Scholarships for African Americans

Hope for African American Scholars.

While working as an indentured servant, Alexander Twilight is believed to be the first African American to graduate from a United States college in 1823. Much has changed since Alexander Twilight graduated, but black students still face many hardships. The good news is that over the last decade the number of African Americans graduating from four-year colleges has risen sharply. A college education is definitely within your reach, and with the number of scholarships for African Americans, it may be easier to afford than you think.

Financial assistance for minority scholars and scholarships for African Americans can come from a variety of sources, including federal and state government programs, colleges and universities, philanthropic organizations, corporations, professional organizations and private donors. Students also can find scholarships based on their merit or a certain career track, for instance engineering or teaching.

There are federal scholarships for African Americans and grants available to minority students, as well as financial aid opportunities from your home state. These scholarships may have income requirements in addition to academic requirements.

One of the first places to begin looking for scholarship money is from your college of choice. Colleges and universities offer scholarships based on need and/or academic merit. Specific departments within a university may offer scholarships as well. Universities provide students with more than just an academic experience. They also promote a cultural experience that offers students the opportunity to make connections with people of different backgrounds. The need for a diverse student population can work in your favor as colleges and universities award scholarships to minority students to increase the diversity of their student body. Historically black colleges and universities also offer scholarship opportunities for African American students. With financial support from organizations like the United Negro College Fund, these colleges offer affordable tuition. A recent government report lists over 100 historically black two- and four-year colleges.

It’s a good idea to broaden your scholarship search to include corporations, philanthropic organizations and professional groups. If you know what field of study you are interested in, try targeting corporations in that field. Many, if not most, large corporations offer scholarships to minority students. Be prepared that a corporation may require an internship as part of their financial assistance. Philanthropic organizations are also a good resource for black scholars. For example, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provides scholarships for minority students through its Gates Millennium Scholars Program. This scholarship is mostly administered by the United Negro College Fund, which is also a good resource for African American students in need of financial assistance. Professional groups, such as the National Society of Black Engineers and the National Association of Black Accountants, also offer scholarships for minority students interested in careers in their fields.

You may be surprised at the number of local scholarships available to minority students. Your high school, church and local organizations like the VFW may offer financial assistance for high achieving students or students who come from low income families.

It’s important to remember that there is hope. Scholarships for African Americans abound, and with a little bit of research on the internet or with your school counselor, you can find the right one for you.