african american scholarship essay

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Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Scholarships

For more than three decades the CBCF in partnership with CBC Spouses has awarded scholarships to talented and deserving students. Each year, we award more than 300 scholarships to students that demonstrate leadership ability through exemplary community service and academic talent. Our scholarship programs support current or upcoming college students across a variety of disciplines.

The Ally Financial Law Scholars

Open Date: December 18, 2023 Close Date: April 27, 2024

Established in 2021 and provides financial assistance to students pursuing a law degree. This scholarship award seeks to minimize the debt of higher education that plagues scholars after their completion of the professional degree program, with a goal of increasing the number of highly qualified and competitive law professionals entering the workforce. Ally is committed to reducing barriers to economic mobility and fostering financial and social inclusion.

The Ally Financial Public Policy Scholars

Established in 2021 and provides financial assistance to rising college juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in public policy.  This scholarship award seeks to minimize the debt of higher education with a goal of increasing participation in the areas public policy, economic development, and civic engagement.  Ally is committed to reducing barriers to economic mobility and fostering financial and social inclusion.

CBC Spouses Education Scholarship

Open Date: December 4, 2023 Close Date: April 13, 2024

This scholarship was established in 1988 by the spouses of Congressional Black Caucus members to address the educational need in the congressional districts in response to federal cuts in spending for education programs and scholarships, which disproportionately affect people of color. This opportunity awards scholarships to academically talented and highly motivated African-American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees in a variety of fields.

CBC Spouses Essay Contest

Open Date: December 4, 2023 Close Date: March 31, 2024

Each year, qualified African-American and Black junior and senior high school students participate in the Essay Contest and Issue Forum. Students are presented with a topic that embodies some of our communities’ most pressing issues and are asked to write an essay to defend their research, analyses, and opinion. Submissions are judged by a special committee of CBC Spouses.

CBC Spouses Performing Arts Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2000, in honor of the late Curtis Mayfield to ensure that African American or Black students pursuing a degree in the performing arts receive financial assistance. Performing arts include theater, drama, comedy, music, dance, opera, marching bands, etc.

CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2006 to provide financial assistance to African American or Black students pursuing a degree in the visual arts. Visual arts include architecture, ceramics, drawing, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interior design, painting, photography, sketching, video production, etc.

HBCU NREI Scholarship

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI) HBCU Social Justice Scholarships were created to encourage and recognize necessary student exposure, experience, and engagement in organizing, political mobilization, and civic participation aimed at advancing equity, freedom, and justice for all, especially the Black community and racial minorities. The funds will be disbursed on an annual basis to undergraduate students attending Historically Black Colleges or Universities with demonstrated experience in social justice, student activism, and/or community service.

The Tracking Foundation Multi-Year Scholarship Program

The Tracking Foundation Scholarship Program awards academically talented and highly motivated African-American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate degree in all discipline areas. This scholarship is renewed on a yearly basis up to 4 years, upon meeting the renewal requirements.

The Tracking Foundation Scholars Scholarship Program

The Tracking Foundation Scholars Scholarship awards academically talented and highly motivated full-time African-American or Black scholars pursuing a graduate or doctoral degree in all discipline areas.

CBCF Reducing the Financial Barrier Scholarship (need-based)

This scholarship opportunity awards academically talented and highly motivated African American or Black scholars to reduce the financial barrier to a college degree for low-income students. The Federal Student Aid Report will be used to verify financial need based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), to include income, family size and number of family members enrolled in higher academic institutions.

Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarship

Open Date: April 1, 2024 Close Date: April 30, 2024

The Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarships will support 10 rising sophomore, junior and senior students pursing degrees in community organizing, nonprofit management, public policy, or social justice related degree programs with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must be enrolled at one of the following academic institutions: Bowie State University, Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, Spelman College, Texas Southern University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.

Please visit our FAQ page for details on applying for our scholarships. For general information, contact [email protected] or 202-263-2800.

Please note: Immediate relatives (defined as one’s parents, step-parents, siblings, spouse, children, step-children, foster children, in-laws, sibling in-laws, grandparents, great grandparents, step-great grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews) of a CBC Member, a CBC Spouse, a staff person of a CBC Member or Spouse, CBCF staff, a member of the CBCF Board of Directors, Member of CBCF, Corporate Advisory Council Member of CBCF, or any CBCF-sponsoring entity are not eligible for CBCF scholarship programs.

It is truly an honor to be recognized for my hard work and community service…My legacy is one that will be measured by lifelong learning and a burning desire to serve humanity through the development and deliverance of ‘lifesaving’ medicines that are both safe and affordable, improving the quality of life for people around the world…I continue to use the knowledge that I have acquired leading towards a successful future. This could not have happened without the support from the CBC Spouses Education Scholarship. My testimony is sincere when I say it transformed my life and hope this wonderful scholarship continues as I know it will have an impact on the lives of so many students.

Leslie Fuqua —CBC Spouses Education Scholarship recipient, 2012 and 2013

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Top 160 Scholarships for Black Students in March 2024

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Learn about our editorial policies

Historically, access to higher education has not always been equal. Many groups, including African American and Black students, have been left out of educational opportunities.

Because of this, many colleges and scholarships aim to support African American students as they pay for college. These scholarships include specific scholarships for African American women, full ride scholarships, and scholarships generally for students from minority backgrounds.

Why choose Scholarships360

We helped over 4 million students find scholarships in 2023

We've spent over 4,000 hours reviewing 3,000 scholarship programs

13+ years of experience helping students make smart education decisions

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

• The scholarship requires a fee to apply
• The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
• The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
• Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
• The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
• The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
• The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
• There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
• The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
• There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!

* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system. ** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements. ***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high… Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education. Show Less

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

“Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to… Show More

In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 and 2025) and undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year, this scholarship aims to lighten your financial worry and allow you to take fewer loans. Remember, scholarships are essentially “free money” that need not be paid back. This scholarship, specifically, aims to help out a Black student who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application, and wish you much success on your academic journey!  Show Less

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

Minority Women in STEM Financial Need Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

The Minority Women in STEM Financial Need Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Marie M. Daly, a trailblazing African American woman who earned a PhD… Show More

The Minority Women in STEM Financial Need Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Marie M. Daly, a trailblazing African American woman who earned a PhD in chemistry. Her words, "you learn courage by couraging," inspire us to support the next generation of minority women in STEM. This scholarship is for undergraduate BIPOC women at the University of Texas at Dallas pursuing STEM careers. Share your post-college goals and how you plan to achieve them to apply. Let's empower and uplift the voices of minority women in STEM. Show Less

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Minority Cosmetic Science Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Are you a BIPOC, college-bound high school student or current undergraduate student pursuing a degree and career in natural cosmetology or cosmetic science? If so,… Show More

Are you a BIPOC, college-bound high school student or current undergraduate student pursuing a degree and career in natural cosmetology or cosmetic science? If so, consider applying for the Minority Cosmetic Science Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $5,150 to one such minority student in high school or college who is pursuing a major that will lead to a career in natural cosmetology or cosmetic science. Eligible fields include, but are not limited to, cosmetology, anthropology, botany, chemistry, biochemistry, herbalism, microbiology, and more. If you're a minority student who is currently attending college or will be after graduating high school, and you have a passion for cosmetology or cosmetic science, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

PlaceWorks Scholarship Program

Offered by PlaceWorks

Are you a California resident of color attending an in-state post-secondary institution? Further, are you pursuing a degree in Planning, Urban Design, Environmental Planning, or… Show More

Are you a California resident of color attending an in-state post-secondary institution? Further, are you pursuing a degree in Planning, Urban Design, Environmental Planning, or Landscape Architecture? If so, the PlaceWorks Scholarship Program may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $5,000 to up to two (2) California residents of color who are studying Planning, Urban Design, Environmental Planning, or Landscape Architecture. Applicants must also plan to continue enrollment in a California college or university for the entirety of the upcoming academic year. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Jerry Morris and Summer Houston Scholarships

Offered by Union Pacific Railroad Black Employee Network (BEN)

Are you a Black/African resident of Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, or Texas who is a current high school senior or college… Show More

Are you a Black/African resident of Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, or Texas who is a current high school senior or college underclassman? If so, you may be eligible for the Jerry Morris and Summer Houston Scholarships! Each year, the scholarships award up to $2,000 to help assist multiple African American students in defraying the cost of higher education. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of scholastic ability and leadership, and should also be active in extracurricular school/community activities and demonstrate social awareness and involvement. If you're a Black, current or incoming college student from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, or Texas, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation Award This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation, Inc.

The Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation Award annually grants $1,000 to a college-bound, African-American high school senior who is from or will graduate from a… Show More

The Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation Award annually grants $1,000 to a college-bound, African-American high school senior who is from or will graduate from a high school in Pennsylvania. The scholarship was established to honor the memory of Craig D. Butler and support deserving high school seniors. CDB Scholarships, the sponsor of the scholarship, aims to provide financial aid to African-Americans pursuing higher education, especially to those who've experienced gun violence. To be eligible, applicants must be African-American residents of Pennsylvania or attend a Pennsylvania high school. Applicants should also have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be entering a two or four-year college/university or accredited vocational-technical school as a full-time freshman. If you meet this criteria, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be… Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month. Show Less

CBC Spouses Education Scholarship

Offered by Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.

Are you a current or incoming Black post-secondary student with a minimum 2.5 GPA? Further, do you reside in or attend an academic institution in… Show More

Are you a current or incoming Black post-secondary student with a minimum 2.5 GPA? Further, do you reside in or attend an academic institution in a CBC Member’s District? If so, consider applying for the CBC Spouses Education Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards between $2,500 and $20,000 each to multiple applicants who submit the best "video responses" addressing their academic interests, professional goals, and how they hope to make changes in their community with their education. In addition, interested students must submit their transcript, resume, and a recent headshot for publication. If you're a current or incoming Black undergraduate or graduate student, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

The Pickard Scholarship Fund

Offered by The Dallas Foundation

The Pickard Scholarship Fund was established to assist college-bound, African-American male students graduating from high schools in Dallas County. Preference may be given to those… Show More

The Pickard Scholarship Fund was established to assist college-bound, African-American male students graduating from high schools in Dallas County. Preference may be given to those who can demonstrate financial need, however, it is not a requirement to apply. Personal interviews may be required for those who are chosen as finalists for the scholarship. If you're a college-bound, African-American high school senior in Dallas County, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz Memorial Scholarship

Offered by The Miami Foundation

The Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz Memorial Scholarship annually awards between $1,000 and $3,000 to multiple Miami-Dade County minority students planning to continue their education through… Show More

The Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz Memorial Scholarship annually awards between $1,000 and $3,000 to multiple Miami-Dade County minority students planning to continue their education through the university level and pursue a career related to the legal field or social justice issues. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating in May or June of this year or GED students no older than 19 years of age attending a Miami-Dade County Public School. The scholarship was jointly created by the Aronovitz Family and The Miami Foundation to honor the memory of the late Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz, who stood as an example for the community, excelling in his chosen profession and always thinking of those less fortunate than himself. If you're a Miami-Dade County high school senior with plans to attend college and pursue a career in a legal or social justice-field, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Charles Jordan Legacy Community Service Scholarship

Offered by Black United Fund of Oregon

Are you an incoming or current high school student of Black/African descent who resides in the Portland metro area? If so, you may be eligible… Show More

Are you an incoming or current high school student of Black/African descent who resides in the Portland metro area? If so, you may be eligible for the Charles Jordan Legacy Community Service Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 each to multiple high school students of Black/African descent who are residing in Multnomah, Clackamas, Columbia, Washington, or Yamhill County in Oregon, or in Clark or Skamania County in Washington. Applicants should also have a solid belief in the importance of service and a history of service in their community, with a minimum of 20 hours of community service performed each calendar year. The scholarship was named in honor of Charles Jordan, Portland’s first African-American City Commissioner who made "commitment to youth and education" a priority during his career in public service. If you would like to honor Charles' legacy and potentially earn some money for your education, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

$2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeVine

Easy scholarship open to current high school students and college applicants. A free CollegeVine account with a completed chancing profile required to enter.

Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship

Offered by The Kansas Board of Regents

The Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship is intended to assist high school seniors from ethnic minority groups who will be entering their first year of college… Show More

The Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship is intended to assist high school seniors from ethnic minority groups who will be entering their first year of college in the state of Kansas. Eligible ethnic/racial groups include: African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic. Applicants must have also done one of the following: (1) received an ACT score of at least 21 or SAT of at least 1060 - 1090, (2) received a cumulative high school GPA of 3.00 or higher, or (3) held a high school rank in the upper 33%, (4) completed the Kansas Scholars Curriculum, (5) been selected by the National Merit Corporation in any category, or (6) been selected by College Board as a Hispanic Scholar. If you fit these criteria and are an incoming minority college student in the state of Kansas, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Dr. Paul H. Waddy, Jr. Scholarship

Offered by East Alabama Health

Are you an African-American male and college underclassman interested in a career in healthcare management? If so, you may be eligible for the Dr. Paul… Show More

Are you an African-American male and college underclassman interested in a career in healthcare management? If so, you may be eligible for the Dr. Paul H. Waddy, Jr. Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards up to $24,000 to an eligible African-American male, college underclassman who is majoring in a professional, healthcare-related field of study in which East Alabama Health has an actual or projected need. Applicants must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a record of community service. If you're an African-American male passionate about pursuing a career in healthcare, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Top 5 scholarships for Black students in 2024

We’ve hand-picked the following scholarships based on the strong reputation of their organizations, the value of the awards, and being open to a wide number of students. Apply with confidence to these 5 top scholarships for Black students:

• Ron Brown Scholarship – For Black high school seniors who plan to study global entrepreneurship and/or community engagement. Worth $10,000 per year
• Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship – For Black high school seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or a business field. Worth up to $20,000
• The Gates Scholarship – For low-income minority high school seniors, offers a full ride to college
• Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – For Black high school seniors or college students, worth $8,000
• Scholar Dollars Essay Scholarship for Black Students – For Black high school upperclassmen, college students, and graduate students. Worth $500

How to win scholarships for Black students

As with any scholarship opportunity, scholarships for Black students are highly competitive, and in order to achieve success, you’ll need to craft an application that stands out from the crowd. One great way to write a strong application is to spend some time reflecting before you start your essays.

Because these applications are offered specifically to Black students, they will often ask questions relating to your heritage and its importance in your life. Before answering these questions, try to reflect on what your Black background means to you, and talk to family members or friends to get some ideas for your application. You can jot down some informal notes about your findings, and come back to this document as you fill out your applications.

How to write a great essay

Once you have an idea of what you want to say in your essays, it’s time to make sure you say it in the most compelling way possible. Try to be succinct, charismatic, and insightful in your responses. Oftentimes, getting someone to proofread your essays can help you gain some perspective.

We have a host of resources to help you fine-tune your applications, including guides on writing 250 word or 500 word essays, writing about yourself , and answering some of the most common scholarship essay prompts . You can also check out our guides for starting and ending your essays, as well as a guide on how to write a winning scholarship essay .

Related:  List of top HBCUs

Tips for African American students applying for scholarships

• Consider Historically Black Colleges and Universities (also known as HBCUs) in your colleges search! HBCUs include top schools like Howard, Spelman, and Morehouse have historically served African American students and have many merit scholarships for black women and men .
• In addition to merit scholarships, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) to qualify for need-based financial aid.
• Check out our scholarship search tool to stay up-to-date on current scholarship opportunities custom-matched to your demographics, interests, and major.
• Make sure to put a lot of work into your scholarship essays . This includes working on writing about yourself , and learning to write for word limits. Some common word limits for scholarship essays are 250 and 500 words.
• Talk to the guidance counselor at your high school to see if there are any local scholarships you can apply for.

Prestigious scholarships for Black and African American students

These scholarships are some of our top picks, as they come with high awards, can be used at any accredited college, and are very prestigious to receive.

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Black high school seniors can apply to this program to earn $35,000 over their four years of college. They also receive invitations and funding to attend annual leadership conferences in New York to help support them through their college journey and beyond. In order to qualify, you’ll have to be a member of a minority group, demonstrate financial need, and demonstrate civic engagement through volunteer work, leadership roles, or other similar achievements.

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Black high school seniors who show interest in business and public service and who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can qualify for this scholarship. The program offers up to $40,000 over a student’s four years of college. Community service, academic achievement, and financial need are all weighed heavily in this scholarship.

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

Students who are of African descent and who are planning to major in engineering, computer science, computer information system, or business programs such as finance and business administration, are eligible. Students apply in their senior year of high school. The scholarship can provide up to $20,000 over four years of college. You’ll need to submit letters of recommendation for this one, so if you are planning to apply, make sure to request them earlier rather than later .

What you should know about HBCUs

HBCUs have historically been extremely important in the education of Black students. For many years, they were the only universities that admitted Black students. Fortunately, this is no longer true. However, they continue to provide unique benefits for Black students across the country. Here is a list of some of the highest-rated HBCUs:

Also see:  Top HBCUs in America

There are many scholarship opportunities specifically for Black students attending an HBCU. These include the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame General Scholarship . We also have a full list of HBCU scholarships to check out.

Don’t forget financial aid

While scholarships are a great way to pay for your education, it’s important not to forget financial aid as you move through the application process. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA to discover your eligibility for federal funding such as the Pell Grant , Stafford Loans , and state grants, as well as institutional aid. If your school requires the CSS Profile , make sure to fill that out too. And be sure to check in with your local community to see if there are any grants available for students.

Resources for Black students

If you have a good idea of the type of work you want to get into, it’s a good idea to seek out some Black professional organizations in your field. These organizations often offer their own scholarships, and they also host events that unite professionals in the field. From these events, you may gain additional guidance on your career trajectory, or even land a job or internship.

Professional organizations can vary widely in scope and focus. Some may be regional organizations, whereas others will be national. For example, the National Association of Black Accountants boasts of over 200,000 members nationwide, and could be a great resource for Black students interested in accounting.

And they are far from the only ones – whether you plan to be a physicist , cardiologist , a psychologist , or a host of other professions, there is an organization out there for you! Even students who are not set on a career path may benefit from joining or investigating these organizations. The firsthand experience with professionals in the field can help you decide whether it is a good fit for you or not.

Black Student Unions

Most colleges around the country have  Black Student Unions, which unify Black students on campus. If you are considering attending a school, you may find it beneficial to reach out to their Black Student Union. They may be able to steer you in the direction of school-specific scholarships and other resources. They can also offer insight about the experience of being a Black student on that school’s campus.

Additional organizations to check out

• Black Career Network – a great resource for landing a job after graduation or an internship while you’re still in school
• United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – an organization that offers a wide array of dependable and lucrative scholarships for Black and African American students
• HBCU Network – a catch-all hub of resources for students attending an HBCU or considering attending one
• I’m First – if you are a first-generation college student, this is a great hub of resources to answer questions you may not even know you had. This can make your application process and your first semesters in school much easier and more successful

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for Black students

Are there scholarships specifically for black women, do i qualify for scholarships for black students if i am multiracial, what are the advantages of hbcus, explore these additional scholarship categories.

• Top scholarships at HBCUs
• Top scholarships for multiracial students
• Top scholarships for women
• Easy scholarships to apply for
• Top scholarships for minority students
• Most prestigious scholarships

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The Online Guide to Scholarships, Financial Aid and More for African American Students

Beyoncé and Mom, Tina, Announce $500K Cosmetology School Scholarship Program

Fostering talent, promoting professionalism, and supporting entrepreneurship within the hair industry are deeply important to Beyoncé and her mom, Tina. That's why they're partnering with Cécred to create the Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund, which celebrates the influence professional stylists have on hair health and the critical importance of advocating for the salon community.

Ron Brown Scholarship Program For African American Students — Up to $40K in Awards Available!

Mary J. Blige Celebrates Black Women With New HBCU Scholarship

Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Mary J. Blige has launched a scholarship program aimed at supporting African American women seeking higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant

The Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant has been an annual event for the past 38 years, offering young girls of African American descent a platform to showcase their talents, beauty, and intelligence.

Chevrolet "Discover the Unexpected" Scholarship Program For HBCU Students

Official Black Lives Matter Scholarship Program For HBCU Students

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) has launched the Student Solidarity Fund and the HBCU Student Scholarship Fund to emphasize the importance of mutual aid in their philanthropic work. The organization recognizes that the well-being, health, and dignity of individuals are interlinked, and cooperation is necessary for survival.

30 Scholarships for African American and Black Students in 2022

In the fall of 2019, Black students represented 12.7% of the total number of undergraduates in the United States. According to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute , this group of about two million African American undergraduates took out student loans at a much higher rate than their peers in other ethnic groups. Fortunately, scholarships like the ones below can help make higher education affordable. To help you in your scholarship search, we’ve compiled 30 great college scholarships for Black and African American students.

1. The Gates Scholarship

2. tmcf and ets presidential scholarship for hbcu students, 3. ron brown scholarship program, 4. goldman sachs mba fellowship, 5. sidney b. williams jr. scholarship, 6. jackie robinson foundation scholarship, 7. ann fudge scholarship, 8. ben’s original seat at the table fund scholarship, 9. frederick douglass bicentennial scholarship, 10. knowbe4 for black americans in cybersecurity scholarship, 11. the legacy lab scholarship, 12. united health foundation louis stokes scholarship, 13. thurgood marshall college fund (tmcf) all around scholarship, 14. actuarial diversity scholarship, 15. tmcf and coca-cola first generation scholarship, 16. walt disney uncf corporate scholarship & internship program, 17. acs scholars program, 18. blacks at microsoft scholarship, 19. spectrum scholarship program, 20. aicpa scholarship award for minority accounting students, 21. hallie q. brown scholarship, 22. national association of negro business and professional women’s clubs, inc. national scholarship, 23. martin luther king scholarship, 24. minority teachers of illinois (mti) scholarship program, 25. william a. crawford minority teacher scholarship, 26. kansas ethnic minority scholarship, 27. the florida fund for minority teacher education scholarship, 28. larry w. carter scholarship.

• 29. Black Philanthropy Bannister Scholarship

30. Cornerstone Scholarship Charitable Trust

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Amount: Full cost of attendance

Provider: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander
• Plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program
• Graduating high school senior
• Pell Grant eligible

Awarded to 300 top student leaders, the Gates Scholarship recognizes high school students with great leadership abilities, personal success skills, and an exceptional academic record. Eligible students will need to complete FAFSA to determine their financial aid package and family contribution. For winners of this scholarship, the award will cover the remaining cost of tuition and can also be applied to costs like room, board, books, transportation, and other personal costs associated with pursuing an undergraduate degree.

Amount: Full tuition-only need/merit scholarship

Provider: TMCF and ETS

• Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Black/African American
• Enrolled full-time as a junior or senior at a public or private HBCU

The TMCF and ETS Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students awards eight undergraduate students enrolled at a private or publicly-supported Historically Black College and University (HBCUs). This undergraduate scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and will be given to four students at a public HBCU and four students at a private HBCU. Sponsored in part by Educational Testing Services (ETS), candidates for this college scholarship will need to write an essay about their most rewarding educational experiences and how education has helped them achieve their personal goals.

Amount: $40,000 ($10,000 each year)

Provider: Ron Brown Scholar Program

• Current high school senior 

The Ron Brown Scholarship Program awards Black students who will help to honor the memory of the late Ron Brown through their commitment to academic achievement and community service. The scholarship provides financial assistance for four years to high school seniors who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree. Each year, the program awards 45 to 50 scholarships to deserving students who demonstrate financial need.

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Amount : $35,000, plus Summer Associate salary 

Provider : Goldman Sachs

• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American female
• First-year MBA student

For graduate students in their first year of business school, the Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship is a lucrative scholarship with the potential to help kickstart a career in the financial services industry. Industry leader, Goldman Sachs, seeks to provide a launchpad to the industry leaders of tomorrow. In addition to the award amount to help cover the cost of tuition, awardees will receive a $40,000 salary for their work as a summer associate at the bank.

Amount: Up to $30,000

Provider: The Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law

• Enrolled as an law school (1L) student at an ABA-accredited law school
• Proven academic performance at the undergraduate, graduate, and law school levels
• Intend to practice patent law

For Black students pursuing their educational dreams in law school, the Sidney B. Williams Jr. Scholarship should be one to add to your scholarship shortlist! This generous scholarship program provides financial support for three years of law school. Sponsored by the Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law, an interest in patent law will move you to the top of the list for this specific scholarship. In addition to academic requirements, this scholarship provider prefers applicants with leadership abilities and a record of community service. 

Amount: $30,000

Provider: Jackie Robinson Foundation

• Plan to attend a four-year college within the United States or affiliated with a United States-based college or university
• Minimum SAT score of 1000 or ACT score of 21

The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship is an award for high school seniors from underrepresented groups. Inspired by the athlete and pioneer Jackie Robinson, this scholarship fund supports minority students with similar groundbreaking dreams. This comprehensive award also provides students with unique mentorship opportunities, and the program prefers to honor well-rounded, community-service-minded minority scholars with leadership potential.

Amount: $20,000

Provider: The Executive Leadership Council

• Minimum GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale
• Black/African American female 
• Enrolled at an HBCU
• Rising sophomore, junior, or senior 

The Executive Leadership Council believes in a bright future for African American women, which is why they’ve endowed the Ann Fudge Scholarship . Named for Ann Fudge, a Black woman who shattered glass ceilings while serving as the CEO and Chairman of Young & Rubicam Brands, this scholarship is given to a Black female student enrolled at an HBCU. While students of all majors should apply, priority may be given to those majoring in business. Eligibility is limited to currently enrolled college students entering into their sophomore, junior, or senior year.

Amount: $25,000

Provider: Ben’s Original and the National Urban League

• Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Plan to attend an institution with a culinary arts or food sciences program

Sponsored by Ben’s Original and the National Urban League, this unique scholarship is for Black scholars with a specific interest in pursuing a career in the culinary industry. The Ben’s Original Seat at the Table Fund Scholarship exists to expand access to the food industry and help talented Black students with a passion for food find a future in their desired field of work. This scholarship is open to students pursuing either a Bachelor’s or an Associate’s degree.

Amount: $10,000

Provider: UNCF and the Signore Family

• Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale 
• Enrolled full-time at a four-year HBCU
• Rising senior 

In honor of the late American hero, the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship program awards exceptional Black students who are rising seniors at an HBCU. The award is given each year to one male and one female student who have demonstrated academic achievement and a commitment to community service. Financial need is a key piece of eligibility, so if your aid packages aren’t what you’d hoped, this could be the scholarship that fills the gap.

Provider: Center for Cyber Safety and Education

• Minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
• Pursuing a degree with a focus on cybersecurity or information assurance
• Undergraduate freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student 

KnowBe4 Careers is passionate about diversifying the field of cybersecurity. If you’re a Black student studying cybersecurity or a related field, check out the KnowBe4 for Black Americans in Cybersecurity Scholarship . This specific scholarship can be used to supplement your college fund for tuition, books, and even housing. Beyond financial assistance, KnowBe4 also provides a comprehensive education package to help prepare African American undergraduates for a career in their chosen field.

Loving these scholarships, but need help applying for your government financial aid? We can help you fill out your FAFSA and state aid.

Provider: Legacy Lab

This scholarship is ideal for Black students with a deep sense of self and passion for their community! The Legacy Lab Scholarship wants to reward and develop the next generation of ambitious, principled leaders. To complete this application, candidates will create a video explaining their future vision and dreams for making a positive impact in their communities. This scholarship program prioritizes passion and personality so applicants should be sure to showcase their unique selves.

Amount: $8,000

Provider: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Majoring in a subject related to healthcare or medicine
• Pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree full-time at a college or university

The United Health Foundation Louis Stokes Scholarship is for Black students with an interest in a career in healthcare. As a response to cuts to federal spending on education for communities of color, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation created this scholarship to alleviate the financial burden of higher education for the next generation of Black doctors. So, if your academic goals include preparing for a career in the field of medicine, this scholarship program is a great one to explore.

Amount: $6,200

Provider: TMCF

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Enrolled as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior at a TMCF 47 member-school

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund supports a series of scholarships for Black students with plans to attend one of the HBCUs or Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). One of these college scholarships is the TMCF All Around Scholarship , which seeks to support Black students with an eye for community service, leadership, and academic achievement. Applicants must complete a video answering an essay prompt about the purpose of education for the student, their family, and their community.

Amount: Up to $4,000

Provider: The Actuarial Foundation

• At least one birth parent who is Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, or Pacific Islander
• Pursuing a career in the actuarial profession

The Actuarial Foundation provides scholarship awards from $1,000-$4,000 for students with the Actuarial Diversity Scholarship . Actuaries are a key piece of the financial industry as they help to assess risk and liability. Actuarial work is both a stimulating and financially stable career and one that the Actuarial Foundation wants to expand access to across underrepresented groups. 

Amount: $5,000

Provider: TMCF and Coca-Cola

• Enrolled full-time as an incoming-freshman student at one of TMCF’s 47 member-schools
• First-generation college student 

The TMCF and Coca-Cola Scholarship is a great opportunity for first-generation college students with plans to attend an HBCU. TMCF and Coca-Cola envision a future where every student can pursue their higher education dreams – which is why they’ve created this unique opportunity for specific TMCF member schools each year. The ideal candidate for this award will need to demonstrate a commitment to leadership and community service as well as academic achievement.

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Provider: The Walt Disney Company and the UNCF (United Negro College Fund)

• Enrolled full-time as a junior at a four-year college or university
• Plan to pursue a career at The Walt Disney Company in a related field of business (e.g., film, television, journalism, media production, digital media, finance, technology, education, sports marketing, animation, etc.) 
• Available for the full length of the summer internship

For college juniors enrolled full-time in a four-year college or university, the Walt Disney UNCF Corporate Scholarship and Internship Program is worth a look. This unique program provides both financial assistance and a paid summer internship. Walt Disney seeks to support a diverse future by empowering the next generation of leaders from underrepresented groups. If you’re interested in a career in entertainment or a related field, this program could be a great way to kickstart your career – and offset the cost of college at the same time.

Amount: Up to $5,000 per academic year

Provider: American Chemical Society

• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, or Native American 
• Majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, or another chemistry-related science 
• Plan to pursue a career in chemistry or another related field  

The ACS Scholarship Program provides financial aid to underrepresented minority students who are majoring in chemistry-related disciplines. About 350 students receive scholarship awards up to $5,000 per academic year, and more than 3,000 students to date have received college funding from the program. This specific scholarship is open to high school students as well as college students.

Provider: American Library Association (ALA)

• Plan to study engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or another related field 
• Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the U.S.
• High school senior

The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship is a unique award for Black students with an interest in pursuing a career in technology. Microsoft wants to discover the next generation of exceptionally talented Black engineers, computer scientists, and businessmen and women. If that sounds like you, this award could help fund your next chapter in education. Candidates with a love of community service and a track record of leadership will stand out to this scholarship selection committee.

• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern/North African, Native American, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander
• Attending an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies

The Spectrum Scholarship Program is an opportunity for minority students sponsored by the American Library Association. Libraries are a key part of the educational experience and the ALA wants to empower the next generation of diverse librarians. In addition to financial support, the ALA provides job preparation and placement opportunities both at libraries and within the ALA. If your goal is a graduate degree in library and information studies, be sure to check out this scholarship.

Amount: Up to $5,000

Provider: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in the U.S. or its territories
• Majoring in accounting or an accounting-related major
• Plan to pursue the CPA licensure but not presently be a CPA
• Completed at least 30 semester hours of coursework, including at least 6 semester hours in accounting

The AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students is awarded annually to students from underrepresented groups seeking a degree in accounting or an accounting-related major. This scholarship program from AICPA has been running for over forty years and continues to provide access to education for students who dream of becoming a certified public accountant. This specific scholarship is for students who are farther along in their educational journeys – but for all math-loving scholars, this could be one to check out in the future.

Amount: Up to $2,000

Provider: National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC)

• Minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Black/African American female
• Member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs

The National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC) has sponsored the Hallie Q. Brown Scholarship for African American women since 1904. The scholarship provides financial assistance for female students to pursue their college degree with the loving support of millions of other Black women. Membership is key to eligibility for this specific scholarship, but the NACWC is free to join and maintains chapters all across the United States.

Amount: Varies per recipient

Provider: NANBPWC, Inc.

The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. founded in 1935, emerged as a national non-profit organization in light of the need to promote and protect the interests of women business owners and professionals. Each year the association awards the NANBPWC, Inc Scholarship specifically to Black female students seeking to further their education at the undergraduate level.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Rhode Island Foundation

• Resident of Rhode Island
• Accepted or enrolled in a college or technical school within the U.S.
• Demonstrate leadership abilities

The Martin Luther King Scholarship is sponsored by the Rhode Island Foundation and awarded annually to Black students in pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Given in honor of celebrated civil rights hero, Martin Luther King, this scholarship provides the opportunity for future Black scholars to follow in his revolutionary footsteps. Students with a history of leadership and academic achievement will be the ideal candidates for this selection committee.

Provider: Illinois Student Assistance Commission

• Resident of Illinois
• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and/or Asian American
• High school graduate or GED recipient 
• Plan to teach at a non-profit school in Illinois following graduation

The Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program is a great opportunity to help pay for college and give back! This scholarship is funded by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, whose goal is to spread access to education by making it more affordable to residents of the state of Illinois. This unique award helps to fund college for the winner in return for their time and energy as a teacher at a non-profit school – public, private, or parochial – in the state upon receipt of their undergraduate degree. 

Amount: $4,000

Provider: Indiana Commission for Higher Education

Requirements:  

• Resident of Indiana
• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx
• Enrolled full-time at any university in Indiana
• First-time undergraduate student 
• Majoring or minoring in education or another related field
• Commit to teaching in Indiana for at least three years upon graduation

With the dream of diversifying leadership in classrooms, the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship provides scholarship funds to Black or Latinx/Hispanic students. Named for the legendary Indiana representative, William A. Crawford, who sought to spread access to education to all citizens, this scholarship opportunity is tailored to those who similarly believe in the power of education. If you commit to teaching in the state of Indiana, this scholarship can help pay for your education for all four years as it is eligible to be renewed annually!

Amount: Up to $1,850

Provider: Kansas Board of Regents

Requirements:

• Resident of Kansas
• Enrolled full-time at a Kansas community college or four-year university
• Minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 990
• High school rank in the upper 33% of one’s class
• Completed Kansas Scholars Curriculum Selection by National Merit Corporation in any category  
• Selected by College Board as a Hispanic Scholar 

For high-school standouts from underrepresented groups in Kansas, the Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship can help form a pathway to an undergraduate degree. This award is sponsored by the Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees all of the higher education institutions in the state, and aims to increase ethnic diversity across its member organizations. This award doesn’t carry any subject matter requirement, and it’s renewable for up to five years in case your field of study takes you extra time.

Award: $4,000

Provider: Florida Fund for Minority Teachers

• Resident of Florida
• Admitted into a teaching program at an FFMT participating university
• College junior
• Completed 60 credits or AA degree but no more than 18 hours of upper-division education courses

The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers Education Scholarship grants college funds to minority students who hope to become teachers. Sponsored by the State of Florida, this award provides not only financial support but also helps develop professional skills and prepare future educators for life in the classroom. If you identify as a member of a minority group and are enrolled in a teaching program, don’t forget to apply!

Amount: $3,000

Provider: The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

• Resident of Iowa
• Enrolled full- or part-time in any college program 

The Larry W. Carter Scholarship was created in memory of Larry W. Carter, an activist and prominent community leader. Any African American Iowa resident is eligible to apply. Applicants can be pursuing full-time or part-time studies at the undergraduate or graduate level.

2 9. Black Philanthropy Bannister Scholarship

• Resident of Rhode Island 
• Pursuing or advancing a career in healthcare at a post-secondary institution
• High school graduate or adult student 

This specific scholarship is provided by the Rhode Island Foundation and is perfect for Black students with an interest in medicine and community service. The Black Philanthropy Bannister Scholarship supports students from Rhode Island pursuing a career in healthcare. The scholarship is given in honor of the Bannister House, a nursing home for retired African American domestic workers, and seeks to support the Black community in Rhode Island. This scholarship may be renewable for up to four years and is open to undergraduate and graduate students.

Provider: Cornerstone Scholarship Charitable Trust

• Resident of Arkansas
• Plan to attend a university, college, or vocational school
• Earned a high school diploma 
• 17 to 25 years old

African American students from Arkansas are eligible to apply for the Cornerstone Scholarship Charitable Trust . This college scholarship is specifically targeted toward Black students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and have big dreams for their future. The ideal candidate will be an undergraduate student who demonstrates financial need as well as academic achievement.

There are countless scholarship programs specifically created to support Black and African American students, and this list is just the beginning! To get more scholarships delivered right to your inbox, create a profile on Going Merry . You’ll be instantly matched to numerous scholarships without ever needing to search.

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Scholarships for African American and Black Students

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Updated December 12, 2023

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

This guide provides a list of notable college scholarships available for African American and Black students.

Paying for higher education can be the most challenging and stressful part of pursuing a degree. Thankfully, financial aid programs and scholarships can help relieve the financial burden of an education and allow students to focus on their studies.

Financial aid opportunities can also help reduce racial inequalities and disparities in higher education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Black students make up less than 15% of the college student body. Scholarships that support Black students can increase the diversity of college and university campuses and the workforce.

The following page highlights some of the best scholarship programs available to African American students and provides details on how learners can apply.

Challenges for African American and Black Students

Black and African American learners typically face greater challenges when pursuing an education than their white peers. Here are just some of the most significant obstacles these students face.

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Lack of Resources

According to financial aid data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Black students require financial aid at higher rates than any other race, with over 95% of Black students receiving some form of support in 2016. This disparity points to a lack of resources and available financial support within Black communities.

First-Generation Students

According to NCES enrollment data , only 11% of Black students were not first-generation students in 2012. First-generation students tend to earn lower college readiness scores , receive less familial support, and acheive lower success rates overall.

College Readiness

According to a national survey , students of color feel less prepared for college and more stressed during their studies than white students. This can lead to lower success and retention rates.

According to NCES school crime and safety data , 43% of the reported hate crimes on higher education campuses across the country in 2017 were related to race. In addition to facing outward prejudice and racism, Black students are less represented in classroom instruction: Only 6% of higher education teachers are Black.

Graduation Rates

According to the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education , Black students graduate from their degrees 42% of the time -- 20% lower than the graduation rate for white students. This likely results from a combination of the racial climate, ill-equipped retention programs, school locations, financial factors, and lack of representation on campus.

Underrepresentation

Across some of the country's top schools, Black students represent just 6% of first-year students -- a number that has remained consistent since 1980. Underrepresentation at colleges and universities leads to larger disparities in the workforce and more financial challenges for Black students.

The Importance of Grants and Scholarships

For many students, scholarships and grants provide the financial support necessary to attend college or university. According to Sallie Mae , 58% of families utilize this type of funding, making it one of the largest sources of tuition payments. Of the total amount paid in tuition by the average American family, 25% comes from scholarships and grants.

While all forms of financial aid play a role, many Americans struggle with accumulating student debt and high-interest payments on loans. Scholarships and grants can help reduce debt more than most sources because the funds typically do not require repayment. These awards help reduce financial stress after graduation.

In addition to financial aid, scholarships and grants can also help students access employment opportunities. Merit awards in particular may help recipients stand out from the competition. Some awards even offer winners access to internships or careers within an organization in their chosen industry.

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Finding and applying to scholarships.

Black and African American students can pursue many different scholarships. These awards may focus on academic achievements or financial need. Some recognize students from a specific state, county, city, or school district, while others support learners attending specific colleges or studying certain disciplines.

Plenty of scholarships and grants are specifically for Black or African American students, along with more general scholarships for minority applicants. Some of these awards also emphasize certain characteristics, such as first-generation college student status or community involvement. To maximize award potential, candidates should consider all categories, starting with the broad and working toward the very specific.

While most scholarships provide funding to help cover tuition costs, some awards enable recipients to use funds more broadly. For example, financial aid can help with housing, transportation, textbooks, and course materials, giving students more financial flexibility. It's a good idea to apply to as many scholarships as possible to keep your options open.

Where To Look

While students should leave no stone unturned when looking for scholarships , some learners struggle to find available scholarships. Sites like Scholarships.com , Scholarship Points , and Student Scholarships offer access to large databases that students can filter through to find the most applicable awards.

For scholarships and grants specific for Black and African American students, applicants can explore databases like Black Scholarships or industry-focused organizations, such as the Black Business and Professional Association and the National Association of Black Accountants .

Black and African American applicants should also explore location- and school-based awards. For students applying to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), HBCU Connect and HBCU Lifestyle also offer searchable databases. Most schools have their own internal scholarship databases, along with links to reputable external sites. State, city, and district government websites often provide scholarships for minority students as well.

How To Apply

Applications take time and effort. Thankfully, completing a FAFSA makes it easier to qualify for a large number of scholarships and grants. Many schools also automatically consider their students for financial awards. In general, applicants should begin their scholarship searches as early as possible, compiling a list of awards and paying close attention to their deadlines and required materials.

While requirements vary, candidates typically need school transcripts, resumes, community involvement examples, personal essays, and recommendation letters, so it's best to assemble these things ahead of time. These will help streamline the general application process, allowing applicants to spend more time pursing awards that have unique essay questions and requirements.

African American and Black Scholarships

The following list highlights some of the best scholarships available for Black and African American students. It offers a helpful starting point, but students should still perform their own research to confirm details and find awards that match their unique achievements and circumstances.

General Scholarships

Acs scholars program, african american network of the carolinas scholarship fund, american bus association diversity scholarship, ams minority scholarships, blm� scholarship foundation college scholarship, brown and caldwell minority scholarship program, empower scholarship award, george washington carver scholarship, ron brown scholar program, the jackie robinson foundation, xerox technical minority scholarship program, scholarships for first-generation students, bay area minority law student scholarship program, colorado christian university world changers scholarship, fontana transport inc. scholars program, thurgood marshall college fund and coca-cola foundation first-generation hbcu scholarships, scholarships for women, dr. arnita young boswell scholarship, dr. barbara odom-wesley spirit of achievement scholarship, dr. gussie m. ware memorial scholarship, dr. wyneta a. frazier 'sister to sister' scholarship, illustrating awesomeness scholarship, the national association of negro business and professional women's clubs scholarships, steam scholarships, blacks at microsoft scholarship, esa foundation computer and video game scholarship program, nacme scholars block grant program, national society of black engineers, sachs foundation scholarships, national society of high school scholars steam scholarship, significant opportunities in atmospheric research and science program, african american and black grants.

Grants, which typically award candidates based on financial need, differ from scholarships, which often depend on merit-based requirements. Like scholarships, grants very rarely require repayment. Learners can find most grants in the same databases where scholarships are found. Students can also access some of the most significant and widely available grants directly through FAFSA.

Three of the largest grant categories include:

• Federal Pell Grants: Federal Pell Grants provide funding for undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must complete the FAFSA for consideration, with awards based on financial need, enrollment status, and family contribution ability.
• State Grants: State grants come from state government funding. These aid programs typically aim to entice promising students to stay and study in their home states. To qualify, applicants typically need to demonstrate financial need and state residency. They may also need to attend specific state schools.
• Private Grants: Private grants can come from many different sources, including local organizations or industry associations. These grants typically reward students who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue a specific discipline. Candidates may also need to commit to employment or internships with the organization.

Though students should complete their own research to find the grants that meet their unique circumstances, the following list explores some of the most popular grants for Black and African American students.

UNCF Grant Programs

Hbcu colleges and universities, the state of wisconsin's minority undergraduate retention grant, frequently asked questions, what percentage of black students go to college.

According to enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics, 37% of Black students attended college or university in 2018 -- an increase of 6% since 2000.

What are HBCUs?

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are accredited schools established prior to 1964 that focus on the education of Black students, as per the Higher Education Act of 1965 .

What Percentage of Black College Students Attend HBCU?

According to NCES enrollment data , 9% of Black students attended HBCUs in 2010, falling from a high of 18% in 1976.

How Can Black Students Find Scholarships for College?

Black students can access major scholarship boards and resource pages online, search through state and school scholarship databases, and look for opportunities through local or industry-related organizations.

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The 18 Best Scholarships for Black Students in 2024-2025

Paying for college – especially graduate school – is a massive burden. If you can’t find programs offering partial or full funding, scholarships for Black students are there to bridge the gap.

Ready to learn about free grants for African American students? Let’s begin.

Table of Contents

Best General Scholarships for Black Students in 2024

1. uncf general scholarship.

Deadline : March 28, 2024, 4:00 PM EST Award Amount : Varies Apply Here

The UNCF (United Negro College Fund) offers scholarships with varying award amounts. It provides underrepresented full-time undergraduate and graduate students studying at UNCF member institutions the financial help they seek.

The organization’s mission is to help build a nationally recognized network of students who become highly qualified graduates of their respected member institutions.

2. ABA Diversity Scholarship

Deadline : Varies Award Amount : $5,000 Apply Here

ABA Diversity Scholarships focus on increasing the number of underrepresented groups in the transportation, travel, and tourism sectors (specifically within the management and operation ranks).

Impartial evaluators select winners, judging candidates on their academic excellence, character, financial need, leadership, and commitment to the aforementioned industries. However, applicants with affiliations to ABA member companies may be favored slightly more during the consideration phase.

3. ACHE Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarships

Deadline : March 31, 2024 Award Amount : $5,000 Apply Here

This annual scholarship was established in honor of Albert W. Dent , the first African-American Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. The award is specifically intended for racially diverse, ethnically diverse, and LGBTQ+ students, assisting them with expensive student loans, tuition, and related expenses.

4. APF Queen-Nellie Evans Award

Deadline : January 31, 2024 Amount : $4,000 Apply Here

Offered by the American Psychological Foundation, the APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship was founded to assist graduate students and psychologists in their early careers. Each year, the APF awards this $4,000 scholarship to a graduate student from an underrepresented minority group who seeks to improve communities of color, especially those of African descent.

5. TMCF & McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship

Deadline : March 27, 2024 Award Amount : $15,000 Apply Here

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund & McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship is quite generous, offering up to 63 awards of $15,000 each academic year. Intended for exceptional undergraduate students attending HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), these scholarships for African American students can help cover tuition and similar fees.

6. Anna V. Waters Scholarship

Deadline : March 1, 2024 Award Amount : Up to $2,000 Apply Here

This scholarship for Black students was established to honor the legacy and memory of Anna V. Waters, a nurse who consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout her life. Established in 2010, the fund supports African-American students with a demonstrable desire to pursue higher education. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0-2.9.

7. CBC Foundation Spouses Education Scholarship

Deadline : March 31, 2024 Amount : $2,500 Apply Here

One of many grants for Black students, this scholarship was established in 1988 by spouses of CBC ( Congressional Black Caucus ) members. It’s intended to assist students within the CBC members’  congressional districts, particularly those affected by federal budget cuts on education programs and scholarships.

This scholarship awards academically gifted, highly motivated African-American students who are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in various fields.

Location-Specific Scholarships for Black College Students

8. cta martin luther king jr. memorial scholarship program.

Deadline : February 23, 2024 Award Amount : Up to $6,000 Apply Here

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program is offered by the California Teacher’s Association. The program encourages BIPOC students to become educators as well as counselors, therapists, and nurses in schools. Applicants must already be pursuing a certification or degree related to public education teaching. Please check the scholarship page for more eligibility information.

9. Sachs Foundation Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships

Deadline : March 15, 2024 Award Amount :

• Undergraduate: $10,000-$12,500 per year (for up to four years of study)
• Graduate: $10,000 per year (for up to four years, depending on the course of study)

Apply Here : 

• Undergraduate

The Sachs Foundation offers its undergraduate scholarships to high school seniors from Colorado. Students who receive a grant may use the funds toward any full-time accredited institution they are enrolled in. 

However, Sachs Foundation scholarships for Black graduate students are offered only to former Sachs undergraduate scholars . Both awards are generous and can be renewable for each academic year.

Scholarships for Black Women Students

There are many scholarships specifically offered to BIPOC women, and we’ve included some of these below. We’ve also compiled more details on general scholarships for women if some of these programs don’t suit your needs.

10. The Essence Scholars Program

Deadline : October 15, 2024 Award Amount : $10,000 Apply Here

This scholarship for black students is for female students enrolled in a UNCF college, as well as Howard University and Hampton University. You’ll need to demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of at least 3.0 to be eligible.

11. Alexis Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship for the Arts

Deadline : May 31, 2024 Award Amount : $1,350-$3,000 Apply Here

The Alexis Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship for the Arts awards five female-identifying applicants in their pursuit of art-related studies. The fund – which is open to African American and/or Latina students – was created in honor of Alexis Mackenzie, an art lover and dancer whose life ended far too soon.

12. Minority Women in STEM Financial Need Scholarship

Deadline : June 15, 2024 Award Amount : $10,000 Apply Here

This scholarship is reserved for one undergraduate BIPOC female seeking a STEM education . Applicants must be attending one of the following universities to qualify:

• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Texas at Dallas
• University of North Texas
• Texas Women’s University
• The University of Texas at Arlington
• Texas A&M University – College Station

First Generation African American Scholarships

13. fea (fund for education abroad) scholarships.

Deadline : Varies Award Amoun t: Up to $5,000 Apply Here

The FEA instituted this scholarship program to increase the number of underrepresented students (especially African American students) studying abroad. The program distributes various scholarships among eligible first-generation students who desire to study abroad.

14. Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship

Deadline : To Be Announced Award Amount : $10,000 per year (Renewable annually) Apply Here

The Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco offers a scholarship to first-generation minority students pursuing a degree in legal studies. The scholarship has a three-year commitment and can be renewed each year.

The following institutions are participating in the program:

• Golden Gate University School of Law
• University of California – Berkeley School of Law
• University of San Francisco School of Law
• Stanford Law School
• Santa Clara University School of Law
• University of California – Hastings College of the Law

15. Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

Deadline : March 14, 2024 Award Amount : Varies Apply Here

This scholarship program primarily aims to support passionate first-generation high school seniors belonging to underrepresented groups who require financial assistance. It seeks to sponsor and guide students with the determination for success, despite their struggles and lack of resources. 

Selected students may use their award at any accredited four-year college, so long as they intend to study one of the following: Math, Transportation Management, Science, Architecture, Pre-Med, Psychology, Environmental Design, Spanish Language or Literature, or Engineering.

STEM Scholarships for African American Students

16. Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarships

Deadline : March 13, 2024 Award Amount : 5 $20,000 awards distributed over four years (or $5,000/year). 45 one-time awards of $2,5000 Apply Here

The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship was created to enable and empower African American students seeking an education and future career in technology. The fund awards four students $20,000 each, distributed as a $5,000 grant per year over four years. It also offers 45 students a one-off award of $2,500 each.

The American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Annual Giving program provides scholarships to underrepresented students pursuing a science education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

18. DFBSST Science and Technology Scholarships

The DFBSST offers a scholarship to African American students enrolled in an HBCU’s science or technology undergraduate programs. The scholarship is based on various criteria, including academic performance and financial need. 

Applications must be obtained at one of the schools listed here . Current recipients may apply for funding renewal each year. However, they must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their major and be enrolled in a full-time science or engineering degree. 

Application Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for Black Scholarships

Most scholarship applications require the following:

• Your resume
• An essay on a given topic
• Two or more letters of recommendation
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of financial need (e.g., FAFSA application)

However, each scholarship has its own unique requirements. Always check the scholarship website or contact the selection committee for detailed information and conditions.

Common eligibility requirements include:

• Status as a US citizen or permanent resident.
• Enrollment in an accredited university.
• Minimum GPA

Some scholarships also require enrollment in an HBCU. Other scholarships are only open to certain demographics within the Black community, such as female students or those undertaking studies in specific areas (e.g., STEM).

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Scholarships for African American students can be highly competitive. Putting your best foot forward in your application is vital to ensure success. These handy tips are useful whether you are applying for a scholarship or a fully-funded PhD Program !

• Start early . Some scholarships cap the number of applications and may stop accepting them once they reach a certain quota.
• Submit the FAFSA form . Most needs-based scholarships require this to evaluate your financial status.
• Prepare your College Scholarship Profile (CSS) form . Because it collects more information than the FAFSA, some scholarships assess your financial need based on CSS. 
• Look for HBCUs when searching for scholarships . Historically Black Colleges & Universities were once the only institutions that admitted Black students. Many still offer scholarships and financial aid options for African American students.
• Consult the experts . Check with your guidance counselor for useful information on relevant scholarships.
• Get organized . Compile a spreadsheet with each potential scholarship’s details. Organize separate folders with documents for each. Sort the list by cutoff dates to avoid missing deadlines.
• Apply early . Prioritize applications with the earliest deadlines and submit all your applications as soon as possible.
• Focus on your essay . Pay attention to word counts and other requirements. Compose a unique, authentic, and compelling essay to capture the selection committee’s attention.
• Tailor each essay to the scholarship . Don’t use the same essay for different scholarships – even if the prompts are the same. Make sure each one is tailored to suit that specific scholarship.
• Proofread your application thoroughly . Even small punctuation mistakes or silly spelling errors can make a huge difference.

When to Start Applying for African American Scholarships

Many scholarships for African Americans have application deadlines somewhere between January and May. However, many programs have rolling or varying deadlines, allowing you to submit your application throughout the year. It’s also worth noting that some programs require current college enrollment before you can apply.

Check all the deadlines and requirements before applying for an African American scholarship. Above all, always submit your applications as early as possible!

Related Reading : The Best MBA Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i qualify for scholarships for black students if i am multiracial.

Many minority scholarships are specifically scholarships for Black people. That said, many Black people scholarships will consider multiracial applicants unless they specify otherwise. It’s best to check the organization’s eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify to apply for the award.

What Percentage of Black Students Go to College?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , the 2021 college enrollment rate among Black 18-24 year-olds was 37%. However, only 22.6% graduated with a bachelor’s degree. 

You can choose from a wide range of scholarships for Black students. Many are merit-based, but there are also plenty based on financial need. However, some have limited availability – and most have strict eligibility criteria. We recommend planning thoroughly, applying early, and crafting a spectacular personal essay to help you stand out!

Need a little help navigating the world of financial aid? Read our comprehensive Graduate School Scholarships Guide .

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]
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Find College Scholarships - African American

Search lists of scholarships by choosing a category or get matched to college scholarships you are eligible for.

• By Category
• Your Matches

Niche $25,000 "No Essay" Scholarship

• Deadline May 31, 2024
• Amount $25,000
• Offered By Niche
• State National
• Description Help cover the cost of college without writing a single essay! Niche is giving one student $25,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses — no essay required! High school seniors will also be eligible to receive acceptances (and scholarships!) from our Direct Admissions partner colleges. Fill out your Niche Profile with key details like your GPA and the high school you attend, and you’ll automatically be considered. Apply below for your chance to win so you can focus on your education, not your finances. Good luck!
• Essay Required :  No
• Recommendations Required :  No
• Minimum GPA :  None
• Major All majors
• Type Generic

$ 2,000 Sallie Mae No Essay Scholarship

• Deadline April 30, 2024
• Amount $2,000
• Offered By Sallie Mae
• Description Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help in paying for school.
• Minimum GPA :  No

Jacques Avent Scholarship

• Deadline May 1, 2024
• Amount $5,000
• Offered By Central Arizona Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators
• State Arizona
• Description Established by the Central Arizona Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators to award scholarships valued up to $5,000 to future Black public administrators. The scholarship is named in honor of Jacques Avent, one of NFBPA's original founders. Jacques had a long distinguished public service career. He was the first African American to hold a senior executive position, serving as executive assistant to the City Council and Deputy City Manager with the city of Phoenix, Arizona. Through his trailblazing efforts, he was instrumental in promoting and increasing the number of African Americans in executive and middle management positions throughout the city. More importantly, Jacques served as a mentor and confidant to many CAC-NFBPA members and other city employees.
• Essay Required :  Yes
• Recommendations Required :  Yes
• Minimum GPA :  3.0
• Major Public administration/Policy, political science, urban planning, public affairs
• Type African American

Hurston/Wright Award for College Writers

• Deadline May 3, 2024
• Amount Varies
• Offered By Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation
• State Nationwide
• Description Black writers who are full-time students in undergraduate and graduate programs at a college or university in the United States are eligible to submit a work of fiction or poetry. They must be enrolled at the time of submission.
• Major Any Major
• Find Student Loans

Valuing Diversity Ph.D. Scholarship

• Deadline May 27, 2024
• Amount $1,000
• Offered By American Marketing Association Foundation
• Description Through its Valuing Diversity Ph.D. Scholarship Program, the AMAF seeks to widen the opportunities for underrepresented populations to attend marketing doctoral programs. In 2003, the Foundation awarded its first two scholarships under the Valuing Diversity Ph.D. Scholarship Program. For the academic year, several $1,000 scholarships will be granted to students currently enrolled in Ph.D. programs. The scholarships are funded by the donors of the AMAF's Valuing Diversity Fund.
• Major Business/Management, Marketing, Sports Management
• Type Minority

The Gates Scholarship

• Deadline September 15, 2024
• Offered By Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Description The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.
• Essay Required :  Unknown
• Recommendations Required :  Unknown
• Minimum GPA :  3.3

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship

• Deadline November 8, 2024
• Amount Variable
• Offered By Youth For Understanding
• State Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Wisconsin
• Description The CBYX Scholarship is administered in select states by YFU USA and is for motivated high school students who want to live with a host family and attend school for an academic year in Germany. No previous German language experience is required.
• Minimum GPA :  2.5

NJ Governor's Industry Vocations Scholarship (NJ-GIVS) for Woman and Minorities

• Deadline December 1, 2024
• Offered By Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
• State New Jersey
• Description NJ-GIVS pays up to $2,000 per year or up to the cost of tuition in an eligible certificate or degree program, less any federal, state or institutional financial aid.
• Type Female, Minority

Valerie Russell Scholarship for African American Lay Women

• Deadline March 1, 2025
• Offered By United Church of Christ
• Description This scholarship will be awarded to an African American laywoman whose commitment to justice is theologically grounded.
• Type Female, African American

Boyd Family Scholarship Fund

• Deadline March 13, 2025
• Offered By Cleveland Foundation
• Description To advance education by providing scholarship support for African-American graduating seniors of Glenville High School.
• Minimum GPA :  2.7

Charles Hildreth Kelso Scholarship

• Description The Charles Hildreth Kelso Scholarship will allocate two scholarships to a deserving African American graduating senior student from Glenville High School and Collinwood High School, both in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, with a 2.5 Grade Point Average or better, who intends to go on to college and major in education.
• Major Education

CBC Spouses Performing Arts Scholarship

• Deadline March 31, 2025
• Offered By Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
• Description This program was established in 2000 in honor of the late Curtis Mayfield to ensure that students pursuing a degree in the performing arts receive financial assistance. Performing arts includes theater, drama, comedy, music, dance, opera, marching bands, etc. Selected applicants will be qualified African-American or black students.
• Major Performing Arts

CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship

• Description This award is for students with majors in the visual arts including, but not limited to, architecture, ceramics, drawing, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interior design, painting, photography, sketching, video production and other decorative arts. Selected applicants will be qualified African-American or black students.
• Major Visual Arts, Art, Fine Arts

Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program

• Amount $7,500
• Offered By Illinois Student Assistance Commission
• State Illinois
• Description If: 1) you plan to teach at a nonprofit Illinois public, private, or parochial preschool, elementary school, or secondary school, for which the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has determined that no less than 30 percent of the enrolled students are African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American, or Native American; and 2) you are of African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin, then you may qualify for up to $7,500 per year as part of the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program.
• Type Minority, Education

Alzada Singleton Davis Scholarship

• Deadline Varies
• Description Providing scholarship support for an African-American female sophomore at Cuyahoga Community College's Metropolitan Campus who has demonstrated academic excellence in the humanities (excluding education or physical sciences) and is matriculating to an upper-division college or university. Selection decisions are based on academic excellence in the humanities. Renewable for one additional year.
• Minimum GPA :  2.0

BMG Scholarship in Honor of Quincy Jones

• Offered By The ASCAP Foundation and BMG
• Description The ASCAP Foundation BMG Scholarship in honor of Quincy Jones is supported by BMG, Quincy Jones' publisher. This scholarship is presented annually to an African-American college or university student majoring in music who demonstrates musical talent and proficiency in the areas where Quincy has made his mark: composing, arranging, producing, conducting and performing. The scholarship alternates between Berklee College of Music in Boston, Syracuse University, Middle Tennessee State University and SUNY Oneonta. The student is selected by the school's music faculty.
• Major Music

Benacquisto Scholarship Program

• Offered By Florida Department of Education
• State Florida
• Description The Benacquisto Scholarship Program is a merit scholarship for high school graduates who receive recognition as a National Merit® Scholar. Eligible scholars will receive an award equal to the institutional cost of attendance for an in-state student minus the sum of Bright Futures and the National Merit® award. An initial application is not required.
• Minimum GPA :  3.00

Frederick C. Branch Scholarship

• Offered By US Navy
• Description The Frederick C. Branch Scholarship is an additional NROTC scholarship opportunity open to students planning to attend a participating Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

Irving Burgie Scholarship

• Offered By The ASCAP Foundation
• State New York
• Description The ASCAP Foundation Irving Burgie Scholarship was established to support an aspiring African-American songwriter from New York City. This annual scholarship is awarded alternately between the Berklee College of Music and the University of Southern California. The recipient is selected by the music faculty of each school.

Scholarships for Black Students

Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

Concrete Rose Scholarship Award

Eligibility criteria:.

• Gender : Women
• Race/Ethnicity : BIPOC
• Education Level : High school senior or Undergraduate

Alexis Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship for the Arts

• Education Level : High school student accepted to a two or four-year college or an arts institute
• Race/Ethnicity : Black or Latina
• Gender : Female-identifying
• Background : Financial Need

“I Matter” Scholarship

• Education Level : High school student
• Background : Low-income and/or BIPOC

Delories Thompson Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate student
• Race : Black/African American
• Institution Type : HBCU

Grand Oaks Enterprises LLC Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior or undergraduate
• GPA : 2.8 or higher
• Interests : HBCU

C.L. Scholarship of Black Women in Engineering

• Education Level : High school senior or undergraduate student
• GPA : 3.0 or higher
• Race : African American
• Field of Study : Engineering

Julius Quentin Jackson Scholarship

• Education Level : Four-year undergraduate student
• Race : BIPOC
• GPA : 2.9 or higher
• Financial Status : Economically disadvantaged

Minority Women in LAS Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate or trade school student
• Gender : Female
• Field of Study : Law, science, or arts
• Identity : Immigrant or the child of immigrants

Julia Elizabeth Legacy Scholarship

• Education Level : Must be a high school student
• Race : Must be an African American student
• Career Goals : Must be planning to pursue a STEM-related degree

Chris Ford Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior
• Race : Black
• Field of Interest : Business

Hulede Collegiate Golf Scholarship

• Sport : Golf
• Education Level : High school senior, undergraduate student, graduate student

Ubuntu Scholarship

• Education Level : High School Senior
• Location : Harlem, New York

Jacques Borges Memorial Scholarship

• Ethnicity : Haitian
• Degree : Civil Engineering

India Kinamore Memorial Scholarship

• State : Ohio

Code Breakers & Changemakers Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior (2023-2024 school year)
• Background : First-generation college student
• Experience : Non-profit or volunteering experience
• Field of Interest : STEM
• GPA : 2.4 or higher
• Residency : US Citizen

Palette & Purpose Scholarship

• Residency : US citizen
• Field of Interest : Visual, studio, or performing arts

La Matriz Sagrada Scholarship

• Background : Pregnant and/or teen parent or children of teen parents
• Ethnicity : BIPOC
• Education Level : High school senior, trade school, community college or undergraduate

Mamie Marie Clay Matthews Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school juniors and seniors
• Ethnicity : African American
• Desired Career Field : Education, Theology, Horticulture or Engineering

Joan Free Thompson Scholarship

• Education Level : High school
• School : Star City High School, Dumas High School, or McGehee High School
• State : Arkansas

1st Generation People Of Color Patrick Copney Memorial Music/Arts Scholarship

• Education Level : High school or undergraduate
• Race/Ethnicity : Black/African American
• Background : Low-income and will be or is a first-generation student
• Major/Field : Music or Arts

Della Fleetwood-Sherrod Humanitarian Scholarship

• Background : Low-income
• State : North Carolina
• Race/Ethnicity : BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)
• Education Level : High school senior or GED

Sheniqua Bisor Woman of Excellence Scholarship

• Gender : Woman
• GPA : 2.5 or higher
• Education Level : Undergraduates
• Race/Ethnicity : Black and/or African American
• Experience : Volunteer experience or community service

Lester and Coque Gibson Community Service Scholarship

• State : Texas
• Background : Community service experience
• Education Level : Undergraduate at a two or four-year university

Minority/BIPOC Students in STEM Scholarship

• Education Level : High school or undergraduate student
• Field of Study : Environmental or civil engineering, geology, or environmental science
• State : Oregon, Idaho, or Washington

Inflow Digital Marketing Scholarship

• Major : Digital marketing/advertising
• Education Level : High school senior, undergraduate or graduate

PD Instore Scholarship

• States : Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin)

Goobie-Ramlal Education Scholarship

• Background : First-generation
• Experience : Volunteering experience
• Race/Ethnicity : Caribbean decent

Eunice Richardson Scholarship for Girls

• State : Florida

Outside the Binary: Chineye Emeghara’s STEAM Scholarship

• Field of Study : STEAM

With college costs rising, paying for college has become even more challenging for all students, including black students. That's why scholarships for black students are important to help alleviate some of the high costs of higher education .

At Bold.org , we stand committed to easing the financial strain on students through our scholarship platform. We offer a wide range of scholarships aimed at supporting students from all walks of life. By creating a free profile on Bold.org , students can unlock access to numerous scholarship opportunities, taking a significant step toward a more affordable and accessible higher education journey.

Create a free Bold profile and begin applying for scholarships today!

About Scholarships for Black Students

According to the Census' American Community Survey for 2021, 12% of the overall U.S. population identifies as black or African American. This group, like many other groups of people, on average, have access to less familial wealth, which can impact their ability to afford higher education. It's apparent that financial aid often doesn't go far enough for all students.

Unable to rely on familial support, more than 50% of black students use student loans to pay for school. In 2020, 36% of the 18–24-year-old black population were enrolled in college. The resulting financial burden of going to college is staggering.

In addition to having immense student debt to pay off, black students are typically stuck with their debt for a long period of time . Consequently, scholarships are a vital resource for black students .

Approximately 25% of college costs are funded by scholarships and grants. Scholarships can be earned in a variety of ways, by school, by field of study, by demographic group, by geographical region, and even through professional organizations.

How Important Is Higher Education for an African-American?

Only 29% of African-American adults between the ages of 25 and 29 have a bachelor’s degree or a more advanced college degree. Similarly, only 40% of black 25 to 29-year-olds have a two-year college degree or more.

The scholarships we provide for African-American students can help them pay for the degrees they desire and break into the field of their choice beyond the oppressive societal barriers seen today.

Bold scholarships for African-American students aim to provide financial support that can help you pursue the degree of your choice and overcome the societal barriers that exist today. By offering this assistance, we hope to help students enter the field they are passionate about and achieve their professional goals.

How Important Are African-American Scholarships?

Scholarships are a critical way for African-American students to pursue higher education with minimal student loans. By completing a degree, black students will have the opportunity to pursue careers in high-paying fields and paving the way for continued diversity in the U.S. workforce.

Scholarships for African-American students have a variety of requirements and award amounts, but they are all great opportunities that you can apply to for free on Bold.org .

How to Qualify for African American Scholarships

To start applying for minority scholarships, simply create your free Bold.org profile by clicking on any of the scholarships above. Then, you can filter the scholarships by category to find scholarships that you're eligible for. Choosing the "Diversity and Inclusion" category will provide you with a list of scholarships for African American students and other historically underrepresented groups.

Some scholarships will have additional requirements, such as requiring that applicants demonstrate financial need, are undergraduate students, are African American women, are graduating high school seniors, etc. The eligibility requirements of each scholarship will be listed in the description.

Types of Scholarships Available to Black Students

There are many scholarship awards available for African American students, with some based on academic achievement, fields of study, or extracurricular experience.

Academic Merit-Based Scholarships

Some scholarship awards, called merit-based scholarships , seek to encourage students who demonstrate their academic achievements on their profiles. Scholarships with minimum GPA requirements, for example, aim to support eligible applicants who have maintained a high GPA throughout their education.

Level of Education

There are scholarships available to support black students in all levels of education. Many scholarships are aimed toward black high school seniors or college students. There are plenty of scholarships available for undergraduate students, high school students, and even graduate students!

Major-Based Scholarships

Major-based scholarships are open to any student in a certain field of study, such as students pursuing computer science or entrepreneurship.  Finding scholarships for African American students that also have major restrictions will improve your chances of receiving scholarship awards , as there will be fewer eligible applicants.

How to Find Scholarships for Black students

You can start your scholarship search on Bold.org , where you can find hundreds of unique scholarship opportunities to help you attend college. You can sort scholarships by category, allowing you to find scholarships for black students pursuing specific fields.

At Bold.org , the possibilities for winning scholarships are endless, so it's advisable to commence your financial aid search early. black high school students have access to numerous scholarship opportunities, and this pursuit can extend well into higher education, covering even graduate-level studies.

Many students begin their scholarship search as high school students , and there are many scholarships designed specifically to help graduating high school seniors gain the necessary financial aid so that each student can pursue their undergraduate degree.

Are There STEM Scholarships for Black Students?

STEM is just one field where African-American workers are underrepresented. There are several scholarships on Bold.org specifically for African-American scholars in STEM. Check out these STEM scholarships now!

Are There Scholarships on Bold.org for African-American Students at HBCUs?

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are schools established prior to the 1964 Civil Rights Act and were created to give the black population access to higher education. HBCUs are still critical to the black community and though they make up only 3% of United States colleges, 10% of African American scholars attend an HBCU. Nearly 20% of black graduates come from HBCUs and 25% of African-Americans with STEM degrees graduate from an HBCU.

Even though HBCUs have lower costs than non-HBCUs, it can still be difficult for students to pay tuition, housing, and other fees. Bold.org encourages minority undergraduate students and minority graduate students to apply for scholarships. Our scholarships can be used toward HBCUs.

Should Black Students Only Apply for Scholarships with Ethnic Eligibility?

While the scholarships listed above as well as other scholarships specifically provided for black students are great opportunities, black students can also apply to more general scholarships. The limited eligibility from scholarships designed for African-American members will increase your chances of winning, but there are many other easy and helpful scholarships available for students to apply to. Check out our easy scholarships list for more opportunities

Are you a high school senior? Check out these exclusive Bold scholarships for high school seniors !

What Happens When I Win a Scholarship?

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How Many Scholarships Can I Get?

If you're in need of financial support, look no further! There is no limit to the number of college scholarships you can win on Bold.org . Apply for as many scholarships as possible to maximize your winnings and offset your tuition costs. If you're in high school, you can start earning scholarships to use towards your undergraduate degree!

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College and graduate school scholarships for african american students.

Associate, JPMorgan Chase

There are a multitude of scholarships offered specifically for college and graduate students who identify as either African American or Black. In this article, we’ll cover scholarships that are available for African American students and the process of getting a scholarship.

Of note, the scholarships in this article may be open to other applicants beyond African American students, so it’s important to check the eligibility requirements for each for more information.

Continue reading to learn more.

Are there scholarships for African American students?

Generally speaking, a scholarship is money students may be eligible to receive to help pay for their education. Scholarships are often considered an advantageous form of student aid because they’re money that, for the most part, doesn’t need to be paid back (unlike student loans).

This financial assistance could be awarded to students for different reasons like stellar academic performance, financial need, sports achievement, diversity and inclusion, or leadership (among many other reasons).

Scholarships with eligibility that are based on race, like the many scholarships offered to African American students, may be available to address historical inequalities and provide opportunities for educational advancement through financial assistance.

Scholarships for African American students often aim to promote diversity and inclusion regarding the representation of African American students in educational institutions like colleges and universities. Scholarships for African American students often have other eligibility requirements beyond race, like academic achievement or financial need for students to qualify.

How to apply for scholarships for African American students

The first step is to research the scholarships that may be available and then confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarships you intend to apply for. You’ll also want to confirm the deadlines for the scholarships you intend to apply for.

From there, gather and prepare all the materials needed for the applications, including any essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial information. Some scholarships may require you to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) before applying.

Talking with your college advisor may be helpful during this process. Having someone you trust review your essays and other parts of your applications can also be beneficial.

It’s important to note that there’s no limit to the number of scholarships you can apply for, so applying to multiple opportunities may be advisable.

Scholarships available to undergraduate African American students

If you’re a prospective or current undergraduate student, then check out some scholarships that may be available to you below.

Ron Brown Scholar Program

The Ron Brown Scholar program is a college scholarship and leadership program for African American students, awarding students who’ve exhibited academic excellence and leadership. The application for the Ron Brown Scholarship is open to high school seniors preparing for college, and recipients can expect to receive up to $40,000 ($10,000 for each year of college) toward their college of choice and are provided with mentoring, leadership experiences, and service opportunities.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation

The Jackie Robinson Foundation grants college scholarships of up to $35,000 over four years. Recipients can also attend the Jackie Robinson annual “Mentoring and Leadership Conference” in New York City and other events throughout the year. Scholarship recipients can expect access to career guidance, internship and permanent job placement, and practical life skills training, among other things.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) caters specifically to the Black college community. The fund has member schools that include publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), and Historically Black Community Colleges (HBCCs). They award three types of scholarships to undergraduate students: The Gap Completion Scholarship, the Access Scholarship, and the Programmatic Scholarship. Please note that eligibility differs from one scholarship to another .

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship was created to support African American students planning to pursue a career in technology. In 2023, the scholarship was awarded to 50 eligible students, with five receiving up to $20,000 in scholarships distributed over four years (renewable awards of $5,000) and 45 students receiving a $2,500 one-time-only scholarship.

UNCF Scholarship

UNCF is the largest private scholarship provider for minorities. They award more than $100 million in scholarships to students attending more than 1,100 schools nationwide each year, including 37 HBCUs. The organization has multiple scholarship and career development programs, which can be researched on its website.

Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship

The Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program is managed and administered by UNCF and is for rising college seniors enrolled in a four-year HBCU. The program awards two HBCU seniors who’ve portrayed high academic achievement with a minimum 3.5 grade point average (GPA), leadership skills, and commitment to community service while also having unmet financial needs. Each recipient receives a $10,000 scholarship.

ACS Scholars Program

The ACS Scholars Program gives renewable scholarships to eligible undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups who study the chemical sciences, major in chemistry-related disciplines, and intend to pursue chemistry-related careers. Scholar recipients are awarded up to $5,000 per academic year.

LEAD Scholarship

The LEAD Scholarship Foundation awards eligible graduating African American high school seniors a one-time scholarship of up to $5,000. Along with providing financial assistance, the program offers peer and professional mentors to recipients.

BRPH Future Achievers Scholarship

The BRPH Future Achievers Scholarship awards $1,000 college scholarships to eligible minority students majoring in architecture and engineering. The scholarship was created to encourage ethnically diverse students to pursue earning an architecture or engineering degree.

Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation

The SME Education Foundation focuses on supporting the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. Graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, or related discipline are potentially eligible to be awarded between $2,500 and $20,000.

Scholarships available to African American graduate students

If you’re a prospective or current graduate student, then check out some scholarships that may be available to you below.

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students

The AICPA Minority Scholarship aims to increase the diversity among Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Recipients can expect to be awarded between $3,000 to $10,000, and 60 recipients are selected annually. This scholarship is available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

The Legacy Lab Scholarship Foundation

The Legacy Lab Scholarship Foundation is open to undergraduate and graduate students and awards a $15,000 scholarship to an African American or Black student with leadership and social impact potential. The scholarship is intended as an investment to help a student achieve a personal ambition.

Louis Stokes Health Scholars Program

The Louis Stokes Health Scholars Program scholarship is open to applicants pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree in health and medicine in areas including internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics. Scholar recipients can expect an award between $5,000 and $8,000 that may be renewed annually if the eligibility requirements are met.

Final thoughts

One of the potentially difficult aspects of applying for scholarships is keeping track of the differing deadlines. Writing down the deadlines of scholarships you have an interest in or putting them on your calendar can be helpful ways to stay on top of them.

University Interscholastic League

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Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition

Academic contests.

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Essay Contests Assistant Director: Lisa Parker

Department Phone: 512-471-5883

Founded in 1995 as an event sponsored by The University of Texas at Austin, the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition moved to its new home with UIL Academics in 2011-2012. The competition provides students an opportunity to explore the contributions of African Americans to Texas history, as well as honoring the legacy of its namesake, Barbara Jordan.

Competition Theme

African americans in texas: past and present.

Essays should focus on individuals or groups who are not well-known figures but who have made positive, significant contributions to African American history or culture in Texas. Students should look first to their local communities for possible essay topics.

Entry Deadline

February 14, 2024.

Entries will be submitted electronically. All essays received on or before February 14, 2024, that meet the basic requirements of the competition will be entered for judging.

General Guidelines

• Essay with a word count between 1,500 and 2,500 words.

• Research paper format - MLA format or APA format recommended

• Source citations and bibliography required

• Essays should display original research; use of primary sources and interviews strongly encouraged

Competition Structure and Awards

• Any student in grades 9-12 who attends a UIL member high school is eligible to enter

• Open division structure - all entries that meet basic requirements will be included in essay judging

• Judges will evaluate each entry and provide comments that will be returned to contestants

• Judges will nominate essays to be considered as state finalists

• A selection committee will determine state finalists from among the nominees

• All state finalists will be invited to attend Academic State Meet in May, where state awards will be presented

• All state finalists will become eligible to apply for Texas Interscholastic League Foundation scholarships

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2022 BJHEC Results 

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Here’s How AP African American Studies Helps Teachers ‘Get Students to Think’

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Ahenewa El-Amin has taught African American literature and AP English Literature and Composition for years at Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Ky.

She heard that Florida state officials moved to ban the pilot of the College Board’s AP African American Studies course last year for allegedly defying state law that restricts instruction on race. (Kentucky itself has a similar law in effect.) That got her interested. El-Amin spoke to her school administration about getting involved in the pilot program.

This school year, El-Amin’s students are helping her give shape to the course ahead of its official launch nationally and at Henry Clay in the fall.

El-Amin spoke with Education Week about her experience with the pilot, the skills her students are learning in the interdisciplinary course, and how it can help students learn to build connections with others.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What has it been like to teach AP African American Studies?

It is truly interdisciplinary. You have to know a little bit about a lot to be successful for the students. It’s been hard but it’s been so much fun. Because not only am I trying to figure out exactly what the College Board wanted me to know and what they wanted the students to know, [but] I don’t have a practice test to look at to see exactly what the kids [need to] know. I just have to figure it out on my own. So it is difficult. However, it is so much fun.

Unfortunately, time is a thing. I knew nothing about the Haitian Revolution and the lesson should have taken two days. The lesson took me almost a week and a half, because I would stop and say “oh this is so interesting.” And then we had to follow my mind as it meanders through history.

I also have gotten enormous support from not just an online community of educators, but also from the people in this building. Because when I’m teaching unit one for AP American Studies, it’s the African diaspora . And we started with a map of the continent of Africa. I’ve been to places: a Fulbright scholarship to South Africa, studying reparations after the fall of apartheid, and then I’ve been to Senegal and The Gambia, because I read Roots and decided I wanted to go there. That’s all I knew about Africa. So I had to pull a lot from the information of my colleagues who taught AP [European History], and AP World [History] and AP Human Geography, just to understand that. So I have loved this year, because it has made me collaborate with so many different people.

What are some of the skills students are learning in the class that they can use in college and beyond?

Critical thinking skills. I tell them you were blessed with cognitive functions. Thinking should be [the] number one thing that you do every day. And the way we start thinking in this course, it’s wonderful. It forces you to change the lens from which you view the world. It really is probably some of the same information that is in other studies, you’re just looking at it from a different lens. Kind of like when I teach in AP [English] Literature [and Composition] we’re looking at The Great Gatsby . The Great Gatsby is absolutely white-centric. You’re talking about the times of the 1920s. And there are very few African Americans. But if you take another novel, another great love-story novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, which was told entirely from an African American perspective, you can see that they are talking about the same time period from two different perspectives.

It’s also some research skills. We’re not there yet, except for when we did take that trip to the library [to learn about redlining in students’ neighborhoods]. They were fascinated by the microfiche machine and the idea of going into the stacks and looking at books.

How do you feel about teaching a course that has become a hot-button political issue?

As a teacher, my entire goal is to get kids to think. I don’t care what they’re thinking about. And read everything and then use that reading to think.

I’ve been at Henry Clay as the only Black teacher of a core class for 15 years or so. And I teach at Henry Clay, named for a grievous slave owner. Even when I wear Henry Clay across my chest, I have to think about these things. I’ve navigated a world in which when I was teaching AP [English Literature and Composition] was criticized for teaching too many Black voices.

To me, it’s par for the course. And I also teach British literature. Rudyard Kipling has never been brought up in a conversation to ban, and he [espoused] more on white supremacy than anyone. Never once have I been questioned for teaching white voices who speak actively about separatism and supremacy. But I’ve been questioned for teaching about Black characters, who are not even expressing Black [thoughts] in any kind of way.

So par for the course, doesn’t bother me.

Any other insights for teachers looking to teach the course this fall?

One of the primary jobs of a teacher is to make connections with students. If you can make connections with students, and have those students make connections with the curriculum, [then] that breaks down barriers, [and] there can be no choice but to offer the course. Teaching a course like this is important. It’s not simply important because you’re teaching historical happenings. It is important because it gives you a level of knowledge to have conversations.

There can never be a wrong time to break down a barrier of communication and learning.

It’s one of the reasons I love teaching. Something I say to somebody eventually is going to help them communicate better with somebody else in this life. We’re all connected. And I truly do believe it’s not the grades that you make, it’s the hands that you shake. And you can’t shake hands outside of your own group unless you are willing to learn about other groups.

What AP African American Studies Looks Like in Practice

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Ramona Edelin, who helped popularize the term ‘African American,’ dies at 78

She led the national urban coalition, a washington-based nonprofit, and later advocated for d.c. charter schools.

Ramona Edelin, an academic-turned-activist who helped popularize the term “African American” in the late 1980s through her association with the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, and who later helped make charter schools a dominant force in D.C. education, died Feb. 19 at her home in Washington. She was 78.

Her death, which was not widely reported at the time, was confirmed by Barnaby Towns, a communications strategist who worked with Dr. Edelin. The cause was cancer, he said.

Raised during the tumult of the civil rights movement, when she was ostracized by White classmates at schools in Georgia and Illinois, Dr. Edelin went into academia with encouragement from her mother, Annette Lewis Phinazee, the first woman to earn a doctorate in library science from Columbia University.

Dr. Edelin went on to receive a PhD in philosophy, writing her dissertation on civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois, and helped launch the Afro-American studies department at Northeastern University in Boston in 1973, serving as the program’s first chair. Under her leadership, the department soon changed its name to “African American studies,” embracing language that had circulated among scholars but was seldom used by the general public.

That began to change more than a decade later, when the term “African American” was adopted by 75 national Black leaders in the lead-up to a 1989 gathering called the African-American Summit. The meeting was convened by Jackson, the civil rights leader and former presidential candidate , who embraced the term “African American” and was widely credited with inspiring its widespread usage.

By all accounts, he and other Black leaders in the group decided to adopt the term at the suggestion of Dr. Edelin, who had traded scholarship for advocacy and was leading the National Urban Coalition, a Washington-based nonprofit. While helping organize the summit, Dr. Edelin argued that they should refer to themselves as African Americans instead of Blacks. The term offered historical context, she said, and linked Black Americans to the global African diaspora.

“The idea caught on,” she told the Boston Globe. “You could feel it.”

At a December 1988 news conference in Chicago, Jackson announced the preference for “African American,” speaking for summit organizers that included Dr. Edelin, NAACP leader Benjamin L. Hooks , civil rights activist C. Delores Tucker and former Gary, Ind., mayor Richard Hatcher . “Just as we were called Colored, but were not that, and then Negro, but not that, to be called Black is just as baseless,” he said, adding that “African American” “has cultural integrity” and “puts us in our proper historical context.”

Weeks later, the New York Times published a front-page story reporting that many African Americans agreed with Jackson. “The term has already shown up in the newest grade-school textbooks, been adopted by several black-run radio stations and newspapers around the country and appeared in the titles of popular books and in the conversations of many blacks as they warm to the idea and speak of visiting Africa one day,” wrote journalist Isabel Wilkerson.

There were still plenty of holdouts. Some critics found “African American” too wordy and worried that it was less powerful than “Black,” which evoked memories of the “Black is beautiful” campaign of the 1960s. Others dismissed the name-change debate as a distraction, saying that it was far less important than issues like unemployment, drug addiction and economic inequality.

For years, polls showed no strong consensus around the use of “Black” or “African American.” Both terms remain in widespread use.

As Dr. Edelin saw it, the question of terminology was about far more than a name. “Calling ourselves African Americans is the first step in the cultural offensive,” she told Ebony magazine , linking the name change to a “cultural renaissance” in which Black Americans reconnected with their history and heritage.

“Who are we if we don’t acknowledge our motherland?” she asked in a separate interview, adding that “when a child in a ghetto calls himself African American, immediately he’s international. You’ve taken him from the ghetto and put him on the globe.”

Dr. Edelin’s interest in economic and educational issues deepened during her years at the National Urban Coalition, which she joined in 1977 as an executive assistant to M. Carl Holman , the group’s longtime leader. She succeeded him as president and chief executive, leading the organization from 1988 to 1998 while overseeing programs that included a STEM initiative to promote math and science education, especially among children of color.

Her work led to appointments on educational panels and civic task forces, including as a member of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities during the Clinton administration. She also served for four years as executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Charter school advocate

Dr. Edelin, a longtime Washington resident, emerged as a leading champion of the city’s charter schools, which are publicly funded but independently run. Starting with a handful of schools and a few hundred students in the late 1990s, the D.C. charter system is now one of the largest in the country by percentage of enrollment, with nearly as many children as traditional D.C. public schools.

“Without her leadership, it’s safe to say that the charter school movement in the United States, and certainly the nation’s capital, would not be where it is today,” Ariel Johnson, the head of the D.C. Charter School Alliance, wrote in a tribute . Dr. Edelin was a senior adviser to the group, which succeeded the D.C. Association of Chartered Public Schools, a now-defunct advocacy organization that Dr. Edelin led as executive director from 2006 to 2020.

Critics charge that charter schools deprive traditional public schools of money and resources, and lack the financial transparency and accountability of neighborhood schools. Dr. Edelin argued that the charter system offered much-needed alternatives for families, including in low-income neighborhoods, and saw the system “as an avenue for social justice” — a way to “create opportunities for quality education for all students,” said her friend Linda Moore, the founder of Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School.

Dr. Edelin championed charter schools in interviews and opinion essays, including for The Washington Post . Through the D.C. charter schools association, she also waged a years-long legal battle against the District, alleging that the city was illegally underfunding charter schools because of the way it split education funding. A federal judge sided with the city in 2017 , although charter school leaders — including Moore and Donald L. Hense — say that Dr. Edelin’s efforts led the city to expand its support for charter schools.

“Ramona was steadfast in always sitting before the city council making sure that the position of families and children was foremost on their minds,” said Hense, the founder and chairman of Friendship Public Charter, one of the city’s largest charter networks.

Appropriately enough for a former teacher, her style was diplomatic, not combative, he said. “More than anything, she was a stabilizing force. Ramona was not a confrontational person. She led by intellect, to be honest. She always sought the very best out of people. She never ever came back angry or upset. She always looked for the best.”

Ramona Hoage was born in Los Angeles on Sept. 4, 1945. Her father, George, died in a motorcycle crash two weeks before her birth, and the family later moved to Atlanta and Carbondale, Ill.

After graduating from high school at Stockbridge, a progressive boarding school in western Massachusetts, she received a bachelor’s degree in religious and philosophical studies in 1967 from Fisk University, a historically Black college in Nashville.

That same year, she married Kenneth C. Edelin , a gynecologist. He was later at the center of a landmark abortion case, convicted of manslaughter — and formally acquitted on appeal — after performing a legal abortion in Boston in 1973. She and Dr. Edelin separated that year and later divorced, although she publicly defended him during the abortion case.

Dr. Edelin completed a master’s degree from the University of East Anglia in England in 1969, while her husband was stationed nearby during a stint with the U.S. Air Force. She completed her doctorate at Boston University in 1981, a few years after leaving the faculty at Northeastern. The university honored her last year with the creation of a Ramona Edelin Award for academic achievement in Africana studies — the latest name for the department she once led.

Survivors include two children from her marriage, Kenneth Edelin Jr. and Kimberley Freeman; a son, Ramad Speight, from a subsequent relationship with Alonzo Speight; eight grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

As she delved into activism and advocacy, looking to shape a political agenda that would “move us forward” and “reclaim our children,” as she put it, Dr. Edelin continued to reflect on the work of Du Bois, whose social ethic had been the subject of her dissertation. She told the Los Angeles Times in 1989 that Du Bois had been as “right as a prophet” in predicting that “the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color line.”

“But it is up to us,” she continued, “to be sure that’s not the problem of the 21st century.”