Once you start looking for scholarship opportunities for African American Women you are going to be pleasantly surprised by the number out there. Many were created to address the historic inequality of economic opportunity faced by African Americans in this country, and those are often funded by the United Negro College Fund. Others were created to encourage study in areas that are historically underrepresented by this particular minority group. In the long run, as long as you apply — and receive funding – it’s all good. The rule of thumb is apply . . . and apply often. Remember that application deadlines occur throughout the year, not just in the spring or fall, so keep on top of it. Finally, eligibility requirements differ from scholarship to scholarship, and there is something out there for everyone! (Note: We did include two scholarships that are available to African American women and men because they were just too important, and especially in the case of the offering from the NABJ, too large to omit.) Don’t get discouraged! If at first you don’t succeed — try, try, try again.
Ethel Lee Hoover Ellis
If you are an African American woman, who is a college sophomore or junior, majoring in Business, who resides in the Southeast District of the United States, you may be eligible for this scholarship. The Southeast District includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, the Carolinas, Tennessee, or West Virginia. You must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale. For complete details about application requirements, visit the website http://www.ncd-nanbpwc.org/index-11.html.
Deadline: March 1st
Award: Varies
The Dr. Wynetta A. Frazier “Sister to Sister”
This scholarship is awarded by the National Hookup for Black Women to mature African American women, at least 30 years of age, who do not have the support of a spouse. Applicants may be women who dropped out of college to care for their families or to seek employment. At least two of these awards are made each year, in the amount of $1000 each, based on eligibility requirements and the competition as outlined in the application packet. http://www.nhbwinc.com.
Deadline: March 1st
Award: $1000
Dr. Julianne Malveaux
This scholarship is presented annually to an African American female college sophomore or junior currently enrolled in an accredited college or university by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Student must be majoring in journalism, economics or a related field, such as public policy or creative writing. Watch the website https://nanbpwc.org/education/scholarships/ for announcement regarding application and theme for the year.
Deadline: March 31st 2024
Award: Varies
The Phyllis G. Meekins
This scholarship has been awarded annually since 2006 to one support one graduating minority female high school senior that will be pursuing a full course of study as well as playing collegiate golf at an accredited university or college in the U.S. This year’s award was in the amount of $1,250.00. Eligibility requirements include demonstration of financial need and a 3.0 GPA. This scholarship fund is administered by the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
https://apply-lpga.smapply.io/prog/the_phyllis_g_meekins_scholarship/.
Deadline: Jan 31 2024
Award: Two $5,000
NABJ
The National Association of Black Journalists awards a number of scholarships each year to both men and women of African American heritage each year, but if you’ve ever dreamed of being that person who wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning news story of the year you should apply for one of these scholarships. The requirements vary from award to award. The application deadline is April 1st annually, but that will give you time to write something prizewinning to go into your application packet. The awards and prize amounts are:
NABJ Salute to Excellence Awards
Award: $20,000
Deadline: March 6, 2024
Bryan Monroe Memorial Scholarship
Award: Two $5,000
NABJ Ethel Payne Fellowship
Award: $5,000
Deadline: February 27, 2024
NABJ Special Honors Awards
Award: $3,000
Deadline: March 6, 2024
Facebook Journalism Project
Award: $2,000 – $10,000
Deadline: February 27, 2024
Larry Whiteside Scholarship
Award: $5,000
Deadline: February 27, 2024
ESPN Stuart Scott Internship
Award: $2,000 – $3,500
Deadline: February 27, 2024
Monica Roberts LGBTQ+ Task Force Scholarship
Award: $4,000
Deadline: February 27, 2024
Acel Moore Scholarship
Award: Two $3,000
Deadline: Feb. 27, 2024
NABJ Scholarship
Award: $2,500
Deadline: March. 27, 2024
All applicants must be members of the NABJ.
For more information visit the website at nabjonline.org.
Jeanette Rankin Foundation
The Rankin Foundation offers these scholarships each year and their application process kicks off on November 1st. Over 500 awards have been given since 1978, when the program began, with the intention of helping low income women over 35 – sadly a group where African American women often find themselves – to return to school to make a better life for themselves and their families.
If you would like more information and to see if you would qualify for one of these scholarships, visit the website at http://www.rankinfoundation.org/
Application period status: Applications are currently closed. Open November 2022 for the 2024-2025 Grant Cycle.
Application and recommendation letter deadline: February 17, 2024
Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Woman of Substance
This is another award given by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs – this time to an African American female, aged 35+, who is an undergraduate student currently enrolled in an accredited university or college. You must be a resident of the state of Nevada to apply.
Visit http://www.ncd-nanbpwc.org/. for an application and more details about this very special scholarship.
Deadline: 4/20/2024
AAUW Career Development Grants
Career Development Grants provide funding to women who have a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance or change their careers or re-enter the workforce in education. health and medicine; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); or social science. Preference is given to women of color and women seeking their first advanced degree or credential in a non-traditional field.
Visit : https://www.aauw.org/
Funding: $2,000–$20,000
Opens: August 1 every year
Deadline: November 15 every year
Essence Scholars Program
Five scholarships are awarded each year to female African American sophomore or junior college students who are attending schools that are part of the United Negro College Fund, unless enrolled at Howard or Hampton Universities. Eligibility requirements include a 3.0 GPA, and a demonstrable need for financial assistance through an FAFSA application. (May be obtained at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.) Applicants should also be able to demonstrate a strong desire to learn; a comprehensive understanding of contemporary African American culture; and a general understanding of the UNCF and its work. The maximum award is $10,000; some receive lesser amounts. This program is supported by Essence Magazine.
Visit uncf.org/scholarships.
Deadline: November 30
Award: Up to 10,000
American Association of University Women (AAUW) – Selected Professional Fellowships
These awards are directed toward full-time, female students, who are pursuing degrees in fields where women are under-represented. Examples of such fields would include engineering, math, architecture, some areas of computer science, and many areas of scientific study. You can find more information at www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/selected-professions-fellowships/.
Funding: $20,000
Opens: August 1 every year
Deadline: December 1 every year
If you have any questions please e-mail [email protected]
The Dr. Arnita Young Boswell
This scholarship is presented annually by the National Hookup for Black Women to an African American undergraduate student, enrolled in an accredited college or university. The minimum amount awarded is $1,000, and the prize is renewable, however, the student must reapply annually. http://www.nhbwinc.com.
Scholarship Committee
National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc.
1809 East 71st. Street, Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60649
Phone: (773) 324-0494
Local chapters provide scholarships as well. Contact the local chapter nearest you for details.
Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology
With the assistance of engineering and science deans and professors at pre-selected colleges, promising students are encouraged to apply for these scholarships, based on their aptitude. Eligibility requirement include intent to major in a technical field such as engineering, math or science; that they are currently enrolled in one of the specified black colleges or universities listed on the website; and, that they are U.S. citizens.
If you would like to receive an application, contact the science or engineering department of one of the schools listed on their website. http://www.dfbsstscholarship.org/dfb_sch.html.
Deadline: June 15th
Award: $3,000
