The Gates Millennium Scholars Program chooses 1,000 minority students each year to receive a four-year scholarship that is good at any college or university. Students are evaluated in three different areas: academic achievement, leadership potential and community service. The goal of the GMS is to boost the representation of minorities in fields where they are extremely underrepresented, including mathematics, library science, engineering, computer science and education. Since its start, the program has given out 13,000 scholarships.
Started in 1996, the Ron Brown Scholar Program awards 20 scholarships to African-American students every year, each in the amount of $40,000. Students who wish to earn the scholarship must demonstrate financial need, a dedication to learning and civic service, and an ability to lead. Chosen students may attend any school and study a major of their choosing. The program also gives students an advantage when looking for internships; scholars have the opportunity to network with the many corporate, public and non-profit supporters of the program. The program boasts a 100 percent graduation rate.
Since 1993, the Hispanic College Fund scholarship program has given more than 5,400 talented Hispanic about $15 million in scholarships. The scholarships range in value from $500 to $10,000, with the average scholarship being $3,500. There are a number of scholarships available from this program, including the Marriott Scholars Program, which awards Hispanic students interested in earning a degree in hospitality management, hotel management or culinary arts.
The Accenture American Indian Scholarship gives scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students. The program awards this aid to students interested in pursuing degrees and careers in the engineering, computer science, marketing and finance fields. Students applying for the scholarship should demonstrate financial need and a desire to preserve American Indian culture.