Undergraduate and Graduate Students

HBCU Scholarships

November 12, 2024

This book supports the Why Attend an HBCU series. As Sydnee wrote in A Student’s Perspective, there are many educational and scholarship opportunities available at HBCUs for students who are willing to invest the time in researching schools and programs. Unfortunately, most students are driven primarily by either HBCU brand names, schools that are close to home, or applying to multiple schools through the Black Common Application without devoting sufficient time and attention to researching costs or matching to scholarships. The far too common result is students scrambling and parents experiencing anxiety over the costs, AFTER, students have applied to college. The HBCU Facebook Group, “Black, Brown & HBCU Bound,” reflects many such posts by dismayed students and parents:

“My daughter has been applying for scholarships, consistently, but she just isn’t having success. She will be an incoming freshman at Hampton U and has strong stats- 4.0 gpa, 12hrs dual credit, 30 ACT, 200+ service hours, heavy ECs, etc, etc, etc. Her results def got her into the universities she applied to and she has received merit THAT WE ARE TRULY THANKFUL FOR, but there is still a gap we are seeking to close. She’s won a couple of local awards, but the large sums of money that folks often reference have definitely eluded our household. We invested in her k-12 education thinking it would all be recouped at graduation/college. Deep, deep SIGH. I appreciate this space so very much.”

“I am in the same boat as you. My daughter is attending Hampton as well and the same exact things you have said applies to my daughter as well. It’s sad and frustrating.”

The 2024-25 direct costs to attend Hampton University is $44,900. However, this is less than the actual Cost of Attendance after including the costs of books, personal expenses, travel expenses, and health insurance.

“I am the mother of a rising senior (class of 2025)….we live in Texas, and she is ranked in the top 10% of her class with an ACT score of 29, and SAT score of 1300….she plans to retake both next month. Her #1 HBCU choice is Spelman, and her #2 is Howard. She wants to study political science as she wants to be a lawyer. She is very involved in school clubs, student body president, and is doing her 2nd law internship at a local law office. I know the cost of these two colleges is very expensive so I am looking for any advice from someone who has been in a similar situation.” 

“My son did receive a merit scholarship however it is not enough. He has been applying for scholarships, but has not received any. Any suggestions? Desperate parent.”

The Howard University website is out of date showing the most recent Cost of Attendance as $52,524 for the 2022-23 academic year. The Spelman College 2024-25 Cost of Attendance is $57,221.

If any of these students are planning to attend graduate school, law school, or medical school, they could enter graduate school with well over $150,000 in student and Parent PLUS loan debt. If you are a student who has already been offered admission to an HBCU, but still find yourself with a significant financial aid gap, this book will expand your understanding of how to become a competitive scholarship applicant, how to identify HBCU-specific scholarships, and how to significantly increase your chances of closing your financial aid gap with multiple scholarships.

If you are a high school student yet to apply to college, this book will help you develop a scholarship plan well in advance of applying to colleges and for scholarships, and provide guidance in matching to the ‘right’ scholarships and the ‘right’ colleges.

If you are a community college student planning to transfer to an HBCU, this book will provide you with similar guidance as if you were applying to college as a first-time freshman, but expanding to incorporate transfer scholarships and HBCU-specific scholarships for which you would qualify based on your transfer status as a first-, second-, or third-year students. 

If you are currently attending an HBCU, this book will provide guidance in identifying and applying for scholarships that have been awarded to the many students with whom we guided into an HBCU and continue to guide them through their undergraduate program in preparation for applying to graduate school. 

HBCU Study Abroad Scholarship

January 16, 2018

Open to students who are currently attending an HBCU, a historically black college or university.

A $2,000 scholarship will be awarded as follows:

  • $1,500 credit toward the IES Abroad program fee
  • $500 reimbursement toward the purchase of an overseas airline ticket for the IES Abroad program. After confirming your place in an IES Abroad fall, spring, academic year or calendar year program, you must present a valid, overseas airline itinerary in order to receive the $500 reimbursement.  Please email itinerary to admissions@IESabroad.org. Reimbursement check will be mailed to the home address on file.
  • Consecutive term students will receive one $1,500 scholarhip plus one $500 airfare reimbursement.
Amount:
$2,000
Eligibility:
  • Open to students who attend an HBCU that is a Member or Associate member of the IES Abroad consortium and that transfers at least 75% of home school aid to IES Abroad. Student must have applied to and attend an IES Abroad fall, spring, academic year or calendar year program.
  • Return Requirement: If awarded one of these scholarships, at the conclusion of the IES Abroad program you agree to submit a 1-page statement about your experience abroad, including how it has affected you personally, professionally, and academically and how this scholarship supported your endeavors.  Once submitted, this statement becomes property of IES Abroad and excerpts may be used in any/all IES Abroad electronic and printed publications.
  • Standard programs only.  Customized programs are not eligible for IES Abroad financial aid.

Click here to apply…

AKA Educational Advancement Foundation

January 16, 2018

Undergraduate Scholarships

Scholarships are the primary means by which EAF carries out its mission. The Foundation awards Merit, Financial Need and Youth Partners Accessing Capital (Y.P.A.C.) scholarships.

Merit

Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible for this one-year one-time only scholarship, the applicant must:

  • Be a full-time, sophomore or beyond;
  • Be currently enrolled in an accredited degree-granting institution;
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (“B” average);
  • Demonstrate community service and involvement.

Merit scholarship applications and supporting documents for Undergraduate students are due April 15, 2018. Awards will be announced in August 2018.

Scholarship Application Instructions
Undergraduate Scholarship Fact Sheet
Click here to access the scholarship portal and complete your application

Financial Need

Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible for this one-year one-time only award, the applicant must:

  • Be a full-time, sophomore or beyond;
  • Be currently enrolled in an accredited degree-granting institution;
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (“C+” average);
  • Demonstrate community service and involvement.

Financial Need scholarship applications and supporting documents for Undergraduate students are due April 15, 2018. Awards will be announced in August 2018.

Scholarship Application Instructions
Undergraduate Scholarship Fact Sheet
Click here to access the scholarship portal and complete your application

Graduate Scholarships

Scholarships are the primary means by which EAF carries out its mission. The Foundation awards Merit and Financial Need graduate scholarships.

Merit

Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible for this one-year one-time only scholarship, the applicant must:

  • Be a full-time, sophomore or beyond;
  • Be currently enrolled in an accredited degree-granting institution;
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (“B” average);
  • Demonstrate community service and involvement.

Merit scholarship applications and supporting documents for Graduate students are due August 15, 2018. Awards will be announced by December 2018.

Scholarship Application Instructions
Graduate Scholarship – Community Assistance Award Fact Sheet
Click here to access the scholarship portal and complete your application

Financial Need

Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible for this one-year one-time only award, the applicant must:

  • Be a full-time, sophomore or beyond;
  • Be currently enrolled in an accredited degree-granting institution;
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (“C+” average);
  • Demonstrate community service and involvement.

Financial Need scholarship applications and supporting documents for Graduate students are due August 15, 2018. Awards will be announced by December 2018.

Scholarship Application Instructions
Graduate Scholarship – Community Assistance Award Fact Sheet
Click here to access the scholarship portal and complete your application

Youth Partners Accessing Capital (Y.P.A.C.)

Scholarship Eligibility

  • Be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
  • Be at least a college sophomore
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement or extreme financial need
  • Participate in leadership, volunteer, civic or campus activities

Youth P.A.C. scholarship applications and supporting documents were due April 15, 2018. Awards will be announced in August 2018.

Youth P.A.C. Fact Sheet
Youth P.A.C. Application Instructions
Click here to access the scholarship portal and complete your application

 

The James M. & Erma T. Freemont Foundation Scholarship Program

January 31, 2017

The application package deadline is February 1, 2025.  
The scholarship awards will be announced in the Spring of 2025.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
  • Applicant must be a graduating senior attending high school in the United States with a record of leadership and volunteerism in the community in non-school sponsored activities and participation in extracurricular school activities.
  • Applicant must complete high school by the spring of 2025.
  • Applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale, excluding home school studies) and plan to attend an accredited HBCU.  (HBCU is defined as “historically black colleges and universities”.)
  • Applicant must apply to and be accepted into an accredited HBCU by July 1, 2025 and must plan to matriculate at accredited HBCU for the Fall 2025/Spring 2026 academic year (enrollment must begin in the Fall) with the intention of maintaining full-time status for the entire year. 
  • Applicant must have minimum SAT score of 1150 or ACT score of 21.
  • Applicant must be a United States Citizen
  • Applicant must intend on pursuing an undergraduate degree in the sciences with the intention of pursuing that discipline as a career. The following majors will be considered:  Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health Professions, Mathematics and Statistics, Physical Sciences, Psychology, Science Technology.
  • Must submit two letters of recommendation and the most recent official transcript
  • Must complete an essay
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
  • Must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited HBCU for the Fall 2025/Spring 2026 academic year (HBCU is defined as “historically black colleges and universities”)
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Must be a United States Citizen
  • Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in the sciences with the intention of pursuing that discipline as a career. The following majors will be considered:  Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health Professions, Mathematics and Statistics, Physical Sciences, Psychology, Science Technology.
  • Must must submit two letters of recommendation and the most recent official transcript
  • Must complete an essay
GRADUATE STUDENTS
  • Must apply to and be accepted into an accredited graduate degree program in the United States for the Fall 2025/Spring 2026 academic year (enrollment must begin in the Fall). 
  • Must be pursuing a graduate degree in the health and medical sciences with the intention of pursuing that discipline as a career.
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Must be a United States Citizen
  • Must submit two letters of recommendation and the most recent official transcript
  • Must complete an essay

Visit website: https://www.freemontfoundation.com/scholarships.html

Ford Foundation Fellowships

June 11, 2013

Predoctoral fellowships will be awarded in a national competition administered by the National Research Council (NRC) on behalf of the Ford Foundation. The awards will be made to individuals who, in the judgment of the review panels, have demonstrated superior academic achievement, are committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level, show promise of future achievement as scholars and teachers, and are well prepared to use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students.

Click on the links below to learn more about each aspect of the Predoctoral Ford Foundation Fellowship

Predoctoral Eligibility

In addition to the general eligibility requirements, eligibility to apply for a predoctoral fellowship is limited to:

  • All citizens or nationals* of the United States regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation (must have become a U.S. citizen by November 14, 2012),
  • Individuals with evidence of superior academic achievement (such as grade point average, class rank, honors or other designations,
  • Individuals committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level,
  • Individuals enrolled in or planning to enroll in an eligible research-based program leading to a Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree at a U.S. educational institution, and
  • Individuals who have not earned a doctoral degree at any time, in any field.

*The term “national of the United States” designates a citizen of the United States or a native resident of a possession of the United States. It does not refer to a U.S. permanent resident who is a citizen of another country.

Criteria for Selection

The following will be considered as positive factors in choosing successful candidates:

  • Evidence of superior academic achievement
  • Degree of promise of continuing achievement as scholars and teachers
  • Capacity to respond in pedagogically productive ways to the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds
  • Sustained personal engagement with communities that are underrepresented in the academy and an ability to bring this asset to learning, teaching, and scholarship at the college and university level
  • Likelihood of using the diversity of human experience as an educational resource in teaching and scholarship
  • Membership in one or more of the following groups whose underrepresentation in the American professoriate has been severe and longstanding:

Alaska Natives (Aleut, Eskimo or other Indigenous People of Alaska); Black/African-Americans; Mexican Americans/Chicanas/Chicanos; Native American Indians
Native Pacific Islanders (Hawaiian/Polynesian/Micronesian); Puerto Ricans

Eligible Fields of Study

Awards will be made for study in research-based Ph.D. or Sc.D. programs that include the following major disciplines and related interdisciplinary fields: American studies, anthropology, archaeology, art and theater history, astronomy, chemistry, communications, computer science, earth sciences, economics, engineering, ethnomusicology, geography, history, international relations, language, life sciences, linguistics, literature, mathematics, performance study, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, religion, sociology, urban planning, and women’s studies. Also eligible are interdisciplinary ethnic studies programs, such as African American studies and Native American studies, and other interdisciplinary programs, such as area studies, peace studies, and social justice. The complete list of eligible fields of study supported at the predoctoral level of the fellowship program is available here: Predoctoral Fields (.pdf),

Individuals enrolled in the following practice-oriented programs will not be supported: business, management, administration, occupational health, nursing, consumer science, library and information science, speech pathology, audiology, personnel, guidance, social work, social welfare, public health, physical education, physical therapy, kinesiology, rehabilitation science, education, leadership, fine arts, filmmaking, and performing arts. In addition, awards will not be made for work leading to terminal master’s degrees, the Ed.D. degree, the degrees of Doctor of Fine Arts (D.F.A.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), or professional degrees in such areas as medicine, law, and public health, or for study in joint degree programs such as the M.D./Ph.D., J.D./Ph.D., and M.F.A./Ph.D.

Fellowship Institution

Fellowships are tenable at any fully accredited, nonprofit U.S. institution of higher education offering a Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree in the eligible fields of study. All arrangements for acceptance into a doctoral program at the chosen institution are the responsibility of the applicant. An applicant need not be accepted by the chosen institution at the time of application.

Previous Graduate Study

Predoctoral fellowships are intended for individuals who are currently enrolled or plan to enroll in an eligible Ph.D. or Sc.D. program by the fall 2013 term. The 2013 predoctoral fellowships competition is open to the following individuals:

  • Undergraduates in their senior year who plan to be enrolled in their Ph.D. or Sc.D. program beginning with the fall 2013 term,
  • Individuals who have completed undergraduate study,
  • Individuals who have completed some graduate study, and
  • Individuals currently enrolled in a Ph.D. or Sc.D. program who can provide evidence that they have at least three years remaining as of the fall 2013 term before they would receive their Ph.D. degree and at least one of the three years is comprised of full-time course work.

Stipends and Benefits

  • Annual stipend: $20,000
  • Award to the institution in lieu of tuition and fees: $2,000
  • Expenses paid to attend at least one Conference of Ford Fellows
  • Access to Ford Fellow Liaisons, a network of former Ford Fellows who have volunteered to provide mentoring and support to current fellows.

Graduate School Support for Underrepresented Students

June 11, 2013

The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management is committed to increasing the representation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans in American business schools and corporate management.

Our approach is simple:
We connect people, institutions and companies who have shown a commitment to our mission, and we position them for even greater success. Specifically, we foster a network of the country’s best students, leading MBA programs and corporate partners, including Fortune 500 companies.

The Consortium awards merit-based, full-tuition fellowships to top MBA candidates who have a proven record for promoting inclusion in school, in their jobs or in their personal lives.

Of the 10,000 MBA students who graduate every year from top-tier business schools, less than 6 percent are African American, Native American or Hispanic Americans. At The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, we believe the best way to increase the representation of these groups in American business and education is to celebrate and uplift those like you who have dedicated their lives to inclusion.

That’s why we’re proud to offer you the chance to apply for membership. If you have worked hard to promote diversity in your community or your workplace we invite you to apply to The Consortium as a starting point to achieving your career goals.

Through The Consortium’s common application, apply to up to six of the country’s leading MBA programs. This is a time- and money-saving tool that can give you an edge as you seek to begin the next stage of your career.

Thanks to our supporters, each year we award hundreds of merit-based, full-tuition fellowships to some of the country’s top MBA programs. Typically, we are able to offer these fellowships to 70 percent of those admitted.

Benefits go beyond fellowships. As a Consortium Fellow, you’ll have the chance to personally network with representatives from our 80 corporate partners at our Annual Orientation Program & Career Forum.

Many of our students leave this conference with early internship opportunities – opportunities that often lead to jobs after graduation.

 

Charles Rangel Graduate School Scholarships

June 11, 2013

Summer Enrichment Program

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program is a six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. The Program usually selects 15-20 participants (known as “Rangel Scholars”) each year from universities throughout the United States. Students live at Howard University, attend classes, and participate in a variety of programs with foreign affairs professionals at Howard and at diverse locations around Washington, DC.

The Program has two major components. First, in order to enhance participants’ academic preparation to work in international affairs, the Program provides three courses that focus on enhancing knowledge and skills related to U.S. foreign policy, economics and writing. In addition, in order to provide greater insight into the foreign policy-making process and international affairs careers, the Rangel Program introduces the participants to a wide range of government and non-government professionals who work on global issues and also arranges visits to various governmental and non-governmental institutions involved in international affairs. The Program also helps students explore graduate school and professional options in international affairs.

The Summer Enrichment Program will take place from mid-June through the end of July 2013.

Graduate Fellowship Program

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service in which they can help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy.  Each year, the Rangel Program selects 20 outstanding Rangel Fellows in a highly competitive nationwide process and helps support them through two years of graduate study, internships and professional development activities, and entry into the Foreign Service.  This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need.  Fellows who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers, one of the most exciting and rewarding careers available.

Rangel Fellows are committed to serving their country and promoting positive change globally.  Individuals who have successfully completed the Rangel Program are now making a difference in countries throughout the world, including Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela, South

How to Find Graduate School Scholarships

June 11, 2013

Scholarship America: 4 Places for Graduate School Scholarships

1. Your graduate school: Start your scholarship search right where you’re thinking of attending grad school. Check out the school’s website for a list of scholarships and fellowships. There may be scholarships available for specific fields of study or by graduate department, as well as scholarships for students showing leadership potential or other special characteristics.

It’s definitely worth your time to find out what’s available and how to apply. In some cases, such as mine, applying is as easy as checking a box (the “yes, I am interested in being considered for a scholarship” box that many of my classmates didn’t seem to notice) during the graduate application.

Others will require you to submit a formal, separate application. You may need to write an essay about your career goals and polish your résumé, but even if you don’t earn the coveted award, it’s still good practice for future job hunting.

[See U.S. News‘s rankings of Best Graduate Schools.]

2. Professional organizations: You can also take your graduate scholarship search to the professional organizations to which you belong. National Political Science Honor Society Pi Sigma Alpha and the Emergency Nurses Association are two that offer scholarships for graduate work.

The American Marketing Association Foundation offers scholarships for populations underrepresented in the marketing profession. According to its website: “Through its Valuing Diversity Ph.D. Scholarship Program, the AMAF seeks to widen the opportunities for underrepresented populations to attend marketing doctoral programs.” Several scholarships will be awarded; applicants must complete the online application found on the AMAF’s website by June 1, 2011.

3. Career-specific scholarships: Many graduate scholarships are career specific, including:

[Find a grad school grant in your field.]

4. What’s your sign? OK, so maybe there isn’t a scholarship for Taureans seeking a master’s degree, but many programs are organized by specific traits or causes, such as scholarships for women.

Two big ones: the American Association of University Women’s Selected Professions Fellowships provide opportunities for women to pursue graduate degrees in fields where women have traditionally been underrepresented. This includes fellowships in architecture, computer and information sciences, engineering, and math and statistics.

The Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program offers scholarships to women admitted to accredited graduate programs studying for careers in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science.

Janine Fugate joined Scholarship America in 2002. She is an alumna of the College of Saint Benedict, Saint Joseph, Minn., and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Fugate is the recipient of numerous scholarships at both the undergraduate and graduate level.