Grants and scholarships for minority students

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As a college educator, within the last 19 years of teaching, I have seen a decrease in black students in my classes. Some of them enroll at the beginning and then disappear during the middle of the semester. A few of them have even expressed to me that finances have been an issue for continuing, while others have said that family issues and circumstances have kept them from finishing. This last semester, Spring of 2019 I only had 3 Black students out of 64 with 2 males and 1 female.

THANK YOU, Robert F. Smith, to the founder and CEO of the private equity firm Vista Equity Partners. He is the angel who answered a lot of prayers for students and their families at the graduation of Morehouse College. If you haven’t heard by now, he and his family set up a grant to pay off the student loans of nearly 400 graduating seniors. The total gift is estimated at $40 million, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Today, the average debt at graduation stands at around $30,000, triple what it was in the early 1990s. I hope this is a trend for all of the Black, successful millionaires around the country. Paying it forward is very powerful.

According to The National Center for Education Statistics, Black women are now the most educated group in the United States In 2016, a greater percentage of undergraduates were female than male across all racial/ethnic groups but this was widest for Black students (62 vs. 38 percent).

According to Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, Black college graduates owe $7,400 more on average than their white peers when they earn their bachelor’s degrees.

Here are some grant and scholarship options for Black (other minority) students who are applying with Deadlines for Summer 2019 through 2020.

American Bus Association Scholarship

• Application Deadline: Varies

• Amount: $5,000

The Diversity Scholarship focuses on broadening the number of traditionally underrepresented groups in the management and operation ranks of the transportation, travel, and tourism industry.
Eligible candidates must have completed, at a minimum, their first year of college at an accredited university; must have a declared major or course of study relevant to the transportation, travel, and tourism industry; and must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay discussing the role they hope to play in advancing the future of the transportation, motorcoach, travel, and tourism/hospitality industry. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

American Library Association Spectrum Scholarship

Application Deadline: 3/1/2020

• Amount: $5,000

Scholarship Description

• The LITA/LSSI Minority Scholarship, established in 1994, is awarded annually by the Library and Information Technology Association, a division of the American Library Association, and Library Systems and Services, Inc.
  The scholarship is designed to encourage the entry of qualified persons into the library and automation field who plan to follow a career in that field; who demonstrate potential in, and a strong commitment to the use of automated systems in libraries; and who are qualified members of a principal minority group (American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, African-American, or Hispanic). The recipient must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen. This scholarship is for study in an ALA Accredited Master of Library Science (MLS) program. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

American Sociology Association Minority Fellowship Program

Deadline: January 31

Amount: $18,000

Scholarship Description

ASA Minority Fellowship Program is open to new or continuing minority graduate students. Applicants must be applying to or enrolled in sociology departments with a strong focus on mental health research programs.

Applicants must be members of one of the following racial/ethnic groups: Blacks/African Americans, Latinos (Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans), American Indians or Alaskan Natives, and Asians (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Southeast Asian), or Pacific Islanders (Hawaiian, Guamanian, Samoan, Filipino). The fellowship includes a stipend and some funding for travel to the ASA Annual Meeting each August, regional or association meetings in the spring or fall, and professional development training programs and workshops.
Eligible students must be minority students entering a doctoral program in sociology for the first time or for those who are in the early stages of their graduate programs. Fellows are selected based on their commitment to research in mental health and mental illness, academic achievement, scholarship, writing ability, research potential, financial need, and racial/ethnic minority background.

Amos & Edith Wallace Scholarship

• Application Deadline: 4/12/2020

• Amount: $1,000

Scholarship Description

• The Amos and Edith Wallace Scholarship were founded to reward young, bright African-American students who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to service and education. In order to apply, you must meet the following requirements: Female African- American High School senior graduating from Kankakee High School in Kankakee, IL. You must possess a minimum of 2.8 GPA and plan to attend a four-year accredited college or university in the fall. A 400-600 word essay must also be included with the application. For more information or to apply, please visit www.wallacescholar.org

American Meteorological Society (AMS) Scholarships (Multiple)

Application Deadline: 2/8/2020 for Minority, but other grants vary

Amount: $6,000

Scholarship Description

The AMS Minority Scholarships will award funding to minority students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the sciences, especially Hispanic, Native American, and Black/African American students. Funding for the scholarships is provided by donations made by members of the AMS Giving Program. The two-year scholarship is distributed once per year during freshman and sophomore years (second-year funding depends on the successful completion of the first academic year).
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold permanent resident status and must be minority students who will be entering their freshman year of college in the fall. To be eligible, students must plan to pursue careers in the atmospheric or related oceanic and hydrologic sciences. Marine Biology is not eligible.

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

• Application Deadline: 3/8/2020

• Amount: $20,000

Scholarship Description

Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) is a company-sponsored employee network dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of black employees at Microsoft Corporation. Applicants for the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship must be high-school seniors of African descent (for example, African-American, African, or Ethiopian); must plan to attend a four-year college or university in the fall of the year following high-school graduation and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs (such as finance, business administration, or marketing). A minimum of 3.3 GPA and financial need are required. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

BLM Squared Scholarship

• Application Deadline: 7/3/2019

• Amount: $1,000

Scholarship Description

The BLM Squared Scholarship Foundation program is designed to address the financial needs of minority college students and award outstanding high school graduates who plan to earn a baccalaureate degree from an accredited, four-year college or university with financial assistance.
Applicants must be permanent Illinois residents. Scholarships are to be utilized at an institution of higher learning and applicants must be a minority graduating high school senior in the year of the award. The applicant must hold a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and must be enrolled as a full-time student during the fall academic semester. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

Burger King Scholars

Application Deadline: Oct 15 – December 15

Amount: range from $1,000 to $50,000

Scholarship Description: If you want to go a step further, the McLamore Family Foundation created the James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship Award, granting a $50,000 scholarship to three students each year since 2011. The four-year scholarship is intended to help the top students that apply achieve their educational and professional goals, along with serving as a tribute to Jim himself. Here are the details:

• Be a citizen of the United States or Canada,
• Have graduated from high school within the last three years or be a full-time student who is a senior at a high school or home school in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico,
• Students who are applying as a full-time freshman to a four-year accredited, college or university that is located in the United States and is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code,
• Students who have a cumulative unweighted grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.3,
• Students who have a minimum ACT Composite score of 25 or a minimum combined SAT score of 1220,

Catharine Lealtad Scholarships

Application Deadline: Varies

Amount: $72,000

Catharine Lealtad Scholarships are named for Macalester’s first African American graduate, Catharine Lealtad, who graduated in 1915. These scholarships are awarded to selected African American, Latino, and Native American students with strong high school records. The Admissions committee selects recipients. There is no special application to complete. Lealtad Scholarships will be renewed at the same amount for each year you are enrolled at Macalester, provided that you make satisfactory progress toward graduation.

It is not necessary to apply for need-based financial aid to receive full consideration for merit-based scholarships. Students applying for Early Decision receive the same consideration for merit-based scholarships as students who apply for Regular Decision.

Congressional Black Caucus Scholarships

• Application Deadline: 3/31 every year

• Amount: Depends on the scholarship

• CBC Spouses Performing Arts Scholarship is looking for black students pursuing a degree in the performing arts to

  receive financial assistance. Performing arts includes theatre

  , drama, comedy, music, dance, opera, marching bands, etc.

• ‘The CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship is for Black students who are 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.

• CBC Spouses Education Scholarship and United Health Foundation Louis Stokes Scholarship

Charles Shelton Veterinarian Medicine/Technology Scholarship

• Application Deadline: 4/15

• Amount: $2,000

The Charles Shelton Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide educational scholarships to African-American students pursuing a degree in veterinarian medicine or veterinarian technology. Scholarships are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated an interest in and commitment to animal welfare. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be African-American.

Christopher Lamont Cosper Foundation Scholarship for HBCU students

• Amount: Not specified

The foundation will give a one-time scholarship to a student who has been accepted to an HBCU college and have a 3.7 GPA. The student must be studying in the field of  Science and meteorology of the effects of lightning on the human body.  This research could possibly help in the medical field to provide information on how to treat someone who has been struck directly by lightning

 

Coca-Cola Two Year College Scholarships

Deadline: August

Amount: $10,000 – $20,000

Scholarship Description:

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a very competitive program for high school seniors throughout the United States. Sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company, the largest soft drink company in the world, the program awards millions every year in college funding.

Applicants must be current high school (or home-schooled) seniors, must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents, must be planning to pursue a degree at an accredited university or college, and must have a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of their junior year of high school.

Dell Scholars

Amount: up to $5,000

Scholarship Description:

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation created the Dell Scholars program with the understanding that it takes more than financial help to support students to college graduation. From the start, Dell Scholars was designed as a college completion program that offers support services that go beyond a scholarship check.

While we have a required 2.4 grade point average, Dell Scholars targets low-income, highly motivated students who are better than their numbers indicate and demonstrate the drive to succeed despite personal obstacles. Our Scholars have demonstrated a unique “GPA” of grit, potential, and ambition in their quest for a college education.

Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology

Application Deadline: Not specified

Amount: $3,000

Scholarship Description

The Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST) is an endowment fund which provides scholarships to African-American undergraduate students who enroll in scientific or technical fields of study at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for scholarships offered by DFBSST, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

• African-American, undergraduate student majoring (or intending to major) in a technical field of study (i.e., engineering, math, science, etc.),

• Be enrolled (or identify his or her intention to enroll) at one of the predominantly Black colleges or universities listed below, and

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

DR. WYNETTA A. FRAZIER “SISTER-TO-SISTER” SCHOLARSHIP

Application Deadline: April

• Amount: $500

The Wynetta A. Frazier “Sister-to-Sister” Scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to mature African American Women in their pursuit of post-secondary education. An applicant must be a returning student, whose education was interrupted by family responsibilities or other personal demands and is now ready to complete college or one who is entering college for the first time because of these factors. (Please explain) All applicants must meet the prescribed scholarship criteria.

Edward S. Roth Scholarship

• Application Deadline: 2/1/2020

• Amount: Varies

Scholarship Description

In order to apply for the Edward S. Roth Scholarship, applicants must be graduating high school seniors, current full-time undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in manufacturing engineering. Must have and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preferences will be given to students demonstrating financial need, minority students and students participating in a Co-Op program. Must be seeking a bachelor’s or master’s degree in manufacturing engineering from the list of ABET-accredited schools listed on the website.

EMPOWER Scholarships

Amount: $1,500

The EMPOWER Scholarship supports minority students who are pursuing a career in a medical or rehabilitation field. Applicants must identify how they will use their education and training and demonstrate their interest in rehabilitation. Selection is based on the applicant’s stated intentions, past achievements, need, and graduation ranking.

Express Scripts Scholarship

• Application Deadline: May 15

• Amount: $10,000

Scholarship Description

As an organization, the Express Scripts Foundation recognizes that students interested in dual degrees may have increased financial need, and supports the efforts of academic pharmacy to educate students with diverse interests. The Express Scripts Scholars Program (the Program) provides four (4) $10,000 scholarships to enrolled dual degree students. The awarded students are given $2,500 per semester for 4 consecutive semesters, totaling $10,000 over 2 years. If you do not have 4 semesters remaining in your program, then you will be awarded $2,500 per semester that you have remaining (e.g. 2 remaining semesters = $2500 + $2500 totaling $5000). Additional consideration will be given to low socio-economic status students as well as students who are underrepresented minorities.

First in the Family Humanist Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000

Scholarship Description

• The First In The Family Freedom From Religion Foundation Catherine Fahringer Memorial award is available to high school youth who live in the U.S. who identify as atheist, agnostic, humanist and/or secular, and are accepted into two or four-year colleges. Preference is given to students of color (Black/African American, Latino(a), Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American) who are (or have been) in foster care, homeless, undocumented students and/or LGBTQ (system involved youth applicants are also welcome). A two to three-paragraph essay is required (between 400-700 words) on the following topic: Humanism is based on the belief that every human being should be treated equally regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, and disability status. Human beings, not gods, are solely responsible for creating social change. Why do you identify as non-religious/secular and what issue(s) are you passionate about addressing in your community? How might Humanism make a positive difference in creating social change?

GRCF Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Minority Scholarship

• Application Deadline: 3/1/2020

• Amount: Varies

• The Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Minority Scholarship is open to students of color (African-American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander) attending a non-profit public or private college/university majoring in fine arts, including all visual and performing arts. Applicants must have financial need, be a Kent County resident, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Google U.S./Canada PhD Fellowship Program

Deadline: November

Amount: Varies

Scholarship Description:

Google U.S./Canada Ph.D. Fellowship Program honors exceptional graduate students in the U.S. and Canada who do outstanding and innovative work in computer science, related disciplines, or promising research areas. Qualifying students must be pursuing a Ph.D. in fellowship research areas. Candidates must be nominated by their department.

The two-year fellowships cover tuition and fees, a Google research mentor, and a yearly stipend. Candidates must be full-time students attending one of the eligible schools and universities. Fellowships are offered in the areas of computer graphics, computer architecture, networking, energy-efficient computing, software engineering, programming technology, and much more.

Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship

Amount: $25,000

Deadline: January 1, 2020

Scholarship Description

The MBA Fellowship is designed to increase interest in financial services among black, Hispanic and Native American business school students.

First-year MBA students; Pursuing a 2019 Summer Associate position at Goldman Sachs; Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American or women. For Atlanta, Boston, Calgary, Chicago, Dallas, Greenwich, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, West Palm Beach, Washington D.C.

Ron Brown Scholars Program

Amount: $40,000

Scholarship Description

African American students in their senior year of high school are eligible for this scholarship program. This scholarship will be awarded to students who demonstrate an interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship

Seeds of Fortune Inc. Scholarship

Amount: $500

All-female NYC high school sophomores or juniors have the opportunity to receive a 6-year high school to a college program and join a network of young women mentors and college coaches. Each participant is awarded a free laptop, tours to colleges and universities, and mentor/coaching opportunities.

Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholarships

Amount: $10,000

Scholarship Description

The scholarship is intended for students entering or attending law school who demonstrate a commitment to developing a career in intellectual property law. The applicant must be a US citizen and demonstrate merit and financial need before applying for the scholarship.

The scholarship is renewable, upon reapplication by the student, for up to three academic years (totalling six semesters for full-time or part-time enrollment, excluding summer school semesters and inter-sessions). Existing scholarship recipients must reapply each year.

TELACU College Success Program Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Applicants for the TELACU College Success Program must be first-generation college students from a low to moderate household income. A GPA of 2.5 or higher is required.

The following are links to additional scholarships and grants for minorities with past deadlines for the Summer 2019-Fall 2020. Check back in the Fall of 2020 for updates of their deadline for submission.

African American Scholarships

• Apple scholarships

• Apple’s HBCU Scholarship Program

• Bill Gates Scholarship

• Boeing/ Thurgood Marshall

• College Fund HBCU Scholarship Program

• Derrick Rose Scholars Program:

• Google Scholarships

• Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program

• Jesse Jackson’s PUSH Excel Scholarship Program

• Jill Scott’s Blues Babe Foundation Scholarship Program

• Kia Motors America/ United Negro College Fund Scholarship

• LULAC Scholarship

• Mexican scholarships

• National Hook-up of Black Women Scholarships:

• NBNA Scholarship Program For Black Nurses: 

• Oprah Winfrey Scholarship

• Ron Brown Scholarship Program:

• Sallie Mae Scholarships for Minorities

• Scholarships From Beyonce’s BeyGOOD Foundation and Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation:

• Spike Lee’s Malcolm X Scholarship For Exceptional Courage:  

• Target scholarship

• Walmart Scholarships

If you know of any additional scholarships or grants, please leave a comment below.