Your heritage, ethnicity, and race are an integral part of what makes you unique. Organizations and universities around the country recognize this uniqueness by providing financial assistance to help students from different cultures and ethnicities reach their educational goals.
Numerous universities and private organizations committed to the advancement of African Americans in higher education offer scholarships for African American students.
So now, in the midst of Black History Month, check out some of the many scholarships you may be able to apply to.
Amos & Edith Wallace Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: April 10, 2020
The Amos and Edith Wallace Scholarship awards $500 each to three eligible African American students. Enrolled undergraduate students in a 4-year college with a GPA of 2.8 or higher qualify for this opportunity.
All applications must have 2 recommendation letters. You must also include a 400 to 600-word essay that highlights what life lessons you are most interested in learning through your college experience or describes the role that education or community service has played in your place.
The award money goes directly to the winners’ respective colleges after verification of enrollment.
Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship
Amount: $5,000 per year
Deadline: April 10, 2020
If you are an African American high school senior interested in a career in technology this is a scholarship opportunity worth exploring further. The Blacks at Microsoft or BAM scholarship program offers two renewable awards of $5,000 each to high school seniors with outstanding academic achievements. Recipients will continue to receive $5,000 every year for up to 4 years provided that they continue to meet the criteria.
A cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher and demonstrated financial need are mandatory requirements. Applications for the BAM Scholarship must be accompanied by your resume, 2 recommendation letters, an official sealed transcript, and two essays. One essay must demonstrate your need for financial assistance and the second essay must emphasize your interest in technology.
Girls Who Illustrate Awesomeness Scholarship
Amount: $750
Deadline: TBD for 2021 (Opens August 2020)
Do you have a burning passion to change the world? Can you write a compelling 500-word essay? What about creating a 5-minute video highlighting who you are and how you plan on changing the world? If you are an African American woman and you meet both these requirements, in addition to having a 3.0 GPA or higher, you stand a high chance of winning $750 towards your education.
UNCF Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
UNCF offers a wide variety of scholarships for African American students. Constantly adding new scholarships, students looking for scholarships should frequently check UNCF for any new opportunities.
There are many other scholarships that are available for African American students. These 5 are a great place to start. You can find some more opportunities here.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
|
|
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
