The biggest perk of this scholarship is the prestige. African American high school students who score in the top percentile on the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year are eligible. About 1,600 semifinalists are chosen annually, and 700 finalists are awarded $2,500 in scholarship money. Even if you don't get the money, many schools award automatic scholarships to semifinalists--right up to full tuition and fees, according to GuaranteedScholarships.com.
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200
Evanston, IL 60201-4897
847-866-5100
nationalmerit.org
The UNCF is a philanthropic organization that sponsors a host of scholarships for all types of students. It has specific operating funds for its 39 member colleges, so tuition at one of these schools is lower than the average. If you are applying to one of these schools, you should fill out their general application. The UNCF also awards money to individual students at more than 900 institutions worldwide. The criteria for these scholarships vary.
United Negro College Fund
8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
PO Box 10444
Fairfax, VA 22031-8044
800-331-2244
uncf.org
The NAACP awards a variety of scholarships annually to students enrolled at accredited universities, whether in a graduate or undergraduate program. There is also a scholarship for entering freshmen. The awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and eligibility requirements vary. Some, but not all, are renewable awards from year to year.
NAACP National Headquarters
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-580-5777
877-NAACP-98 (toll-free)
naacp.org
This foundation gives up to $7,500 a year to high school students of color who demonstrate leadership abilities and financial need. In a typical year, 30 to 60 scholarships are awarded, according to the foundation's website. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university to be eligible.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation
One Hudson Square
75 Varick Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10013-1917
212-290-8600
jackierobinson.org
This competitive scholarship is awarded to 10 African American high school seniors who will be entering college full-time in the coming academic year. The award is $40,000, given in yearly installments of $10,000. It can be used for any major or academic discipline at an accredited four-year college or university of the student's choice.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 206
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434-964-1588
ronbrown.org
This program is the nation's largest scholarship program for students of color, according to the program's website. Every year, 1,000 awards are granted to high-achieving high school students who qualify for a federal Pell Grant. Award amounts are calculated based on the student's need and may be renewed annually if the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Gates Millennium Scholars
PO Box 10500
Fairfax, VA 22031-8044
877-690-4677
gmsp.org
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) partners with a variety of corporations, universities and organizations to offer scholarships to African American students who have unmet financial need. For example, an environmental studies scholarship offers $5,000 per semester to two students, while the Louis Stokes Health Scholars program gives a one-year award of $8,000 to qualified students interested in a health care career. Students planning to enroll at Case Western Reserve University can receive full tuition if they are nominated by a CBC member.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.
1720 Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest
Washington, DC 20036
202-263-2800
cbcfinc.org