HBCU Scholarships Students Should Be Aware Of
With the rising costs of tuition, books, housing, meal plans, and more, it’s best to get as much financial aid as possible to lower college costs. Scholarships are often the best way to pay for college, given that it’s free money that doesn’t require a payment plan once you graduate. Reduce your risk of high student debt by checking out the following scholarships.
TMCF/Lowe’s GAP Scholarship
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, in partnership with Lowe’s, offers a scholarship to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending TMCF-affiliated schools. Applicants must be in good academic standing, be at risk of not completing a degree, or express strong financial need. In addition, qualified applicants must have an unmet financial need ranging between $500 to $7,500.
Tom Joyner Foundation Full Ride Scholarship
This scholarship, funded by radio superstar Tom Joyner and his foundation, the Tom Joyner Foundation, offers an incoming first-year student that’s planning to attend an HBCU a full-ride scholarship. The HBCU scholarship covers five semesters of college, including tuition, room, board, and any additional fees. The scholarship is only offered on an occasional basis.
Buick Achievers Scholarship Program
Open to high school seniors, graduates, and undergraduates, the Buick Achievers Scholarship is funded by the GM Foundation, which rewards students who have excelled inside and outside of the classroom, and who have an unmet financial need to pay for college. Applicants must be planning to pursue a degree in engineering/technology or another design-related program. The scholarship awards 50 Buick Achievers up to $25,000 in scholarship funds.
ABOUT LOVE Scholarship
Funded by power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z, alongside their respective organizations, BeyGOOD and The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation, the ABOUT LOVE HBCU scholarship is awarded to incoming and current students at private and small HBCUs across the country. Eligible schools include Lincoln University of PA, Norfolk State University, Bennett College, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, and Central State University. A total of $2 million will be offered to students pursuing degrees in art, music and creative fields.
Intel Growing the Legacy Scholarship
The Intel Growing the Legacy Scholarship program supports undergraduate and graduate students interested in the tech industry. The program offers students financial assistance, mentorship, paid internship opportunities, and employment opportunities with Intel upon completion of their degree. Scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are awarded to chosen applicants.
Target/UNCF Community Leaders Scholarships
Partnering with UNCF, the retail giant, Target, has sponsored eight $5,000 scholarships for HBCU students. The HBCU Scholarship is available to black undergraduate students who are currently attending a UNCF-affiliated college or university. In addition, students must also demonstrate financial need, be in good academic standing, and hold a commitment to serving their communities.
Ron Brown Scholarship Program
Honoring the legacy of Ronald H. Brown, the Ron Brown Scholarship offers between 45 to 50 four-year $40,000 scholarships to exceptionally gifted and community-minded black students. Applicants must be incoming freshmen and demonstrate the four pillars of Brown’s mission, which include public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. Awardees of the scholarship are able to use the funds at their preferred school for any degree of their choosing.
Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship
This year, the Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) scholarship program will offer 27 scholarships totaling $175,000 to eligible applicants across the United States. The scholarship was created to help black students get the ability to attend college to pursue a career in technology. Some of the eligibility criteria for the BAM HBCU scholarship include being an incoming freshman student of African descent, plans to attend a four-year college or university, pursuing a STEM degree, and demonstrating financial need.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) Scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to incoming freshmen who desire to attend college to obtain higher education. The application process requires applicants to submit test scores, get a recommendation letter, write four essays, attend an interview, and much more. JRF Scholars can receive up to $30,000 for over four years, and are invited to participate in JRF’S annual “Mentoring and Leadership Conference” in New York City.
UNCF General Scholarship
The UNCF allows students to use an application that enables them to be considered for multiple scholarships. Students must be enrolled at UNCF member institutions to be eligible for the HBCU scholarships. In addition, the student must complete the (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) FAFSA, demonstrate an unmet financial need, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Unfortunately, many forgo the opportunity to apply for scholarships and instead lean solely on crumbling student loan debt, but there are other options to consider before applying for loans.Take advantage of free money by applying for as many scholarships as you can, in addition to completing the FAFSA form. Visit each scholarship website to get more details on eligibility requirements and deadlines.