African American Scholarships

Free Aid for Black College Students

Minority scholarships offer financial assistance to students that have historically been underrepresented in higher education. Black Americans have a long history of struggle and in efforts to counter that scholarships come from hundreds of sources.

Common sources for African American student scholarships:

  • Colleges and universities
  • Federal and state programs
  • Professional organizations and corporate sponsors
  • Philanthropic organizations
  • Private sponsors

Scholarships for African Americans from Colleges and Universities

One of the primary sources for minority and Black student scholarships is directly through a college or university:

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are those schools distinguished for their historic commitment to a predominantly black student body. The official, government list is comprised of over 100 2- and 4-year public and private schools. HBCUs are proactive in recruiting minority students and offer affordable tuitions, thanks to the financial support of leading organizations such as the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
  • Many colleges and universities offer academic and need-based scholarships to minority applicants. Requirements may include GPA.
  • Particular college departments are common sources for black student scholarships. Look especially for scholarships to come from math, science, engineering and tech departments—all major fields of study historically lacking in black professionals.

Federal and State-Funded Minority Scholarships

Various federal departments provide internship and educational scholarship opportunities specially designed to assist minority and Black students.

Example: the U.S. Department of Energy offers a Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program, essentially a paid internship. Eligible applicants must be pursuing a career in a related field and meet all GPA requirements.

Remember, your home state may offer a minority scholarship program. Most state-based programs come bundled with income requirements.

Corporate Scholarships for Black Students

Many corporations fund very lucrative minority scholarships for black students, as well. In fact, just about every big company has a scholarship for minority students, which is a helpful means of promoting equality in education and in business.

**Strategy: Know what field you want to major in? Explore the companies that dominate in that field, research their scholarship programs suitable for blacks and minorities. For example: say you’re interested in aerospace technology, then why not apply for a minority scholarship sponsored by Boeing or another aerospace company?

Here’s a hitch, though: sometimes companies require you complete an internship or pursue a career with them following graduation as part of their scholarship terms.

Public and Charitable Organizations

Very large, popular and visible organizations, such as the United Negro College Fund, also are very instrumental in providing scholarships to African American students. This organization has been supporting and promoting African American education for decades. UNCF also partners with other key organizations to sponsor funding drives and other programs aimed at supporting all minority college students.

How to Find African American Scholarships

Don’t limit yourself to only African American scholarships. There are thousands of minority scholarships that are open to students from all ethnic backgrounds. Besides the above sources, don’t overlook:

  • Scholarships from your church.
  • Local scholarships from organizations such as the VFW and American Legion.

Use the Internet to search for all types of minority, African American and scholarships for black students. Try searching for: African American scholarships through your favorite search engine. Include the name of your major for more specific results. You can add anything to this search to narrow it down even further, such as a sport you participate in, a club you’re a part of, or even the name of the company you work for.

Here are some search samples:

  • scholarships black students
  • minority athletic scholarships
  • african american scholarships music major

Regardless of your interests, major or employment, there are African American scholarships readily available for you to make use of. But in order to get that cash, you have to apply.