Scholarships for African Americans are easy to find in the multitude of online resources available today. These awards are offered by the federal government, national associations and African American groups that hope to promote the education of young members of their community. Working together with high school and universities, these scholarships are helping to increase the number of young African Americans who are given the chance to attend college. The national gap between African American college graduates and other minorities is now beginning to close. However, more work has to be done. The guide below will help you take up some of the opportunities that are currently available for you.
Different Types of Scholarships for African Americans
Every scholarship has a specific set of requirements that applicants have to abide by. These requirements are defined by the overall purpose of the scholarship. When you start looking for scholarships for African Americans, you will most likely come across a variety of awards to apply to. Possibilities include:
- Merit Scholarships: These awards are issued based on a student’s academic merit. If you have good grades and high test scores, you may qualify for a merit scholarship.
- Need Based Scholarships: Need based scholarships are issued based on a student’s financial need. If you come from a low income household, this could be a great opportunity for you.
- Essay Scholarships: Essay scholarships are fairly common, and they will require you to write an essay for your application. You don’t have to be a perfect writer to earn one of these scholarships, but you do have to convey your thoughts in an easy-to-read manner. If you don’t mind writing to potentially earn money, this could be a great option for you.
- No Essay Scholarships: No essay scholarships are some of the easiest awards to apply for. Simply fill out a small form, and you could enter for a chance to win a set amount of money for college.
There are many other scholarships for African Americans out there, but that should give you a rough idea of what may be in store for you. If you think about your interests, your major, your location, and your financial situation, you should be able to find a set of scholarships you can apply for.
Sources for Scholarships for African Americans
Finding scholarships for African Americans is not hard if you know where to look in the first place. As long as you are willing to seek financial assistance, it will be out there for you to grab onto. Here are some of the most notable sources for financial assistance:
- United Negro College Fund: This organization helps 60,000 students attend college annually. A major goal of the UNCF is to increase the number of African Americans who attend college and to decrease the gap in educational inequality that young African Americans face every day. UNCF scholarships, grants and fellowships help to keep students in college and ensure that they graduate. Currently there are 39 colleges that are members of UNCF, mostly small school than can keep cost of tuition at a minimum. Together, the UNCF and these member institutions are advocates for the African American community and its students. Apply online for one of the four hundred scholarships for African American students from low and moderate income families.
- Thurgood Marshall College Foundation: This is another foundation that awards scholarships, paid intern opportunities and leadership programs to African American students. TMCF seeks to empower the next generation of leaders in the African American community through education. Applicants have to submit an application, essay, biography and references online. These scholarships are very competitive and are awarded on an annual basis. Merit is the basis, but all honorees must have a financial need for the scholarship to be awarded. Average awards are around $4500 annually. This scholarship can be used towards tuition, books, room and board and fees. Applications are now being accepted for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- National Society of Black Engineers: This group awards over $30,000,000 annually to African American college students. By simply joining as a member, high school and undergraduate African American engineering students can have access to scholarship packages from NSBE and Corporate-sponsored scholarships. Awards range from $500 to $10,500 and are awarded on need and merit based criteria. Log on to become an active member and submit your transcripts to scholarships@nsbe.org. You must be a registered and active member of the National Society of Black Engineers to be considered for these scholarships.
Additional Sources of African American Financial Aid
If you have a specific interest or field of study, there are most likely scholarships out there for you. Active professionals in the African American community seek out youth to help empower them to achieve their education and occupational goals. Other examples of scholarship foundations include the National Black Nurses Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the National Association of Black Accountants. Reach out to one of these admirable foundations and apply to receive scholarships for African Americans today.
