Scholarships for African American and Black Students

Lack of Resources

Black students who complete bachelor’s degrees owe an average student loan debt of $58,400 — the highest among all racial groups, according to NCES.

On average, Black students who borrowed for college owe 105% of their original loan amount, which is, again, the highest among all racial groups. Borrowing heavily for college can create financial difficulties later when student loan repayments take a high percentage of income.

First-Generation Students

More than 54% of Black students are first-generation college students, according to NCES. Data from EAB, an educational service, indicates that 33% of first-generation students drop out, possibly due to financial difficulties, inadequate academic preparation, and/or social dissatisfaction.

College Readiness

The United Negro College Fund reports that 43% of Black students do not have access to all the science and math courses needed for college readiness. This lack of preparation may boost the high dropout rate among African American students.

Racism

In 2021, NCES found that race was the motivating factor behind 331 hate crimes on U.S. college campuses. In addition, NCES reports that black men make up just 3% of the faculty working in higher education, and Black women compose only 4%, leaving many African American students without significant faculty representation on many campuses.

Graduation Rates

According to NCES, the six-year graduation rate was the lowest among Black students, and data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center says the number of Black students earning degrees fell by 4.5% between 2021 and 2023.

Underrepresentation

The underrepresentation of Black students at universities and colleges can lead to more significant disparities in the workforce. Since better-educated workers tend to earn higher salaries, current disparities may ultimately create more financial challenges for future Black students.

ACS Scholars Program

• Amount: $5,000
• About: The ACS Scholars Program aims to improve diversity in the sciences by recognizing minority undergraduates pursuing chemistry-related degrees and careers. Each applicant must belong to a minority group, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, and already major in or plan to major in chemistry or a related field.
• Deadline: March

Apply to the ACS Scholars Program Here

African American Network of the Carolinas Scholarship Fund

• Amount: Varies
• About: Duke Energy established the African American Network of the Carolinas Scholarship Fund in 1996 to improve diversity in the North and South Carolina workforces. Each candidate must pursue a STEM or business-related field as a graduating senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify. Applicants must plan to attend North Carolina or South Carolina colleges or universities.
• Deadline: March

Apply to the African American Network of the Carolinas Scholarship Fund Here

American Bus Association Diversity Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000 per year
• About: This scholarship aims to improve diversity in the travel, tourism, and transportation industries. Applicants must major in travel and tourism-related fields at the undergraduate or graduate levels and demonstrate diversity. Each candidate must also submit a 500-word essay.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the American Bus Association Diversity Scholarship Here

AMS Minority Scholarships

• Amount: Varies
• About: The AMS Minority Scholarships promote diversity in the sciences and advance the American Meteorological Society’s core values. Each candidate must belong to a minority group as a first-year college student with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Winners may renew the award for a second year if they maintain high academic performance.
• Deadline: February

Apply to the AMS Minority Scholarships Here

Black American Engineering Scholarship Award

• Amount: $10,000 per year
• About: Created by the Helping Project Corp, the Black American Engineering Scholarship Award helps advance the field of engineering and dismantle systemic racism by offering scholarships to Black American students who qualify for Pell Grants, are academically qualified, and are pursuing an engineering major.
• Deadline: March

Apply to the Black American Engineering Scholarship Award Here

BLM² Scholarship Foundation College Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• About: Striving to support and relieve financial stress for aspiring Black students, the BLM² Scholarship Foundation offers several awards for U.S. residents. Black or African American graduating high school seniors with minimum 3.0 GPAs may apply.
• Deadline: July

Apply to the BLM2 Scholarship Foundation College Scholarship Here

Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship Program

• Amount: Varies
• About: Brown and Caldwell’s scholarships recognize promising Black, minority, women, and Native American students to improve diversity in engineering. Award requirements vary, but each candidate typically needs to pursue an engineering degree and possess a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship Program Here

EMPOWER Scholarship Award

• Amount: Varies
• About: EMPOWER stands for Encourage Minority Participation in Occupations with Emphasis on Rehabilitation. These scholarships recognize promising students pursuing medical or rehabilitation education and careers. Each candidate must be ethnically diverse and academically proficient, demonstrating a passion for rehabilitation.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the EMPOWER Scholarship Award Here

George Washington Carver Scholarship

• Amount: Full Undergraduate Tuition at Iowa State University
• About: The George Washington Carver Scholarship recognizes high-achieving students entering their first year of college. For eligibility, each applicant must possess a minimum GPA of 3.7, have overcome barriers, and demonstrate a commitment to increasing opportunities for underserved people.
• Deadline: February

Apply to the George Washington Carver Scholarship Here

Ron Brown Scholar Program

• Amount: Up to $40,000*
• About: This scholar program, named after former Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, awards financial support to high-achieving African American students. Winners also receive employment opportunities and leadership experiences. Each candidate must be Black or African American and hold a strong interest in community engagement, business entrepreneurship, public service, and global citizenship.
• Deadline: December

Apply to the Ron Brown Scholar Here

The Jackie Robinson Foundation

• Amount: Up to $35,000
• About: The Jackie Robinson Foundation offers several awards, mentoring opportunities, and support services to promising students who demonstrate financial need. The foundation provides a four-year grant to an eligible minority student pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Candidates must also demonstrate community involvement.
• Deadline: January

Apply to The Jackie Robinson Foundation Here

Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program

• Amount: $10,000 per year
• About: The Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program supports diverse students in pursuit of legal degrees and careers. Each candidate must attend a participating school, possess suitable academic achievements, and demonstrate community involvement. Winners need to make a three-year commitment and can renew the award annually.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program Here

Colorado Christian University World Changers Scholarship

• Amount: Full Tuition
• About: Available to Colorado Christian University (CCU) students, the World Changers Scholarship recognizes high-achieving applicants who demonstrate financial need. For eligibility, each candidate must receive an invitation to participate, possess a minimum 3.5 GPA, and not have accepted any other CCU-based scholarships. Winners who attend the two-day event may, however, receive an additional scholarship afterward.
• Deadline: December

Apply to the Colorado Christian University World Changers Scholarship Here

Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

• Amount: Up to $5,000 per year
• About: Supporting first-generation college and university students, the Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program rewards promising undergraduate students. Each candidate must pursue one of the listed four-year programs, including some from STEM fields and transportation management, and possess a minimum 3.5 GPA to qualify.
• Deadline: March

Apply to the Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program Here

Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Coca-Cola Foundation First-Generation HBCU Scholarships

• Amount: Up to $5,000 per year
• About: The Thurgood Marshall College Fund recognizes high-achieving, first-generation high school seniors entering their first year at participating HBCUs. Each applicant must possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and submit an essay. They must also receive a recommendation that includes a character reference.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Coco-Cola Foundation First-Generation HBCU Scholarships Here

Dr. Arnita Young Boswell Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000
• About: Named after the founder of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, this scholarship rewards African-American students who show academic promise. Each applicant must possess strong grades, demonstrate community involvement within the Black community, and exhibit a strong passion for education for consideration.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the Dr. Arnita Young Boswell Scholarship Here

Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley Spirit of Achievement Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• About: The Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley Spirit of Achievement Scholarship recognizes promising African American female high school seniors in Tarrant County and Grand Prairie, Texas.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley Spirit of Achievement Scholarship Here

Dr. Gussie M. Ware Memorial Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• About: Named after the founder of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, this scholarship recognizes high-achieving Black women. Each candidate must be graduating high school or pursuing a GED certificate and possess a minimum 2.5 GPA. They also need to reside in Winnebago County, Illinois.
• Deadline: February

Apply to the Dr. Gussie M. Ware Memorial Scholarship Here

Illustrating Awesomeness Scholarship

• Amount: $750
• About: Established to support minority women or gender-nonconforming students, the Illustrating Awesomeness Scholarship recognizes high-achieving undergraduate learners. Each candidate must submit a 500-word essay or a five-minute video that addresses how they plan to change the world.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the Illustrating Awesomeness Scholarship Here

The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Scholarships

• Amount: Varies
• About: The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs provides a variety of scholarships for promising African American women students. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors with minimum 3.0 GPAs. They also need to submit a 300-word essay on a specific topic.
• Deadline: March

Apply to The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Scholarships Here

National Hook-Up of Black Women Atlanta Metro Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000
• About: This scholarship supports African American students from the Atlanta area who are graduating high school seniors or  undergraduate students enrolled in accredited colleges and universities. Applicants over 30 may also apply for a $500 scholarship.
• Deadline: April

Apply to the National Hook-Up of Black Women Atlanta Metro Scholarship Here

AMS Minority Scholarships

• Amount: $3,000-$6,000
• About: The American Meteorological Society established the AMS Minority Scholarships to improve education and career diversity in the sciences. Each applicant must maintain a 3.0 GPA, study a science program, and plan to pursue a career in hydrologic or oceanic sciences except for marine biology.
• Deadline: February

Apply to the AMS Minority Scholarships Here

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

• Amount: $2,500-$5,000
• About: Aiming to support Black employees and encourage more Black students to pursue careers in technology, the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship provides funding for promising students pursuing degrees in STEM or select business programs. Each applicant also needs a minimum 3.0 GPA and must demonstrate a passion for technology.
• Deadline: March

Apply to the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship Here

ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Scholarship Program

• Amount: Varies
• About: Established in 2007 to increase diversity in the software industry, the Entertainment Software Association supports women and minority students in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics fields. To qualify, each applicant must attend a full-time undergraduate program and major in a gaming or esports field.
• Deadline: April

Apply to the ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Scholarship Here

NACME Scholars Block Grant Program

• Amount: Varies
• About: The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering introduced the Scholars Block Grant Program to support underrepresented minorities. Applicants must attend computer science or engineering programs at NACME partner schools or be graduating high school seniors. Each candidate also needs a minimum 2.8 GPA.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the NACME Scholars Block Grant Program Here

National Society of Black Engineers

• Amount: Varies
• About: The National Society of Black Engineers offers scholarships for Black students pursuing education and careers in engineering. The requirements vary by award, but many of the scholarships require applicants to possess minimum GPAs between 2.0 and 3.5. Some awards accept both undergraduate and graduate candidates.
• Deadline: January and August

Apply to the National Society of Black Engineers Here

Sachs Foundation Scholarships

• Amount: $1,000
• About: The Sachs Foundation offers scholarships for promising Black students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Each candidate must have maintained Colorado residency for at least three years. They should also be high school seniors with minimum GPAs of 3.0.
• Deadline: March

Apply to the Sachs Foundation Scholarships Here

National Society of High School Scholars STEAM Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000
• About: The National Society of High School Scholars introduced its scholarship program to support promising students pursuing degrees and careers in STEM. Each applicant must demonstrate academic proficiency with a minimum 3.5 GPA and submit a resume and a 500-word essay on why they chose the STEM field.
• Deadline: October

Apply to the National Society of High School Scholars STEM Scholarship Here

Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science Program

• Amount: Varies
• About: To promote diversity in education and careers in the atmospheric and related sciences, SOARS offers a bridge program for students from historically underrepresented communities moving into graduate programs. Applicants can come from many different educational disciplines. Winners gain access to research, networking, and employment opportunities.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science Program Here

UNCF Grant Programs

• Amount: Varies
• About: UNCF Grant Programs provide Black students with grants and scholarships. Requirements vary for each award, but candidates may come from all educational levels and disciplines. Most awards require applicants to demonstrate the need for financial aid.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the UNCH Grant Programs Here

HBCU Colleges and Universities

• Amount: Varies
• About: Students attending HBCUs can find scholarships and grant opportunities through the United Negro College Fund’s website. Requirements vary considerably by award, but most require candidates to establish financial need. They may also need to demonstrate community involvement and a passion for a specific field.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Here

The State of Wisconsin’s Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant

• Amount: $250-$2,500
• About: Established by the State of Wisconsin’s Higher Educational Aids Board, the Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant supports minority students pursuing degrees at Wisconsin schools. Each candidate must remain enrolled in an undergraduate degree beyond their first year, reside in Wisconsin, and have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
• Deadline: Varies

Apply to The State of Wisconsin’s Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant Here