Last updated: April 23, 2019
Opportunities in education have been progressively moving forward since the 1800s, especially regarding people of color. Prior to the establishment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), African Americans were generally denied admission to traditionally white colleges and universities. Consequently, HBCUs became the sole provider of higher education for African Americans.
Since then, millions of dollars are donated annually to privately funded institutions, scholarships, grants and awards targeted specifically towards students of color, many of which move on to become some of the most important thinkers, creators, innovators, entrepreneurs and scholars of our time. A new report found that the number of African American female entrepreneurs has grown 322% since 1997, making black females the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S.
What does a better future look like to you? With higher education and the support to help get you there, the possibility for you to create the future of your dreams is possible.
How to Pay | Application Prep | African American Scholarships | All Scholarships
“Through UNCF alone, more than $100 million in scholarships is awarded annually to students of color.
— UNCF Annual Report
Scholarships cater specifically to underrepresented students in hopes of offering increased opportunities for programs in predominantly white degree programs and institutions, while also increasing diversity on university campuses nationwide. While federal funding is a great way to receive need-based support, private scholarship funds offer a more targeted opportunity to pursue any degree, or career, that will help set students up on the path towards success.
The nation’s largest minority education organization provides scholarship opportunities by raising money to support students of color to attend, thrive and graduate from college to become better leaders of their communities.
The HBCU Network was established in the 1800s to provide higher education opportunities for underrepresented minorities. The initiative is a professional and social community to network and to offer substantial scholarship opportunities for African-American students in the community.
Apply for need-based national grant opportunities suited for any academic course of study.
The Office of the U.S. Department of Education provide over $120 billion in federal grants, loans and work-study funds each year to sponsor millions of students pursuing their academic dreams.
The NSBE provide pre-college, collegiate and technical professional programs, scholarships, internships and support to students of color pursuing careers in the engineering industry.
The NSBJ offers specialized scholarships, awards, events, fellowships and internships for African-American students pursuing a career in journalism.
Awards four-year scholarships to students of color demonstrating academic excellence and promise, and financial need.
The NAACP is a national education program that works to eliminate education-related disparities in public schools through policy development, guidance, and collaborative networks.
There are hundreds of scholarships for African Americans, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
Grants don’t need to be paid back and are based on your financial circumstances. They are usually funded by the federal government, your state or college.
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
You can borrow money from the government or a bank, but it needs to be paid back with interest. The federal government offers many loan options—fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid. If you need help, use our interactive guide to learn how to answer every question.
Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.
If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.
Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by your field of study, award amount and if you qualify for need-based aid. Click the box for a larger view.
Amount: $500 - $7500
Deadline: February 28, 2021
The scholarship is open to minority students who are attending an undergraduate institution in the next academic year. Students must be majoring in hospitality management.
Amount: $1,250
Deadline: February 28, 2021
This award will recognize one African American female that's pursuing a full time bachelor's degree and participating in golf at an accredited university. Students must demonstrate academic achievement and community service for consideration
Amount: $3,750
Deadline: February 28, 2021
The Lagrant Foundation scholarships aim to increase the number of minorities working in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations. Applicants must be a minority student pursuing a masters degree in one of those subjects.
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: March 2, 2021
These merit-based scholarships are awarded to entering college freshmen students of African American descent attending four-year, accredited, non-profit degree granting colleges and universities of their choice.
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: March 29, 2021
The MBA Fellowship is designed to increase interest in financial services among black, hispanic and native american business school students.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 31, 2021
High school seniors planning to enroll at an historically black college or uiversity (HBCU) and plan to major in business, information technology, finance, data sciences, communications, or marketing. Preference given to students who are active high school participants in a Best Buy Teen Tech Center.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 1, 2021
Applicant must be attending one of the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the TMCF member-school network and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Must be an upperclassmen pursuing majors in business, finance, mathematics, accounting, statistics, and other relevant fields.
Amount: $7,000
Deadline: April 5, 2021
The scholarship celebrates and supports freshmen, sophomore, or junior students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups majoring in STEM.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 19, 2021
Applicants must graduate from an Ohio high school and be enrolled as a freshman at an accredited college or university. Minimum GPA of 2.5 required as well as a 750-1,000-word autobiography.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 30, 2021
Candidates must African American or black students and constituents of a CBC member's district who are enrolled or plan to enroll in the upcoming academic year as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student. A GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required.
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