College student scholarships are available for candidates of all backgrounds. There are numerous organizations, associations and academic institutions that give out millions of dollars in the form of financial aid or free scholarship money. Financial aid is available for African American students as well. Thanks to the availability of a number of schools and organizations that encourage African American students to pursue higher studies and fulfill their career dreams. If you an African American, you definitely need to know about the key financial resources that offer scholarship money for you. These resources are listed below.
Organizational Scholarships
In order to help students pay for college, many national African American organizations have come up providing financial aid to aspiring candidates. The eligibility criteria may vary from one organizational scholarship to another. Some of these financial aid organizations target students who choose to pursue a specific field of study. Likewise, the amount of money distributed by these African American organizations may also vary from one scholarship program to another.
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
The UNCF distributes thousands of dollars to undergraduate and graduate college students. Before applying for these financial aid programs, students should be aware of the criterion that makes them eligible to apply.
A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.
Candidates should have unmet financial needs and the same should be verified by their school's financial aid director.
Students need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and then send the Student Analysis Report (SAR) to the financial aid office of the university.
Whichever UNCEF scholarship African Americans may win, they need to renew the scholarships on a yearly basis. For further details, candidates can log on to the United Negro College Fund Website.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The NAACP has its branches all across the United States. Students are required to send a written request to NAACP or get in touch with the organization's local branch to receive the scholarship application form along with the instructions for filling out the same. For more information, African American students can visit the NAACP website.
Corporate/ Association Scholarships and Grants
Besides academic organizations, there are several corporations and business firms that offer financial aid to African American students. To know more about these fellowship programs and college grants, students can visit the company websites. Candidates can also get in touch with the industry leaders to collect the details about multiple college funding opportunities for minority students. The aim of these financial aid programs is to encourage students of minority backgrounds for pursuing their specialized field of study.
Some of the resources for minority focused scholarship programs are as follows -
General Motors (Cheverolet Execellence in Education Awards & Summer Internships)
Merck & Pfizer (for undergraduate and graduate students of biochemistry)
Black Icon Scholarships
The scholarships are awarded to students in commemoration of renowned African American figures. The substantial amount is collected through the contribution of family and friends. Popular Black Icon Scholarships are as follows.
Thurgood Marshall Fund (merit based scholarships)
Jackie Robinson Foundation (four year college scholarship money up to $7,000)
Membership Organizations
There is no doubt that networking plays an important role in collecting scholarship and financial aid information. African American students should acquire the membership of organizations that give them both information and exposure. Some of these resources are listed below.
National Society of Black Engineers
National Association of Black Journalists
National Black Nurses Association
National Organization of Minority Architects
National Bar Association
National Medical Association
National Black MBA Association
Non-Profit Assistance Organizations
Whether it is on the regional level or state level, there are many non-profit organizations as well that help African American students pay for college. You can also look for such organizations locally and find the funding opportunities.
Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering
Internet has proved to be a great resource for finding information about scholarship and grants available to students of African American backgrounds. All you need to do is spend some time and make some sincere effort researching for such opportunities. A lot of financial support is available to help students pay for college.
