career Network is a job listing board that provides information about the latest jobs available for African Americans and other minorities.
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund: Thomas Marshall College Fund (TMCF) aims to ensure student success by promoting educational excellence and preparing the next generation of workforce talent through leadership development. To support the mission, TMCF provides many scholarships. African Americans can take advantage of this fund to fund their college education.
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