Did you know that Black History Month was first celebrated at Kent State University in 1970? Now, nearly every elementary, middle, and high school plans some form of educational activities throughout the month to honor those African Americans who have made great contributions to music, education, politics, and racial equality. Colleges and universities also provide ample opportunities for students to learn more about black history and to celebrate African American culture like scholarships for African American students. Even though there has been progress towards racial equality, the fact remains that many African American students still lack the college planning resources and funding necessary to complete a post-secondary education. There are, however, many scholarship opportunities available to assist those students who wish to earn a college degree. Here are a few of the current scholarships for African Americans at the high school, undergraduate, or graduate level.
1. Jackie Robinson Scholarship
First in the list of scholarships for African Americans is Jackie Robinson Scholarship. The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program provides comprehensive support services to minority students enrolled at institutions of higher education. Applicants must display leadership potential and a dedication towards community service, as well as financial need. Eligibility: High school seniors Amount: Up to $6,000 Deadline: Feb. 15
2. Cathy L. Brock Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarships for African Americans is to assist with tuition and academic expenses in the form of individual awards for students pursuing studies in health administration. Applicants must have a commitment to a career in health services administration and finance, and solid extracurricular and community service activities. Eligibility: Graduate students Amount: $1,000 Deadline: Feb. 28
3. ASC Minority Fellowship
The American Society of Criminology provides the Graduate Fellowship for Ethnic Minorities to encourage students of color to enter the field of criminology and criminal justice. Eligibility: Doctoral students Amount: $6,000 Deadline: Mar. 1
4. Maureen L. & Howard N. Blitman, P.E. Scholarship
The National Society of Professional Engineers offers this scholarship to African American students who are majoring in engineering. Eligibility: High school seniors Amount: $5,000 Deadline: Mar. 1
5. ACS Scholars Program
The American Chemical Society selection committee, which includes members from the minority groups that the scholarship program is designed to attract, considers the academic record of candidates, evidence of leadership ability, participation in school and community activities, and level of student interest in the chemical sciences as a career. Eligibility: H.S. seniors/undergrads Amount: Up to $5,000 Deadline: Mar. 1
6. Kahdine Ann DaCosta Scholarship for Excellence in Leadership
The Kahdine Ann DaCosta Scholarship for Excellence in Leadership is sponsored by the non-profit I am O’Kah, Inc. and is in memory of Kahdine Ann DaCosta, who was a graduate from Morgan State University and an active community member in Baltimore, Maryland. The scholarship aims to embody Kahdine’s commitment to service and dedication to leadership. Eligibility: High school seniors Amount: Up to $1,000 Deadline: Mar. 1
7. AMA Minority Scholars Award
Another in the list of scholarships for African American students is the AMA Minority Scholars Award. The AMA Foundation, through this award, is working to increase the number of minority physicians to better represent the needs of our increasingly diverse society. The Minority Scholars Award program not only encourages diversity in medicine and helps to alleviate some student debt, but it also rewards commitment to the elimination of healthcare disparities, outstanding academic achievements, leadership activities, and community involvement. Eligibility: Medical school students Amount: $10,000 Deadline: Mar. 4
8. AfterCollege STEM Inclusion Scholarship
AfterCollege and the Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic Technology (ACERT) have partnered to offer a new scholarship program for students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Eligibility: Undergrads/graduates Amount: $1,000 Deadline: Mar. 31
9. Fredrikson & Byron Foundation Minority Scholarship Program
The Fredrikson & Byron Foundation offers this scholarship to assist minority students who are pursuing a law degree. Eligibility: First-year law students Amount: $10,000 Deadline: Mar. 31
10. Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship Program
Along with the monetary award, the recipient may participate in a paid summer internship at a Brown and Caldwell office. Students must have a declared major in civil, chemical, or environmental engineering, or in one of the environmental sciences. Eligibility: College juniors Amount: $5,000 Deadline: Apr. 15 Students can find additional opportunities by checking out the listing of African American scholarships offered through the ScholarshipExperts.com scholarship directory (no registration required) or by visiting the Tuskegee University academic services website.
Along with these scholarships, discover some tips to win scholarships that definitely help your college education!
