phd funding for black students

15 Fully Funded PhD Programs for Black Students

Home » College Grants

In the United States, there are fully funded PhD programs for black students. A “full funding” financial assistance provides complete tuition relief in addition to a yearly provident fund or salary for the duration of the program, which in itself is typically 3-6 years.

Funding is normally contingent on students teaching or conducting studies in their discipline of study. Since not all academic institutions fund their doctoral students, it is critical to explore the monetary assistance options of various programs.

With so many universities in the United States delivering Ph.D. programs, it’s no mystery that American Ph.D. expenses differ wildly.

A number of doctorate programs are offered online, from Walden University to Capella to Phoenix , and many more fully funded doctorate programs online.

Even though the United States is known for being a ridiculously priced destination for students, there are several excellent alternatives for Ph.D. funding (including many fully-funded Ph.D. programs for international students).

In an attempt to bridge the disproportionality, doctoral scholarships for black females males are becoming increasingly common. Even though blacks make up a small percentage of Ph.D. candidates, their existence in graduate programs has been increasing.

The count of doctorates granted to blacks has attained an all-time high, rising at approximately 5.3 percent per year. If you are interested in starting your PhD. program and have the requirements for the program that you seek, the first step is ensuring that you meet the requirements for the college that you are interested in.

Once you have determined the first plan, which would be academic in nature, and as soon as you meet the criteria, then finding fully funded programs should come next. As previously stated, there are fully funded Ph.D. programs for black students in the United States. They include:

Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs for Black Students

Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, named after the creator of the Institute for Women and Technology, will grant $7,000 yearly to minority female students, which would include Africans and blacks who want to learn computer science or engineering at the Ph.D. level.

Eligibility Requirements

Qualified applicants should be at least 18 years old, enrolled full-time or part-time at any approved institution in the world, and have a strong interest in computing. Beneficiaries will be invited to the Google Scholar’s Retreat as well.

How to Apply

Visit the official Website or forward the necessary documents to the following address;

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway

Mountain View, CA 94043

(650) 253-0000

AICPA Fellowships for Minority Doctoral Students

Every year, the American Institute of CPAs awards 22 Fellowships to Minority Doctoral Students. The fellowships are worth $12,000 each and are only available to full-time students.

Receivers would have to be US citizens with a demonstrated ability to teach accounting in higher education. Black, Hispanic or Latino, and Native American students are eligible for the fellowship.

Applicants are expected to have a master’s degree and a CPA credential. Aside from that, you should have at least three years of experience in accounting. They also need to be US permanent residents or citizens.

Visit the official Website or forward the necessary documents to the following address

220 Leigh Farm Road

Durham, NC 27707

(919) 402-4500

[email protected]

AAA Minority Dissertation Fellowship

The American Anthropological Association (AAA) awards a Minority Dissertation Fellowship worth $10,000 each year to racially based minorities, such as blacks, trying to complete a Ph.D. program in anthropology.

Candidates applying would have to be U.S. citizens or legal residents, attend an approved school, be accepted to degree candidacy, be AAA members, and demonstrate a reputation of high educational success. Application forms should include a 1,000-word anthropological research proposal as well as a letter of recommendation.

2300 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 1301

Arlington, VA 22201

(703) 528-1902

[email protected]

Alfred P. Sloan Minority Ph.D. Scholarships

The Alfred P. Sloan Minority Ph.D. Scholarships are for doctoral students from disadvantaged minorities. The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering is funding the scholarship opportunities. Ever since its inception in 1995, the program has awarded over 900 doctoral grants to minority researchers.

Students should indeed take courses in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Should also be US citizens to be able to qualify! They would have to be full-time students at Sloan University Centers for Exemplary Mentoring.

To apply, visit the official Website or forward the necessary documents to the following address

1 North Broadway Suite 601

White Plains, NY 10601

(914) 539-4010

[email protected]

GlaxoSmithKline Science Achievement Award

The GlaxoSmithKline Science Achievement Award is also one of the UNCF’s PhD scholarships for black males and females.

Candidates would have to be full-time students at an approved U.S. graduate school studying biochemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, botany, zoology, or a related scientific field with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Nursing students and medical interns are not able to qualify.

Just as it was noted above, to qualify you would have to be full-time students at an approved U.S. graduate school studying biochemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, botany, zoology, or a related scientific field with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Nursing students and medical interns are not able to qualify.

You will have to visit the official Website or forward the necessary documents to the following address

1805 7 th Street NW

Washington, DC 20001

(202) 810-0258

[email protected]

Fredrikson & Byron Minority Scholarship

Fredrikson & Byron P.A., a Minneapolis-based law firm, yearly awards a $15,000 Minority Scholarship to stellar grad students who want to pursue a JD or Ph.D. from an approved U.S. law school.

Emphasis has been given to students who are black, American Indian, Hispanic, or Asian and want to practice law in the Upper Midwest.

To qualify, you have to submit valid recommendations, one writing sample, official transcripts, and a present resume.

200 South Sixth Street Suite 4000

Minneapolis, MN 55402

(612) 492-7000

[email protected]

Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Faculty Scholars Program

The Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Faculty Scholars Program is managed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The scholarship scheme offers $18,000 Ph.D. scholarship opportunities to minorities who are full-time students. Participants should be enlisted in a doctoral nursing course with a clinical emphasis.

Participants would have to be American Indian, Asian American, Black, Latino, or Pacific Islander, as well as residents of the United States. They should join a college that is CCNE-accredited. Candidates should be registered nurses. After graduating from college, they should pledge to be full-time in an RN program.

1 Dupont Circle NW Suite 530

Washington, DC 20036

(202) 463-6930

[email protected]

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships

The $24,000 Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships offer doctoral grants for three years. The awards are intended for minority students who want to pursue a Ph.D. or ScD. Able to qualify beneficiaries will have to be US citizens or have a green card.

They also should register in a research-based program at a non-profit educational establishment in the United States. They ought to have a high level of academic performance and a desire to work in higher education teaching or research. History, political science, chemistry, and linguistics are all acceptable disciplines.

To qualify, you must register in a research-based program at a non-profit educational establishment in the United States. They ought to have a high level of academic performance and a desire to work in higher education teaching or research. History, political science, chemistry, and linguistics are all acceptable disciplines.

500 Fifth Street NW

(202) 334-2000

[email protected]

Harriett G. Jenkins Predoctoral Fellowship

The Harriet G. Jenkins Predoctoral Fellowship is funded by NASA. The fellowship offers up to 20 Ph.D. scholarships to individuals of color, women, and individuals who are disabled. Applicants should be pursuing a degree in a STEM field.

Candidates must be full-time students at an accredited university in the United States. Their doctoral degrees should be in a STEM discipline. Starting at $24,500, grant packages also provide a Mentor-Protégé Initiative.

2750 Prosperity Avenue Suite 600

Fairfax, VA 22031

(800) 231-9155

[email protected]

Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship

The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship, financially backed by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), is offering $2,000 to black graduate students pursuing a master’s, professional, or doctoral degree at approved U.S. colleges.

Applicants should be existing NAACP members, possess U.S. citizenship, be 25 years old or younger, illustrate economic need subject to federal poverty regulations, and will have a least cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible.

Applicants should be existing NAACP members, possess U.S. citizenship, be 25 years old or younger, illustrate economic need subject to federal poverty regulations, and will have a least cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible

4805 Mt. Hope Drive

Baltimore, MD 21215

(410) 580-5760

[email protected]

Frederick Douglass Scholars Fellowship

In commemoration of the national abolitionist movement’s leader, the Frederick Douglass Institute has established the Scholars Fellowship Program to provide economic and educational assistance to black students approaching their the last year of a Ph.D. program.

Candidates should be US citizens or permanent residents, hold a master’s degree, be enrolled full-time at an FDI partner university, include classroom experience, and really want to instruct at a college or university.

210 South 10 th Street

Indiana, PA 15705

(724) 357-4072

[email protected]

Scholarship Link

Richard Allen Williams Scholarship

The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) has financially supported the Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship via the American Medical Association (AMA), which will grant $5,000 to black men and women seeking doctorates or medical degrees.

Candidates should be ongoing first or second-year students, possess US citizenship or permanent residency, be interested in cardiovascular medicine, and possess the potential for making a contribution to medical research.

Just as was noted above, applicants will need to be ongoing first or second-year students, possess US citizenship or permanent residency, be interested in cardiovascular medicine, and possess the potential for making a contribution to medical research.

Ensure to go to the official Website or forward the necessary documents to the following; address

Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship

6849-B2 Peachtree Dunwoody Road

Atlanta, GA 30328

(678) 302-4222

[email protected]

Barrow Minority Doctoral Student Scholarship

Blacks seeking a Ph.D. in journalism or mass communications may be eligible for a $2,500 Barrow Minority Doctoral Student Scholarship from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications’ Communication Theory & Methodology Division (AEJMC).

Able to qualify beneficiaries would have to be US citizens or permanent residents, enrolled full-time in an approved graduate program, send two letters of recommendation, and then have an interest in data analysis in print or digital media.

To qualify, you have to be a US citizen or permanent resident, enrolled full-time in an approved graduate program, send two letters of recommendation, and then have an interest in data analysis in print or digital media.

234 Outlet Pointe Blvd.

Columbia, SC 29210

(803) 798-0271

[email protected]

Eastman Kodak Dr. Theophilus Sorrell Award

The Eastman Kodak Dr. Theophilus Sorrell Award was founded by the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) to provide $13,500 to black scholars seeking a doctoral degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or associated life sciences.

Applicants should be US citizens, full-time students at an approved graduate school, and have made considerable efforts to academic experiments.

P.O. Box 255

Blue Bell, PA 19422

[email protected]

CVS Caremark Pharmacy Scholarship

The CVS Caremark Pharmacy Scholarship is awarded to black scholars seeking a Ph.D. or PharmD in the pharmaceutical sciences in collaboration with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Participants should be full-time students with unfulfilled monetary needs, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and then have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Participants from Chicago State University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, Texas Southern University, or the Xavier University of Louisiana are eligible to apply.

To be considered, you will have to be full-time students with unfulfilled monetary needs, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and then have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Only participants from Chicago State University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, Texas Southern University, or the Xavier University of Louisiana are eligible to apply.

Note that you will have to visit their official website or forward the necessary documents to the following address;

One CVS Drive

Woonsocket, RI 02895

(401) 765-1500

[email protected]

Obtaining a Ph.D. will take a significant amount of pressure and sleeplessness for about five years. With increasing tuition costs, a doctorate could indeed cost you several hundred thousand dollars. Numerous minority students are impeded due to a lack of funds.

Scholarships provide sufficient financial support, allowing students to escape huge student loan debt. To manage your degree, apply to one of the following doctoral scholarships for black females and males.

Related posts:

• How to Apply for African American Scholarships and Grants
• How Hard is It to Get a Full Ride Scholarship?
• 8 Best Scholarships for High School Seniors in California
• How to Get a Scholarship for College in High School
• How Much Taxable College Grant or Scholarship Aid Can Parents Report to IRS as Income?
• What Happens If You Fail a Class While on Pell Grant Financial Aid?
• 6 Government Grants for Nursing School [How to Apply]

On this page

Back to top

Scholarships and Financing Options for Minority Doctoral Students

Pursuing a doctorate is a challenge for anyone, but it can pose a unique set of hurdles for minority students. Fortunately, a variety of different financial aid opportunities and other resources are available to help different demographics overcome the financial, academic, and personal obstacles that come with getting a PhD. If you’re a minority student, use this guide to connect with the best tools to help you find success.

Md Rafiqul Islam

Md Rafiqul Islam, PhD, graduated from Kent State University in 2020 and is now an instructor at The University of Alabama. Originally from Bangladesh, his research focuses on climatology and the South Asian monsoon climate.

According to the United States Census Bureau, approximately 13% of Americans hold a master’s or doctorate degree , with ethnic minority students making up only a small fraction. While obtaining a doctorate degree comes with its own set of unique challenges, having that advanced degree ultimately leads to more career growth and higher earnings. You may be starting a doctorate or thinking about what a doctorate journey looks like for you. If you’re a prospective minority doctoral student, this guide walks you through a full set of tools spanning scholarships, grants, fellowships, and additional academic resources to help you succeed.

Different Types of Financial Aid Opportunities for PhDs

Financing a doctorate degree can be costly, but the investment pays off throughout your career. If you’re considering obtaining a doctorate, you’ll encounter various options for paying for your education, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, assistantships, and loans. Keep reading to learn more about each one.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to make obtaining a doctorate degree as a minority student more affordable. Unlike loans, scholarships are “free money” and do not need to be repaid. Scholarships are awarded based on specific criteria, including being tailored to minority groups, financial need, academic standing, athletic skill, and more. Minority scholarships for doctoral students allow specific charitable organizations, businesses, and academic professionals to offer scholarship funds to students. Scholarships take time to apply for and usually require you to write one or more essays, so choosing the best scholarships for you is crucial in maximizing your time and reward money.

According to Federal Student Aid (FSA), a grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid . These often come from the federal or state government, universities, and private or nonprofit organizations. Grants are usually awarded to students who show financial need; students apply through the FSA’s free financial aid application, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, and through grant-making organizations’ websites. Grants may need to be repaid if you withdraw early from your doctorate program or your enrollment status changes from full-time to part-time.

Fellowships

According to Columbia University, fellowships are funded, short-term opportunities for academic students seeking doctorate degrees without the associated teaching or research responsibilities. Often fellowships are sponsored by a specific organization, government agency, or academic institution and allow recipients to pursue tailored academic research and training, developing new community-based organizations, and more. Fellowships provide cultural immersion for doctoral students, help expand students’ professional networks, and allow them to experiment with their learning, among other benefits.

Assistantships

Enrolling in an assistantship program as a minority doctoral student is a great way to help fund your doctorate degree. An assistantship provides graduate students with part-time, paid work experiences in their field of study. This allows students to gain experience, expand their knowledge and skills, work alongside academic faculty and staff on specialized projects, hone their research skills, and develop leadership and interpersonal skills. Fellowships are usually paid out as a stipend for several thousand dollars and tuition credit. 

When applying for financial aid, loans are one of the biggest options to consider. A loan is money you borrow and pay back with interest over time. Loans can be made by the federal government and private sources such as banks and organizations. Federal loans are usually easier to obtain through the U.S. Department of Education and often have lower fixed interest rates than private loans through banks.  According to FSA , graduate and doctorate students can borrow up to $20,500 each year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which are available to all students regardless of financial need. With federal student loans, you can focus on excelling in your doctorate program and won’t have to begin repaying your loans until after you graduate or drop below half-time credits.

Scholarships for Minority Doctoral Students

Scholarships are a great way to help you pay for your doctorate degree. Many scholarships are tailored to minority students, with the goal of increasing the number of underrepresented groups in specific career fields. Scroll down to see a list of top doctoral scholarships for minority students.

ABA Diversity Scholarship

Awarded to focus on broadening the number of traditionally underrepresented groups in the management and operation ranks of the transportation, travel, and tourism industry.

• Aid Amount: $5,000
• Eligibility: Must be a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student at an accredited university with a declared major or course of study relevant to the travel and tourism industry. Must demonstrate your diversity (this includes varying cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, nationality, minorities, age, race, or ethnicity) to evaluators.
• Deadline: April 15, 2023

Generation Google Scholarship

Awarded to students pursuing computer science degrees to help them become leaders in the field. Selections are based on the strength of each candidate’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; demonstrated leadership; and academic performance.

• Aid Amount: $10,000
• Eligibility: Open to all students who identify with groups historically excluded from the technology industry, including women, black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Must enroll as a full-time student in a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program at an accredited university or college in the United States or Canada and study computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field. Applicants must also exemplify leadership and demonstrate passion for improving representation in computer science and technology.
• Deadline: Late April 2023

Protecting Black Voices Graduate Scholarship

Awarded to high-achieving graduate black students pursuing an advanced degree in history, political science, communications , media, journalism, public policy, public administration, or related fields.

• Aid Amount: $10,000/year (for two years)
• Eligibility: Must be an incoming graduate student majoring in the fields listed above. Maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA at an accredited four-year institution. 
• Deadline: January 2024

Otsuka Scholarship

Awarded to high-achieving black graduate students pursuing an advanced degree in a business or a STEM-related field.

• Eligibility: Must be an incoming graduate student pursuing an advanced degree in a business or STEM-related field, including business, psychology , human resources, information technology/computer science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, statistics, data and analytics, finance, marketing, bioengineering, healthcare operations management , health science, healthcare technology, pharmaceutics , pharmacometrics, clinical pharmacology, regulatory affairs, cybersecurity, communications, or health informatics. Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA at an accredited four-year institution.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s Minority PhD Program

Offers substantial scholarship support to underrepresented minority students who are beginning their doctoral work in engineering, natural science, and mathematics. Scholarships are provided through eight partner schools including Cornell, Duke, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

• Aid Amount: Varies
• Eligibility: Must plan to enroll in a recognized graduate or doctoral program supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Scholars are selected based on their application, faculty recommendation, appropriate field of study, and financial need. 
• Deadline: Varies

ACHE Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship

Offered to provide financial aid to minority students in healthcare management graduate programs to offset tuition costs, student loans, and expenses. Designated for minority students enrolled in their final year of a healthcare management graduate program.

• Eligibility: Must be a racially/ethnically diverse student enrolled full-time in a healthcare management graduate program—MHA, MPH, MBA in healthcare administration, or similar. Recipients should expect to graduate between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024. Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent U.S. resident, or a Canadian citizen.
• Deadline: March 31, 2023

AICPA Fellowships for Minority Doctoral Students

The program’s goal is to increase the number of minority CPAs who serve as role models and mentors to young people. Awarded to full-time minority accounting PhD scholars who demonstrate significant potential to become accounting educators.

• Aid Amount: $12,000
• Eligibility : Must have CPA licensure and applied to or enrolled in a full-time PhD or DBA program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, or International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Also must be a minority student of black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander ethnicity and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Deadline: May 31, 2023

Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship

Awarded to support students who identify as minorities and are interested in a career in the environmental profession.

• Eligibility: Applicant must be a United States citizen or permanent resident who is a full-time student enrolled in his/her junior, senior year, or graduate program at an accredited college/university and have a declared major in civil, chemical, or environmental engineering or one of the environmental sciences (e.g. biology, geology, hydrogeology, ecology). Must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher and must be a minority (e.g. African American, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific American or Alaska Native). 

Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses Education Scholarship

Awarded to students who demonstrate leadership ability through exemplary community service and academic talent. Awards are granted to highly motivated full-time African-American or black students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree in a variety of fields.

• Aid Amount: $20,000
• Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, attend an academic institution in a CBC member’s district, preparing to pursue or currently pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree full-time at an accredited college or university. Must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA, exhibit leadership and be active in community, and be a qualified African-American or black student.

Elizabeth Furber Scholarship

Provides financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in fine arts, visual works, crafts, music, performing arts and dance, literary arts, creative writing, and poetry.

• Eligibility: Must be a female member or a descendant of a federally or state-recognized American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native group enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university pursuing a graduate degree in fine arts, visual works, crafts, music, performing arts and dance, literary arts, creative writing, or poetry.
• Deadline: June 1, 2023

SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program

Provided by the Southern Regional Education Board Doctoral Scholars Program. The stipend is available to minority students enrolled in a campus-based PhD program. The program must be full-time at a participating U.S. institution. 

• Eligibility: Must identify as a minority graduate student and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Must reside in one of 16 member states in the southern United States and plan to become a full-time university faculty member. Recipients cannot be employed outside of their department or discipline.

Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship

Awarded to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate (juniors and seniors) and graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution.

• Eligibility: Must be a member of a federally or state-recognized American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native group and enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university pursuing an undergraduate (junior or senior) or graduate degree in business or a gaming/hospitality-related field. This includes banking, resort management, gaming operations, or management and administration (including accounting, finance, information technology, and human resources).

Standing Out on Applications: Making the Case for Yourself

No matter what type of financial aid you’re seeking, you’ll need a strong application to earn it. Especially when it comes to free money through scholarships and grants, you’ll want to make your application stand out from the rest. To make a solid case for yourself, highlight your unique experiences, leadership abilities, and strongest characteristics to show why you deserve the scholarship. Below are some tips you can use to help increase your chances.

Highlight Unique Experiences and Perspectives

One of the best ways to make yourself stand out as a top candidate on your applications is by highlighting your unique experiences and perspectives as a minority doctoral student. Use your experience as a member of a marginalized and underrepresented community to highlight your own unique difficulties and barriers you’ve faced throughout your life and how obtaining a doctorate will help you overcome these. 

Showcase Leadership and Community Involvement

Of course, your leadership and community involvement are strong factors to include on your applications. Many doctoral programs and financial aid applications require applicants to explain how they took on a leadership role in their community and how they have helped positively impact those in other marginalized groups. Strong leadership characteristics lead to strong applications. 

Seek Quality Recommendations and References

A letter of recommendation is one of the most important pieces of information in your application. Including one will set you apart from other applicants by allowing a third party to speak on your behalf and showcase why you are deserving of enrolling in the doctoral program and/or receiving a form of financial aid. A letter of recommendation can come from a trusted professor, internship coordinator, or nonacademic who can write about your contributions to the community and field of study.

Write a Compelling Personal Statement

The best way to make yourself stand out from other applicants is to personalize your application. Instead of making a generalized personal statement that you can copy and paste into many applications, why not make a compelling statement for each? By using personal connection and anecdotes in your application, you will connect better with the reviewing judges and teams, making you memorable and more likely to be chosen.

Showcase Strong Academic Performance

One of the best ways to boost your application is to showcase your strong academic performance. Attending a higher education institution is hard work, and maintaining good academic standing with your school should be highlighted on your application. If you found yourself struggling in some of your courses and didn’t perform as well academically, don’t be discouraged from applying to opportunities. Instead, rely more on boosting your application to make yourself stand out.

The Different Types of Minority Doctoral Students

According to the Population Reference Bureau , today’s racial and ethnic minorities are made up of anyone who identifies as Hispanic, African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, or Alaska Native. The term “minorities” has expanded to include women, specific religious members, disabled persons, and members of the LGBTQ community who find themselves at a social, economic, and academic disadvantage from their majority counterparts. 

Racial and Ethnic Minorities

If you’re a racial or ethnic minority student, special financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available that can help you pay for your doctorate degree. 

American Indian College Fund

Awards scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native college students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees at tribal colleges, nonprofit, and accredited schools.

• Eligibility: Any Native American U.S. citizen that is a member or descendant of a state or federally recognized tribe with at least a 2.0 GPA and enrolled as a full-time student.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers PhD Scholarship

Scholarships are offered by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, an organization with a mission to “empower the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development.” 

• Eligibility: Must be a Hispanic/Latino heritage student pursuing a master’s or doctoral STEM degree program at an accredited university.
• Deadline: April 2, 2023

Religious Minorities

According to the Pew Research Center, the most common religion in the United States is Protestant (Christianity) . Any person practicing another religion, including but not limited to Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Mormon, Orthodox Christianity, Jehovah’s Witness, Native American religions, and others are considered religious minorities.

Church of the Brethren Nursing Scholarships

Awards a limited number of scholarships each year to individuals enrolled in a nursing program.

• Aid Amount: $2,000
• Eligibility: Candidates for the scholarships must be enrolled in a LPN, RN, or nursing graduate program and members of the Church of the Brethren. A preference is given to new applications.
• Deadline: April 1, 2023

Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF)

Awards are given to increase American Muslim representation in media and politics to improve public opinion and public policy.

• Aid Amount: $3,000-$10,000
• Eligibility: Applicants must be Muslim or active members of the Muslim community, enrolled full-time at an accredited university in the U.S. by August or be employed full-time in an ISF Supported Field and a part-time student at an accredited university in the U.S. Must be majoring in an ISF supported field, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be a U.S. citizen, U.S. green card holder, or DACA recipient. Open to undergraduate and graduate/PhD students. The ideal candidate will demonstrate potential in impacting public opinion, alignment with the ISF mission and vision, excellent communication skills, and leadership.

Disabled Minorities

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with disabilities make up the largest minority group in the United States, constituting an estimated  26% of the total population . It’s a diverse group, crossing lines of age, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

AbbVie Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship

Recognizes exceptional students with cystic fibrosis who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, creativity, and the ability to serve as positive role models for the cystic fibrosis community. 

• Aid Amount: $3,000
• Eligibility: Applicant must be an undergraduate or graduate student with cystic fibrosis who demonstrates academic excellence, community involvement, creativity, and the ability to serve as a positive role model for the cystic fibrosis community.
• Deadline: May 25, 2023 

Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program

Open to Maryland students in any major who are the sons, daughters, stepchildren, or surviving spouses (who have not remarried) of U.S. service members who died or became disabled as a result of military service, veterans disabled as a result of military service, POWs/MIAs from the Vietnam War, victims of 9/11, or state, local or public employees or school employees who either died in the line of duty or suffered a disabling injury. Please note, this scholarship is a little different in that the applicant does not need to have a disability themselves.

• Eligibility: Applicant must be a Maryland resident at the time of application and enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college/university as a full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student or attend a private career school. 
• Deadline: July 15

Incight Scholarship

Awards scholarships to students with disabilities pursuing higher education. These scholars are enrolled in community college, university, vocational school, and graduate programs. 

• Eligibility: Must be a current Washington, Oregon, or California resident and have a disability. This can be any type of disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, American Psychiatric Association  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual , Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or other governing body. Must be attending higher education during the funding cycle following your application (associate degree, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, etc.) 

Sex and Gender Minorities

According to the National Institutes of Health,  sexual and gender minority populations  include, but are not limited to, individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, two-spirit, queer, and/or intersex. Individuals with same-sex or same-gender attractions or behaviors and those with a difference in sex development are also included. These populations also encompass those who do not self-identify with one of these terms but whose sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or reproductive development is characterized by nonbinary constructs of sexual orientation, gender, and/or sex.

Out to Innovate Scholarships for LGBTQ+ STEM Students

Awarded to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs who are either lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or an active ally of the LGBTQ community. The scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence and increased visibility of talented LGBTQ+ students in STEM careers.

• Eligibility: Must be an undergraduate or graduate student that identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Must hold a cumulative 2.75 GPA, be an active supporter of and participant in programs or organizations that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility, and have successful completed a minimum of two years of post-high school education at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Deadline: June 3, 2023

PFund Scholarship

Awards scholarships to LGBTQ+ learners from the upper Midwest at all stages of their education. 

• Aid Amount: $1,000-$12,000
• Eligibility: Applicant must be 17 years of age or older by June 1, 2023, and be from or currently attending school in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, or South Dakota. Must identify as LGBTQ+ and be currently enrolled in or admitted to a GED program, community college, four-year college, university, graduate school, trade school, professional certificate program, or apprenticeship program for the 2023-2024 academic year.
• Deadline: March 2024

Stonewall Community Foundation Aritzia Scholarship

Awards students who support LGBTQIA people in their pursuit of higher education. Centered on Aritzia’s values, the scholarship prioritizes students who demonstrate excellence and creativity and who strive to make a positive impact on their communities.

• Eligibility: Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or two-spirit; be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school in the United States; and study, plan to work in, or demonstrate a commitment to the fields of fashion design, retail management, mental health, or social justice advocacy.
• Deadline: To be announced (application opens spring 2023)

Challenges Minority Students Might Face and Their Solutions

Now that you have a list of financial aid and scholarship opportunities at your fingertips to help you pay for your doctorate degree, let’s walk through some challenges that minority doctoral students face when obtaining their degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about  one-third of students receiving doctorates  are members of underrepresented groups. Because of this, minority doctoral students face a number of challenges, including lack of diversity, bias and stereotyping, lack of role models and mentors, and more.

Lack of Diversity

With only one-third of students receiving doctorates identifying as members of underrepresented groups, what follows is an overall lack of diversity. This can be seen not only in your courses, but also throughout your school and into your program and career field. Minorities may not consider pursuing graduate degrees or may be battling the financial burdens of an advanced degree. 

Challenge : You just walked into your first doctoral course of the semester and you find yourself the only minority student in the room. After attending your courses throughout the week, you realize you are isolated from your classmates.

Solution:  Work to build bridges with your classmates. As a long-term solution, schedule an appointment with your advisor to initiate a workshop on educating minority undergraduate students about how pursuing a doctorate degree will help them excel in their career and how their voices are needed to continue pushing and promoting diversity in many fields.

Bias and Stereotyping

As a minority doctoral student, you could be faced with ongoing bias and stereotyping by your classmates, professors, and other faculty. 

Challenge:  You find yourself in a classroom with 50 other doctoral students where the professor regularly involves the students in discussion and discourse. While you raise your hand to voice your opinion on a certain topic, you find the professor rarely addresses you or, when they do, dismisses your thoughts and perspectives while placing more emphasis on other students’ responses. 

Solution:  Stay after class and talk with your professor about how you’ve noticed a disparity between you and the other doctoral students in the course. Address your concerns and how they are affecting your progress in the course. Confidently show up and address your strengths as a minority doctoral student and how your perspective and opinion should be weighted just as highly as others’.

Lack of Role Models and Mentors

According to Teach.com, many  women and minority students report discomfort, disappointment, and levels of frustration  with a perceived pressure to conform to normative models. This pressure carries on into the vital relationship of mentors and role models for minority doctoral students, which can be lacking throughout many academic programs and institutions. You may have difficulty finding a mentor who understands your unique set of circumstances.

Challenge:  As you talk with your fellow doctoral students you find many of them mentioning advice and meetups with their mentor. You feel yourself lost and disconnected because you don’t have a similar academic role model or mentor to talk with and to encourage and advise you throughout your courses.

Solution:  While your doctoral program or institution may not offer a mentor or role model that can directly relate to you, talk with your advisor to see if there are resources for nearby schools where there may be one. Additionally, searching other doctoral programs throughout the country and their professional faculty and staff could lead you to sending an email, introducing yourself, and initiating an online mentorship relationship with someone who understands your obstacles as a minority doctoral student.

Unfamiliarity With the System

One of the biggest challenges that minority doctoral students might face is lack of familiarity with the academic system. According to the Southern Regional Education Board, only  six percent of nationwide academic faculty are African American, five percent are Hispanic, and one percent are Native American . Many minority doctoral students might not have anyone within their family who has pursued an advanced degree, resulting in students facing challenges and obstacles without direct support. Challenge:  You are the first student in your family to be accepted into graduate school. Instead of focusing on your courses, though, you find yourself overwhelmed with the amount of paperwork, financial aid information, deadlines, and other important factors involved with the process.

Solution:  Schedule a face-to-face appointment with your academic advisor where you can express your feelings and unfamiliarity with the process. Most academic faculty and staff want their students to succeed, so ask for assistance and clarity on processes to better set you up for success.

Resources for a Successful Doctorate Experience

Pursuing a doctorate degree takes a high level of dedication, commitment, and finances. According to Northeastern University, those graduating with a doctorate degree  earn an average of $20,000 more each year  than those with a bachelor’s degree. However, earning an advanced degree holds a higher level of financial commitment. Additionally, minority students will be faced not only with the financial aspects of getting a PhD but also with other obstacles to overcome as they work to earn their degree. These resources provide a jumpstart

• American Association of University Women (AAUW) – Find mentors and experienced academics. Since 1888, AAUW has been one of the largest funders of women’s graduate education, investing in women who go on to change the world.
• American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) Resource Guide for Ethnic Minority Graduate Students – A publication of the APAGS Committee for the Advancement of Racial and Ethnic Diversity. Includes 102 pages of information on wellness, self-care, conducting research, mentor relationships, professional development, racism, and more.
• A Guide to Completing the Dissertation Phase of Doctoral Studies – Cornell University offers this comprehensive manual for navigating the entire dissertation writing process, from conceptualization to final revision.
• A Guide to PhD Success: How to Thrive During Doctoral Studies – An online guide that highlights key factors and tips to consider that will help you survive—and even thrive—in graduate school.
• Higher Education Recruitment Consortium – A nonprofit consortium of more than 700 colleges and universities, hospitals, research labs, government agencies, and for-profit and nonprofit agencies committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the higher education workforce.
• HigherEdJobs – A major resource for higher education career information and job recruitment in academia, this listing from thousands of colleges and universities shows hundreds of thousands of open positions annually. 
• How to Fund Your Doctoral Degree: Advice from a Financing Coach – Written by a financing coach at Capella University, this article provides a step-by-step plan for funding your doctoral degree program. 
• Lavontria Miché Aaron’s Comprehensive Doctoral Resource List – A first-generation PhD student at John Hopkins University, Lavontria Miché Aaron has  shared her curated resources  to help other students and aspiring students who are members of minority ethnic groups. The list spans scholarships, internships, fellowships, graduate application fee waivers, travel grants, and mentors.
• myIDP Science Careers Individual Development Plan – This free career-planning tool is designed primarily for PhD students and graduates in STEM-related fields. Users can pinpoint their skills, values, and interests and review a list of career paths with predictions on which may be the best fit.
• The PhD Project – The PhD Project is committed to helping doctoral candidates through their journey. That includes providing them resources where they can access scholarships and other opportunities to cover their educational costs.
• PhD Project Corporate and University Partners – Connect with 1,500+ underrepresented minority faculty and doctoral students, as well as thousands of underrepresented minority professionals who attended the PhD Project annual conference.
• Postdoc Jobs – Connects thousands of university professors, government agencies, research institutions, and companies for successfully recruiting postdoctoral fellows and researchers. This is a major platform for postdoc recruitment worldwide.

First-Hand Experience: Interview with a Minority Doctoral Student

Md Rafiqul Islam , PhD, graduated from Kent State University in 2020 and is now an instructor at The University of Alabama. Originally from Bangladesh, his research focuses on climatology and the South Asian monsoon climate.

Q: Did you have a mentor or role model who helped advise you throughout your doctorate degree journey? What is your advice to doctoral students looking for a mentor?

A: I am happy and excited to promote my advisor Dr. Scott Sheridan, professor and chair of the department of geography at Kent State University, who is my academic role model/hero and has changed my education to prepare me to become a professional. My most important advice to upcoming graduate students is to choose an advisor who wants to promote your ideas. This gives inspiration in a difficult time and provides scope to do research in your own space and freedom. You’ll also want to look for a person who is communicative and supportive.

Q: What piece of advice would you offer incoming minority doctoral students to help them stand out on their admission and scholarship applications?

A: The U.S. carries a very high standard of education and research worldwide. Build on your experience to make yourself valuable in the competitive market. Consult with prospective faculty before applying to any program. And most importantly, bring a fresh mind for working hard.

Q: As a minority doctorate graduate, did you ever feel stereotyped or feel a lack of academic and peer support while obtaining your degree?

A: When I came here, I had a lot of educational and technical shortfalls, which is common for those from developing countries. However, the U.S. educational system trained me well, filled the gaps, and provided financial and academic support.

Q: Did you feel there was a collaborative environment with other students or faculty? How did you personally help foster that?

A: The U.S. higher education system is the perfect collaborative environment to promote your ideas. I got much support in my research, which would have been utterly impossible if I hadn’t had collaborative support from the school and related professionals in my field. 

Q: What do you wish you had done to better prepare yourself and help you succeed in grad school?

A: I wish I had more technical knowledge before coming to graduate school. I wish I could have adapted faster to the nature of research. I wish I didn’t procrastinate in my studies. I wish I had gotten every assignment done on time, which would have reduced my struggle.

Q: What were some of your personal struggles and obstacles you had to overcome as a minority doctorate student?

A: Being an international student, language and adapting to the American accent were obstacles for me. However, I do not think or feel at any time that I had an issue or problem with being a minority student. I had been treated equally at all times during my education by my teachers, mentors, and my fellow colleagues. In some cases, I got more help or support than most students.

Q: As someone who is currently working and teaching, do you think there are a lot of diverse staff and educators in your specific field? What do you think could improve?

A: As I am an instructor, mostly teaching American students, I always feel honored and happy. Many of my own methods, which I learned from my country’s education system, are helpful and memorable to my students. They like the way I approach my teaching. However, new-generation kids are more device dependent, which is not appropriate sometimes. Sometimes I feel kids need to remember to show respect to their mentors.

Related Pages

Scholarships & Grants for Doctoral Students

| February 01, 2021

Financing Your PhD: Scholarships & Resources for Black Students

| April 17, 2023

What’s the Cost of an Online Doctorate?

| February 11, 2021

• Free Resources
• Write For Us

20 Scholarships For Black Graduate Students (updated regularly)

• March 4, 2024

If you’re wondering what scholarships are available for African American grad students, you’re in the right place.

Going back to school can be both exciting and stressful. And if you’re the first in your family to attend college, the pressure can be real. 

But don’t let finances stand between you and getting a master’s degree . 

We’ve compiled the top scholarships for black graduate students in the United States. Let’s jump right in!

Is it hard to get a scholarship for graduate school?

While it can be harder to get a scholarship for graduate school than undergraduate, that doesn’t mean there aren’t resources to help you.

It means you’ll have to search harder and get creative when applying for grants.

For example, you’ll need to look into university-specific scholarship programs or scholarships based on your field of study or identity. 

Further down in this article, we’ll highlight some scholarships for black graduate students.

20 Scholarships for Black Graduate Students

1. knowbe4 for black americans in cybersecurity scholarship.

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: April 

Undergraduate freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student 

KnowBe4 offers scholarships for black graduate students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity or information assurance. To qualify, you’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.2.

If you’re a black student studying cybersecurity or a related field, you’ll want to check this one out!

2 . The Legacy Lab Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: October 

The Legacy Lab Scholarship is for black students that are passionate about their community and want to create positive change.

To complete the application, you’ll need to create a video explaining your future vision and dreams for making a positive impact in your community. 

This scholarship program prioritizes passion and personality, so you’ll want to show up as your authentic self.

3. Spectrum Scholarship Program

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: March

The Spectrum Scholarship Program is for minority students attending an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies. 

Sponsored by the American Library Association, this scholarship wants to empower the next generation of diverse librarians. 

In addition to financial support, the ALA offers job readiness and career placement opportunities at libraries and within the ALA. 

If you’re dreaming of a career in library and information studies, be sure to check out this scholarship.

4. National Black MBA Association Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000

Deadline: May 

The NBMBAA® Graduate Scholarship Program offers tuition assistance to students who demonstrate academic excellence, exceptional leadership potential, and are actively involved in their communities through service to others.

To qualify for this scholarship, you must be a financially active member of the NBMBAA who demonstrates community involvement. You must also be enrolled in an accredited graduate business degree program.

5. AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students

Deadline: March 

The AICPA Scholarship Award offers scholarships annually for minority accounting students from underrepresented groups seeking a degree in accounting or an accounting-related major.

To qualify, you must have completed at least 30 semester hours of coursework, including at least 6 semester hours in accounting. 

6. United Health Foundation Louis Stokes Scholarship

Amount: Between $5,000 – $8,000

Deadline: April

The United Health Foundation Louis Stokes Scholarship is for Black students interested in a healthcare career.

It’s open to students earning an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree full-time at a college or university

If your goal is to launch a career in the medical field, you’ll want to apply for this scholarship.

7. Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship

The Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives awards this scholarship to racially and ethnically diverse students enrolled in their last year of a healthcare management master’s degree program like healthcare administration.

You must demonstrate financial need and complete your online application to qualify for this award.

8. Black Philanthropy Bannister Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Deadline: September 

The Rhode Island Foundation offers the Black Philanthropy Bannister Scholarship to Black students interested in medicine and community service.

To be eligible for this award, you must be an African American student from Rhode Island pursuing a career in healthcare. 

This scholarship may be renewable for up to four years and is open to undergraduate and graduate students.

9. Sidney B. Williams Jr. Scholarship

Amount: Up to $30,000

If you’re a black student pursuing a career in law, the Sidney B. Williams Jr. Scholarship should be added to your list. 

This generous scholarship program offers financial support for three years of law school. 

Sponsored by the Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law, having an interest in patent law will earn you points with this scholarship. 

In addition to academic achievements, this program prioritizes applicants with leadership qualities and a track record of community service.

10. George A. Strait Minority Scholarship and Fellowship

The George A. Strait Minority Scholarship and Fellowship awards distinguished law librarians and accept minority applicants who want to pursue a career in law librarianship.

To qualify for this award, you must be enrolled in law school or an ALA-accredited library graduate program.

If you’re a law librarian looking for recognition in your industry, this one is for you.

11. Larry W. Carter Scholarship

Amount: $3,000

Deadline : May 

The Larry W. Carter Scholarship is open to any African American Iowa resident pursuing full-time or part-time studies at the undergraduate or graduate level. 

The applications are available each year in the spring. If you’re an Iowa resident, check out this scholarship. 

12. NYWICI Scholarship Program

Amount: Between $2,500 to $10,000

Deadline: February 

New York Women in Communications offers scholarships to students pursuing a career or major in the field of communications.

To be considered for this scholarship, you must be a resident of NY, NJ, CT, or PA. Or live in a different state but go to school in New York. 

If you’re a graduate student, you must also be a member of New York Women in Communications in good standing. 

13. Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship

Amount: $35,000, plus Summer Associate salary

The Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship is a well-paying program that could jumpstart your career in the financial services industry. 

It’s available to underrepresented graduate students in their first year of business school, 

In addition to the scholarship, winners will receive a $40,000 salary for their work as a summer associate at Goldman Sachs.

14. Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program

The Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program is a unique award that funds college for the winner in return for their commitment as a teacher at a non-profit school – in the state of Illinois upon earning their degree.

To be eligible, you must be enrolled or accepted at least part-time as an undergraduate or graduate student at an Illinois institution of higher education.

If you’re interested in teaching, this could be the perfect opportunity. 

15. CANFit Graduate Scholarship

Amount: $1500

Deadline : TBD 

This CANFit Graduate Scholarship award is available for minority students enrolled in a graduate program for nutrition, public health nutrition, or physical education.

It’s also available to those in an American Dietetic Association-approved pre-professional practice program at an accredited California college or university. 

To qualify, you must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have completed 12 to 15 units of graduate coursework at the time of application.

16. Appraisal Institute Education & Relief Scholarships

Amount: Varies 

Deadline: Varies 

The Appraisal Institute Education & Relief Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to minorities and women to help with the cost of degrees in real estate appraisal or related fields.

If you’re interested in a career in real estate appraisal, check out their list of scholarships to see if you qualify.

17. Herman J. Neal Scholarship

Amount: $4000

The Herman J. Neal Scholarship is for black students who are Illinois residents attending an accounting program of study at an Illinois college or university.

Offered by the Illinois CPA Society, it supports academic scholarships that reward African American students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and financial need. 

18. Rangel Graduate Fellowship

Amount: Up to $42,000 per year (for two years)

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a program that prepares high-achieving students for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State.

The fellowship is available to minority students who are pursuing a graduate degree in foreign affairs. 

To be considered, you must have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher and demonstrate financial need.

19. NABA Scholarship Program

Deadline : Varies 

The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) offers a variety of scholarships annually ranging from $1,000 – $10,000.

These awards are available to undergraduate or graduate students who are African American (black) or of African descent and are active members of NABA.  

To qualify, you must have an overall grade point average of 3.3 or higher and a major grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

20. Porter Physiology Development Fellowship

Amount: $28,300 stipend

Deadline: January 

The Porter Physiology Development Fellowship is available for minority graduate students who are working toward a Ph.D. in physiology.

The goal of this award is to encourage diversity among students pursuing full-time studies toward a Ph.D. in the physiological sciences and to encourage their participation in the American Physiological Society (APS).

If you’re interested in a career in physiological sciences, check out this fellowship. 

Getting Started with African American Graduate Scholarships

If getting a graduate degree is what you want. Just know that there are resources out there to make that happen. Hopefully, this list gives you a starting point for financing your education. 

We’ll keep this list updated for you. Check back for more black graduate scholarships. Set a reminder to follow up on scholarships with application deadlines later in the year. 

If you’re new here, join our NetWerk community for exclusive access to our Free Career Education Center . You’ll get instant access to free career guides, workbooks, and templates to support your professional goals.

Over To You

Did we miss any scholarships for black graduate students? Let us know in the comments on social @netwerkmovement. Or send them to us directly via email.

As promised, we’ll make sure to keep this list fresh. Share this with someone looking for money for grad school!   

Shop Our Products

Leadership Development Plan

The Networking Plan

The Ultimate Guide For Building A High-Value Network

Resume Cover letter Templates

ATS Friendly Templates To Share Your Achievements With Ease And Sophistication

Underemployment First Aid Kit

Your First Line of Defense Against Underemployment

Leadership Toolkit

A curated collection of must-have tools to get you promoted

Leadership Affirmation Cards

60 Printable Sassy Career Affirmation Cards To End Underemployment

The Brag Book

The Modern Guide To Self-Promotion

5 Things You Should Know About The Grad School Application Process

• May 20, 2024

If you’re thinking about applying to grad school, not so fast. Here are 5 things you should know about the grad school application process.

Continue reading

5 Best Side Hustles For Graduate Students in 2024

• April 8, 2024

If you’re a grad student wondering how to finance your education, look no further. Here are the 5 best side hustles for grad students.

10 Pros And Cons Of Getting A Master’s Degree

• March 11, 2024

Going back to school is a big step. If you’re undecided, here are 10 pros and cons of getting a master’s degree.

10 Resources for First-Generation Graduate Students 

• December 21, 2023

We’ve compiled free resources for first generation graduate students. If you’re a first-gen in grad school, check these out!

8 Pros and Cons of Working While in Grad School 

• November 16, 2023

We’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons of working while in grad school. Not sure about working and studying? Start here!

50+ Graduate Scholarships for Women (updated regularly)

• December 28, 2023

We’ve compiled the top graduate scholarships for women. If you want to go to grad school but aren’t sure how to pay for it. Start here!

5 Types of MBA Programs You Can Pursue

• December 19, 2023

Are you looking to level up and get an MBA? Here are 5 types of MBA programs you can pursue.

10 Graduate Scholarships For International Students (updated regularly)

• July 31, 2023

We’ve compiled a list of graduate scholarships for international students. If you want to study abroad, start here!

3 Ways To Prepare For Grad School (+ Grad School Prep Checklist)

• December 1, 2023

Going back to school can be a scary process, here are three tips to help you prepare for grad school and a free checklist.

3 Easy Steps To Write Your Grad School Dissertation

• March 27, 2023

If you’re considering grad school, don’t let the grad dissertation intimidate you. Here are 3 easy steps to getting started!

Join Thousands of Future Leaders Worldwide!

Get free access to our career center to grow your career and confidence.

NetWerk® Is On A Mission To Help One Million Women Get Promoted By 2030. Subscribe To Join Our Community!

• [email protected]
• Privacy Policy
• About NetWerk®
• Work With Us

© 2024 NetWerk. All Rights Reserved.

• Majors & Careers
• Online Grad School
• Preparing For Grad School
• Student Life

The 18 Best Scholarships for Black Students in 2024-2025

Paying for college – especially graduate school – is a massive burden. If you can’t find programs offering partial or full funding, scholarships for Black students are there to bridge the gap.

Ready to learn about free grants for African American students? Let’s begin.

Table of Contents

Best General Scholarships for Black Students in 2024

1. uncf general scholarship.

Deadline : March 28, 2024, 4:00 PM EST Award Amount : Varies Apply Here

The UNCF (United Negro College Fund) offers scholarships with varying award amounts. It provides underrepresented full-time undergraduate and graduate students studying at UNCF member institutions the financial help they seek.

The organization’s mission is to help build a nationally recognized network of students who become highly qualified graduates of their respected member institutions.

2. ABA Diversity Scholarship

Deadline : Varies Award Amount : $5,000 Apply Here

ABA Diversity Scholarships focus on increasing the number of underrepresented groups in the transportation, travel, and tourism sectors (specifically within the management and operation ranks).

Impartial evaluators select winners, judging candidates on their academic excellence, character, financial need, leadership, and commitment to the aforementioned industries. However, applicants with affiliations to ABA member companies may be favored slightly more during the consideration phase.

3. ACHE Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarships

Deadline : March 31, 2024 Award Amount : $5,000 Apply Here

This annual scholarship was established in honor of Albert W. Dent , the first African-American Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. The award is specifically intended for racially diverse, ethnically diverse, and LGBTQ+ students, assisting them with expensive student loans, tuition, and related expenses.

4. APF Queen-Nellie Evans Award

Deadline : January 31, 2024 Amount : $4,000 Apply Here

Offered by the American Psychological Foundation, the APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship was founded to assist graduate students and psychologists in their early careers. Each year, the APF awards this $4,000 scholarship to a graduate student from an underrepresented minority group who seeks to improve communities of color, especially those of African descent.

5. TMCF & McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship

Deadline : March 27, 2024 Award Amount : $15,000 Apply Here

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund & McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship is quite generous, offering up to 63 awards of $15,000 each academic year. Intended for exceptional undergraduate students attending HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), these scholarships for African American students can help cover tuition and similar fees.

6. Anna V. Waters Scholarship

Deadline : March 1, 2024 Award Amount : Up to $2,000 Apply Here

This scholarship for Black students was established to honor the legacy and memory of Anna V. Waters, a nurse who consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout her life. Established in 2010, the fund supports African-American students with a demonstrable desire to pursue higher education. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0-2.9.

7. CBC Foundation Spouses Education Scholarship

Deadline : March 31, 2024 Amount : $2,500 Apply Here

One of many grants for Black students, this scholarship was established in 1988 by spouses of CBC ( Congressional Black Caucus ) members. It’s intended to assist students within the CBC members’  congressional districts, particularly those affected by federal budget cuts on education programs and scholarships.

This scholarship awards academically gifted, highly motivated African-American students who are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in various fields.

Location-Specific Scholarships for Black College Students

8. cta martin luther king jr. memorial scholarship program.

Deadline : February 23, 2024 Award Amount : Up to $6,000 Apply Here

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program is offered by the California Teacher’s Association. The program encourages BIPOC students to become educators as well as counselors, therapists, and nurses in schools. Applicants must already be pursuing a certification or degree related to public education teaching. Please check the scholarship page for more eligibility information.

9. Sachs Foundation Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships

Deadline : March 15, 2024 Award Amount :

• Undergraduate: $10,000-$12,500 per year (for up to four years of study)
• Graduate: $10,000 per year (for up to four years, depending on the course of study)

Apply Here : 

• Undergraduate

The Sachs Foundation offers its undergraduate scholarships to high school seniors from Colorado. Students who receive a grant may use the funds toward any full-time accredited institution they are enrolled in. 

However, Sachs Foundation scholarships for Black graduate students are offered only to former Sachs undergraduate scholars . Both awards are generous and can be renewable for each academic year.

Scholarships for Black Women Students

There are many scholarships specifically offered to BIPOC women, and we’ve included some of these below. We’ve also compiled more details on general scholarships for women if some of these programs don’t suit your needs.

10. The Essence Scholars Program

Deadline : October 15, 2024 Award Amount : $10,000 Apply Here

This scholarship for black students is for female students enrolled in a UNCF college, as well as Howard University and Hampton University. You’ll need to demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of at least 3.0 to be eligible.

11. Alexis Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship for the Arts

Deadline : May 31, 2024 Award Amount : $1,350-$3,000 Apply Here

The Alexis Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship for the Arts awards five female-identifying applicants in their pursuit of art-related studies. The fund – which is open to African American and/or Latina students – was created in honor of Alexis Mackenzie, an art lover and dancer whose life ended far too soon.

12. Minority Women in STEM Financial Need Scholarship

Deadline : June 15, 2024 Award Amount : $10,000 Apply Here

This scholarship is reserved for one undergraduate BIPOC female seeking a STEM education . Applicants must be attending one of the following universities to qualify:

• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Texas at Dallas
• University of North Texas
• Texas Women’s University
• The University of Texas at Arlington
• Texas A&M University – College Station

First Generation African American Scholarships

13. fea (fund for education abroad) scholarships.

Deadline : Varies Award Amoun t: Up to $5,000 Apply Here

The FEA instituted this scholarship program to increase the number of underrepresented students (especially African American students) studying abroad. The program distributes various scholarships among eligible first-generation students who desire to study abroad.

14. Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship

Deadline : To Be Announced Award Amount : $10,000 per year (Renewable annually) Apply Here

The Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco offers a scholarship to first-generation minority students pursuing a degree in legal studies. The scholarship has a three-year commitment and can be renewed each year.

The following institutions are participating in the program:

• Golden Gate University School of Law
• University of California – Berkeley School of Law
• University of San Francisco School of Law
• Stanford Law School
• Santa Clara University School of Law
• University of California – Hastings College of the Law

15. Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

Deadline : March 14, 2024 Award Amount : Varies Apply Here

This scholarship program primarily aims to support passionate first-generation high school seniors belonging to underrepresented groups who require financial assistance. It seeks to sponsor and guide students with the determination for success, despite their struggles and lack of resources. 

Selected students may use their award at any accredited four-year college, so long as they intend to study one of the following: Math, Transportation Management, Science, Architecture, Pre-Med, Psychology, Environmental Design, Spanish Language or Literature, or Engineering.

STEM Scholarships for African American Students

16. Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarships

Deadline : March 13, 2024 Award Amount : 5 $20,000 awards distributed over four years (or $5,000/year). 45 one-time awards of $2,5000 Apply Here

The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship was created to enable and empower African American students seeking an education and future career in technology. The fund awards four students $20,000 each, distributed as a $5,000 grant per year over four years. It also offers 45 students a one-off award of $2,500 each.

The American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Annual Giving program provides scholarships to underrepresented students pursuing a science education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

18. DFBSST Science and Technology Scholarships

The DFBSST offers a scholarship to African American students enrolled in an HBCU’s science or technology undergraduate programs. The scholarship is based on various criteria, including academic performance and financial need. 

Applications must be obtained at one of the schools listed here . Current recipients may apply for funding renewal each year. However, they must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their major and be enrolled in a full-time science or engineering degree. 

Application Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for Black Scholarships

Most scholarship applications require the following:

• Your resume
• An essay on a given topic
• Two or more letters of recommendation
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of financial need (e.g., FAFSA application)

However, each scholarship has its own unique requirements. Always check the scholarship website or contact the selection committee for detailed information and conditions.

Common eligibility requirements include:

• Status as a US citizen or permanent resident.
• Enrollment in an accredited university.
• Minimum GPA

Some scholarships also require enrollment in an HBCU. Other scholarships are only open to certain demographics within the Black community, such as female students or those undertaking studies in specific areas (e.g., STEM).

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Scholarships for African American students can be highly competitive. Putting your best foot forward in your application is vital to ensure success. These handy tips are useful whether you are applying for a scholarship or a fully-funded PhD Program !

• Start early . Some scholarships cap the number of applications and may stop accepting them once they reach a certain quota.
• Submit the FAFSA form . Most needs-based scholarships require this to evaluate your financial status.
• Prepare your College Scholarship Profile (CSS) form . Because it collects more information than the FAFSA, some scholarships assess your financial need based on CSS. 
• Look for HBCUs when searching for scholarships . Historically Black Colleges & Universities were once the only institutions that admitted Black students. Many still offer scholarships and financial aid options for African American students.
• Consult the experts . Check with your guidance counselor for useful information on relevant scholarships.
• Get organized . Compile a spreadsheet with each potential scholarship’s details. Organize separate folders with documents for each. Sort the list by cutoff dates to avoid missing deadlines.
• Apply early . Prioritize applications with the earliest deadlines and submit all your applications as soon as possible.
• Focus on your essay . Pay attention to word counts and other requirements. Compose a unique, authentic, and compelling essay to capture the selection committee’s attention.
• Tailor each essay to the scholarship . Don’t use the same essay for different scholarships – even if the prompts are the same. Make sure each one is tailored to suit that specific scholarship.
• Proofread your application thoroughly . Even small punctuation mistakes or silly spelling errors can make a huge difference.

When to Start Applying for African American Scholarships

Many scholarships for African Americans have application deadlines somewhere between January and May. However, many programs have rolling or varying deadlines, allowing you to submit your application throughout the year. It’s also worth noting that some programs require current college enrollment before you can apply.

Check all the deadlines and requirements before applying for an African American scholarship. Above all, always submit your applications as early as possible!

Related Reading : The Best MBA Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i qualify for scholarships for black students if i am multiracial.

Many minority scholarships are specifically scholarships for Black people. That said, many Black people scholarships will consider multiracial applicants unless they specify otherwise. It’s best to check the organization’s eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify to apply for the award.

What Percentage of Black Students Go to College?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , the 2021 college enrollment rate among Black 18-24 year-olds was 37%. However, only 22.6% graduated with a bachelor’s degree. 

You can choose from a wide range of scholarships for Black students. Many are merit-based, but there are also plenty based on financial need. However, some have limited availability – and most have strict eligibility criteria. We recommend planning thoroughly, applying early, and crafting a spectacular personal essay to help you stand out!

Need a little help navigating the world of financial aid? Read our comprehensive Graduate School Scholarships Guide .

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 25 Best Gifts for Nursing Students in 2024
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Dissertation vs Thesis: Your 2024 Guide
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ 7 Best Laptops for Engineering Students in 2024

The Most Under-Rated Career Advancement Tip for 2024

Tech talent crunch: cities with more jobs than workers, related posts.

The 19 Best MBA Scholarships to Apply for [2024-2025]

Top 30 Scholarships for Women for 2022/2024

The Top 9 Fully Funded PhD Programs

Top 10 Best 1-Year PhD Programs Online

Graduate School Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

How Much Does Grad School Cost? A Simple Guide

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

• Experience Paradox: Entry-Level Jobs Demand Years in Field
• Grad Trends: Interest in Artificial Intelligence Surges
• Breaking Records: Yale Sees Most Selective Grad Admissions Season Yet
• Applying to Big Tech This Year? Here’s How to Ace It.
• 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students

© 2024 TheGradCafe.com All rights reserved

• Partner With Us
• Results Search
• Submit Your Results
• Write For Us

Scholarships

Each year we offer need-based and merit scholarships to outstanding and qualified Black students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees as part of our Inspire Initiatives program. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life. 

Our scholarships range in award amount, academic interests, and age. Whether you are a graduating high school senior or early in your professional career, we are pleased to provide financial opportunities and recognition to assist with collegiate and post-educational endeavors. Please be sure to review individual scholarship eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a member of the NAACP. If you are not a member of the NAACP, join today .
• Be African American or a person of color.
• Be currently enrolled full-time or accepted to an accredited college or university in the U.S.
• Be a graduating high school senior, undergraduate student, or graduate student for applicable scholarships.
• Possess a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 system.
• Demonstrate interest in a relevant field of study where applicable. For additional information, see the scholarship you are applying for .

SCHOLARSHIP TIMELINE

Scholarship applications open on May 1 and close June 2, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET. Recipients will be announced in the Summer of 2024. 

Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship

The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to Black students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship honors the late Agnes Jones Jackson who was a long-time NAACP member from the San Francisco branch.  This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

Find more information, including guidelines, on the Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship .

Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship Powered by Dark & Lovely

The Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship, powered by Dark & Lovely, is one of many funding opportunities available through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives to Black female students and female students of color interested in pursuing careers in STEAM or graphic design.  This is a  non-renewable  scholarship opportunity.

Find more information, including guidelines, on the Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship Powered by Dark & Lovely.

Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship Powered By Walmart

The Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship, powered by Walmart, is intended to assist in the creation of a pathway for those who desire to further their education as they enter back into society. This scholarship will be available to the formerly incarcerated or those who have recently been convicted and who have completed their sentence. This scholarship will be awarded to individuals that can exhibit qualities of leadership, commitment to change, and desire to give back to their community.  This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

Find more information, including guidelines, on the Empowering A Better Tomorrow Scholarship Powered By Walmart .

JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Scholarship

James Weldon Johnson Scholarship powered by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is one of many funding opportunities available to Black students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. This scholarship is open to all students of color who will matriculate full-time enrollment at an accredited academic institution in the Fall of 2024.  This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

Find more information, including guidelines, on the James Weldon Johnson Scholarship .

Hubertus W. V. Willems Scholarship

The Hubertus W. V. Willems Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to Black male students interested in pursuing a career in the fields of engineering, chemistry, physics, and/or mathematical sciences through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives.  This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

Find more information, including guidelines, on the Hubertus W. V. Willems Scholarship .

The ED DWIGHT SCHOLARSHIP

The Ed Dwight Scholarship honors Ed Dwight, a trailblazer in the American space program, who is also an author and sculptor. Ed was the first Black astronaut candidate; in addition to being the first to enter the program, he completed the training and was fully qualified as an astronaut.  This  is a non-renewable scholarship  opportunity.

Find more information, including guidelines, on the Ed Dwight Scholarship .

The NAACP Creative Sole Scholarship powered by Vans

The NAACP Creative Sole Scholarship powered by Vans is awarded annually to students majoring in creative fields including art, architecture, journalism, music, communications, design, marketing, and photography. This is a  non-renewable  scholarship opportunity.

Find more information, including guidelines, on the NAACP Creative Sole Scholarship, powered by Vans .

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is awarded to students interested in pursuing a career in the visual/performing arts field including film, theatre, fashion, photography, graphic design, dance, music, journalism, and mass communications. We will award three scholarships totaling $8,000 to recipients with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Find more information, including guidelines, on the NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship .

Write YOUR Future Scholarship powered by Lancôme 

The Write Your Future Scholarship powered by Lancôme is one of many funding opportunities available to Black students and students of color through the NAACP Inspire Initiatives. This scholarship is intended for Black students and students of color, who identify as female, pursuing an undergraduate degree.  This is a  non-renewable  scholarship opportunity.

The applicant must be a graduating high school senior enrolling in a  4-year tax-exempt academic institution , an  NAACP member  and a  registered ACT-SO program participant .

Find more information, including guidelines, on the  Write Your Future Scholarship powered by Lancôme .

Get To Know Some Of Our Scholarship Awardees

Mikyah M. - Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship Recipient

"My proposed career path is being an orthodontist. When I got my aligners during my senior year of high school, my life changed! I was able to have perfect teeth without the expensive, troubling process of metal braces within a matter of months. As an orthodontist, my dream is to create beautiful smiles for children, teens, and adults because everyone should feel confident and proud of their own smiles."

Shakir B. - Empowering Imagination Scholarship Recipient

"The challenge of enhancing my leadership skills absorbs me and has evolved over time because of the education I've received so far. It is what transforms each of us into better people. Leading by example to continue my education will encourage others in my family and community to better themselves."

Jada K. - GRIT Scholarship Recipient

"As I've matured, philosophy has allowed me to retain my childlike curiosity about the world and life. When practicing it, I'm free to question everything and not be haunted by the unknown. Nothing compares to the joy I feel when philosophy provides me a new perspective on life."

Calvin B. - Happy Day Scholarship Recipient

"I continuously explore the intersection between political research and computer science because I am interested in how they can unite to positively impact the lives of minorities in urban communities. While being mindful of the bias that technology carries, we can utilize its means for job creation and city innovation."

Nadia D. - Katherine McIntyre Scholarship Recipient

"Ever since I discovered theatre I have always been excited about learning. The experiential, the intellectual, and the metaphysical are all combined to create fantastic worlds on the stage. I earned an undergraduate degree in it, and I'm still diving back in to learn more. The amazing thing about engaging with theatre is that the work is never over. Whether you've been doing it for a year or 50 years, there always something new to discover."

Daniel S. - Creative Sole Scholarship Recipient

"I believe the most significant challenge we face now is the very harsh reality of hate and racism that we face in our country. As in recent years, it has become blunter, causing tensions to be high and more. As well as having the understanding that everyone doesn't have the same opportunities and being able to embrace the diversity that we have in our country. Putting forth and creating programs to help our society as a whole, understanding the harsh history but also working to make things right."

Six Months Until Election Day

From police reform to voting rights, and our democracy itself – everything is on the line. We need to raise $250,000 to support our work advocating, agitating, and litigating for civil rights across the nation.  Donate today and your gift will be matched, doubling your impact.

• Search All Scholarships
• Exclusive Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships to Apply For
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for HS Juniors
• Scholarships for HS Seniors
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Grad Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Winners
• Scholarship Providers

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

Top 164 Scholarships for Black Students in May 2024

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Learn about our editorial policies

Historically, access to higher education has not always been equal. Many groups, including African American and Black students, have been left out of educational opportunities.

Because of this, many colleges and scholarships aim to support African American students as they pay for college. These scholarships include specific scholarships for African American women, full ride scholarships, and scholarships generally for students from minority backgrounds.

Why choose Scholarships360

We helped over 4 million students find scholarships in 2023

We've spent over 4,000 hours reviewing 3,000 scholarship programs

13+ years of experience helping students make smart education decisions

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

• The scholarship requires a fee to apply
• The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
• The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
• Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
• The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
• The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
• The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
• There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
• The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
• There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!

* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system. ** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements. ***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

Scholarships360 is recommended by

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS360 WINNERS

Danielle Emretane

Winner of the Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Fiorella Ruiz

Winner of the "Commencing at Community College" Scholarship

Jack Furman

Winner of the “Tuition Solution” STEM Scholarship

Morgan Breitschuh

Winner of the “Follow Your Own Path” Scholarship

Connor Godoy

Winner of the “Commencing at Community College Scholarship”

Kyamani Atterbury

Winner of the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Scholarship

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high… Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education. Show Less

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

“Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to… Show More

In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 and 2025) and undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year, this scholarship aims to lighten your financial worry and allow you to take fewer loans. Remember, scholarships are essentially “free money” that need not be paid back. This scholarship, specifically, aims to help out a Black student who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application, and wish you much success on your academic journey!  Show Less

$40,000 Build a College List Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Create a college list with six schools you're considering - no minimum GPA or essay required!

Minority Women in STEM Financial Need Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

The Minority Women in STEM Financial Need Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Marie M. Daly, a trailblazing African American woman who earned a PhD… Show More

The Minority Women in STEM Financial Need Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Marie M. Daly, a trailblazing African American woman who earned a PhD in chemistry. Her words, "you learn courage by couraging," inspire us to support the next generation of minority women in STEM. This scholarship is for undergraduate BIPOC women at the University of Texas at Dallas pursuing STEM careers. Share your post-college goals and how you plan to achieve them to apply. Let's empower and uplift the voices of minority women in STEM. Show Less

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

Offered by Regions Bank

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year?… Show More

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year? If so, you may be eligible for the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest! Each quarter, the contest awards $8,000 to the top four (4) applicants who submit an essay (500 words or less) or a video (3 minutes or less) about how someone they know has (1) inspired them and (2) given them the confidence to achieve their goals. The scholarship is offered four times a year, with deadlines every March, June, September, and December. Bear in mind that applicants must also reside in a state with Regions Bank full-service branches to apply. To find out whether or not your state is eligible, keep on reading. If it is, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

Eunice J. H. Parker Scholarship Award

Offered by California Librarians Black Caucus-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

The Eunice J. H. Parker Scholarship Award pays tribute to the remarkable woman who established the CLBC Northern Chapter and devoted her life to its… Show More

The Eunice J. H. Parker Scholarship Award pays tribute to the remarkable woman who established the CLBC Northern Chapter and devoted her life to its cause. This scholarship aims to empower Black students pursuing advanced degrees in library and information studies by providing financial assistance and encouragement. Join the CLBC in honoring Eunice J. H. Parker's legacy and advancing diversity in the field of library science, and keep on reading to learn more! Show Less

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Jan Jancin Award

Offered by American Intellectual Property Law Association

The Jan Jancin Awards celebrate exceptional second and third year law students from diverse backgrounds who are underrepresented racial or ethnic minorities. These merit-based scholarships… Show More

The Jan Jancin Awards celebrate exceptional second and third year law students from diverse backgrounds who are underrepresented racial or ethnic minorities. These merit-based scholarships are a testament to the recipients' hard work and dedication to their studies. If you're an impressive, underrepresented law student looking for help funding your education, we encourage you to apply. Show Less

Unmet NEED Grant Program

Offered by NEED

The NEED Scholarship Fund is pleased to offer the Unmet NEED Grant Program, providing funding to low-income African American students from select Pennsylvania counties. Eligible… Show More

The NEED Scholarship Fund is pleased to offer the Unmet NEED Grant Program, providing funding to low-income African American students from select Pennsylvania counties. Eligible counties include Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland. All applicants must be United States citizens and demonstrate unmet financial need of at least $1,000 after their financial aid award has been determined. Lastly, applicants must have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of less than $5,000. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship

Offered by Rizing Tide Foundation

Introducing the Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship! This prestigious award is granted annually to students pursuing a physical therapy degree, who identify as BIPOC and come… Show More

Introducing the Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship! This prestigious award is granted annually to students pursuing a physical therapy degree, who identify as BIPOC and come from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. First and second-year PT students, as well as PTAs entering a PTA-to-DPT bridge program, are eligible to apply. The full Crest scholarship is worth $14,000, while the Rizing Star scholarship (runner-up) is worth $5,000. Both scholarships can be renewed twice and can be used to cover any school expenses. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to make waves in your academic journey! Show Less

David Hudak Memorial Essay Contest For Black, Indigenous and Students of Color

Offered by Freedom From Religion Foundation

The David Hudak Memorial Essay Contest For Black, Indigenous and Students of Color is open to high school seniors graduating this Spring who will be… Show More

The David Hudak Memorial Essay Contest For Black, Indigenous and Students of Color is open to high school seniors graduating this Spring who will be attending a North American college or university this upcoming Fall, as well as to those who are currently enrolled in a North American college or university. Applicants will be asked to write and submit an original essay answering the nontheism-related prompt for the year. First place receives $3,500, second place receives $3,000, third place receives $2,500, fourth place receives $2,000, fifth place receives $1,500, sixth place receives $1,000, seventh place receives $750, eighth place receives $500, ninth place receives $400, tenth place receives $300, and optional honorable mention(s) receives $200. If you're eligible, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss! So, sharpen your pencils and get ready to showcase your writing skills. Good luck! Show Less

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be… Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month. Show Less

New Jersey Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship for Women & Minorities

Offered by Higher Education Student Assistance Authority

The New Jersey Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship for Women & Minorities is open to women or minority group members (Black/African, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American)… Show More

The New Jersey Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship for Women & Minorities is open to women or minority group members (Black/African, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American) who are attending any of New Jersey's county colleges or technical/vocational schools and pursuing a construction-related field. These include, but are not limited to, architecture engineering technology, carpentry, electrical trades, industrial technology, and more. If you're a woman and/or minority with a passion for construction (or its related fields), we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

AICPA Foundation Fellowship for Accounting Doctoral Students

Offered by AICPA Institute

Have you applied or been accepted to a full-time AACSB accounting Ph.D. or DBA program, hold CPA licensure, and have intent to teach and research… Show More

Have you applied or been accepted to a full-time AACSB accounting Ph.D. or DBA program, hold CPA licensure, and have intent to teach and research at a U.S. accredited university upon graduation? If so, the AICPA Foundation Fellowship for Accounting Doctoral Students may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the Fellowship awards $15,000 to 23 AACSB accounting students who intend to teach and research at a university in the U.S. upon graduation. The fellowship may be renewed for up to three consecutive years from the initial award. Priority will be given to applicants of diverse ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented ethnic minorities in the accounting profession, but students of any ethnic background may apply. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

AICPA & CIMA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW) This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA)

Are you an AICPA Student Affiliate Member who belongs to an ethnic minority group and is interested in attending the Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW)… Show More

Are you an AICPA Student Affiliate Member who belongs to an ethnic minority group and is interested in attending the Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW) to learn more about the accounting field and potential career opportunities? If so, consider applying to the AICPA & CIMA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW)! Each year, 125 minority AICPA Student Affiliate Members are invited to attend the Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW) where they are presented with a breadth of career opportunities for college and university students and taught strategies for networking, developing a personal brand, and creating a path to their dream career. ASLW attendees also have the opportunity to seek mentors and ask questions in one-to-one conversations with professionals who attend the Accounting Pipeline Diversity Symposium (APDS), which runs concurrently with the Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop. If you're a minority AICPA Student Affiliate Member and this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Martha J. Branch Scholarship

Offered by Branch & Cook Scholarships

Are you a current or incoming Black undergraduate student pursuing a fitness or nutrition-related major at a university in Kentucky? If so, the Martha J.… Show More

Are you a current or incoming Black undergraduate student pursuing a fitness or nutrition-related major at a university in Kentucky? If so, the Martha J. Branch Scholarship may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $750 to one (1) current or incoming Black/African, full-time, undergraduate fitness or nutrition student at a Kentucky college or university. To apply, interested students must submit a current resume, a transcript, a 500-word essay, a letter of recommendation, and proof of enrollment at their university. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Top 5 scholarships for Black students in 2024

We’ve hand-picked the following scholarships based on the strong reputation of their organizations, the value of the awards, and being open to a wide number of students. Apply with confidence to these 5 top scholarships for Black students:

• Ron Brown Scholarship – For Black high school seniors who plan to study global entrepreneurship and/or community engagement. Worth $10,000 per year
• Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship – For Black high school seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or a business field. Worth up to $20,000
• The Gates Scholarship – For low-income minority high school seniors, offers a full ride to college
• Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – For Black high school seniors or college students, worth $8,000
• Scholar Dollars Essay Scholarship for Black Students – For Black high school upperclassmen, college students, and graduate students. Worth $500

Related:  Top scholarships for Black women

How to win scholarships for Black students

As with any scholarship opportunity, scholarships for Black students are highly competitive, and in order to achieve success, you’ll need to craft an application that stands out from the crowd. One great way to write a strong application is to spend some time reflecting before you start your essays.

Because these applications are offered specifically to Black students, they will often ask questions relating to your heritage and its importance in your life. Before answering these questions, try to reflect on what your Black background means to you, and talk to family members or friends to get some ideas for your application. You can jot down some informal notes about your findings, and come back to this document as you fill out your applications.

How to write a great essay

Once you have an idea of what you want to say in your essays, it’s time to make sure you say it in the most compelling way possible. Try to be succinct, charismatic, and insightful in your responses. Oftentimes, getting someone to proofread your essays can help you gain some perspective.

We have a host of resources to help you fine-tune your applications, including guides on writing 250 word or 500 word essays, writing about yourself , and answering some of the most common scholarship essay prompts . You can also check out our guides for starting and ending your essays, as well as a guide on how to write a winning scholarship essay .

Related:  List of top HBCUs

Tips for African American students applying for scholarships

• Consider Historically Black Colleges and Universities (also known as HBCUs) in your colleges search! HBCUs include top schools like Howard, Spelman, and Morehouse have historically served African American students and have many merit scholarships for black women and men .
• In addition to merit scholarships, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) to qualify for need-based financial aid.
• Check out our scholarship search tool to stay up-to-date on current scholarship opportunities custom-matched to your demographics, interests, and major.
• Make sure to put a lot of work into your scholarship essays . This includes working on writing about yourself , and learning to write for word limits. Some common word limits for scholarship essays are 250 and 500 words.
• Talk to the guidance counselor at your high school to see if there are any local scholarships you can apply for.

Prestigious scholarships for Black and African American students

These scholarships are some of our top picks, as they come with high awards, can be used at any accredited college, and are very prestigious to receive.

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Black high school seniors can apply to this program to earn $35,000 over their four years of college. They also receive invitations and funding to attend annual leadership conferences in New York to help support them through their college journey and beyond. In order to qualify, you’ll have to be a member of a minority group, demonstrate financial need, and demonstrate civic engagement through volunteer work, leadership roles, or other similar achievements.

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Black high school seniors who show interest in business and public service and who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can qualify for this scholarship. The program offers up to $40,000 over a student’s four years of college. Community service, academic achievement, and financial need are all weighed heavily in this scholarship.

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

Students who are of African descent and who are planning to major in engineering, computer science, computer information system, or business programs such as finance and business administration, are eligible. Students apply in their senior year of high school. The scholarship can provide up to $20,000 over four years of college. You’ll need to submit letters of recommendation for this one, so if you are planning to apply, make sure to request them earlier rather than later .

What you should know about HBCUs

HBCUs have historically been extremely important in the education of Black students. For many years, they were the only universities that admitted Black students. Fortunately, this is no longer true. However, they continue to provide unique benefits for Black students across the country. Here is a list of some of the highest-rated HBCUs:

Also see:  Top HBCUs in America

There are many scholarship opportunities specifically for Black students attending an HBCU. These include the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame General Scholarship . We also have a full list of HBCU scholarships to check out.

Don’t forget financial aid

While scholarships are a great way to pay for your education, it’s important not to forget financial aid as you move through the application process. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA to discover your eligibility for federal funding such as the Pell Grant , Stafford Loans , and state grants, as well as institutional aid. If your school requires the CSS Profile , make sure to fill that out too. And be sure to check in with your local community to see if there are any grants available for students.

Resources for Black students

If you have a good idea of the type of work you want to get into, it’s a good idea to seek out some Black professional organizations in your field. These organizations often offer their own scholarships, and they also host events that unite professionals in the field. From these events, you may gain additional guidance on your career trajectory, or even land a job or internship.

Professional organizations can vary widely in scope and focus. Some may be regional organizations, whereas others will be national. For example, the National Association of Black Accountants boasts of over 200,000 members nationwide, and could be a great resource for Black students interested in accounting.

And they are far from the only ones – whether you plan to be a physicist , cardiologist , a psychologist , or a host of other professions, there is an organization out there for you! Even students who are not set on a career path may benefit from joining or investigating these organizations. The firsthand experience with professionals in the field can help you decide whether it is a good fit for you or not.

Black Student Unions

Most colleges around the country have  Black Student Unions, which unify Black students on campus. If you are considering attending a school, you may find it beneficial to reach out to their Black Student Union. They may be able to steer you in the direction of school-specific scholarships and other resources. They can also offer insight about the experience of being a Black student on that school’s campus.

Additional organizations to check out

• Black Career Network – a great resource for landing a job after graduation or an internship while you’re still in school
• United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – an organization that offers a wide array of dependable and lucrative scholarships for Black and African American students
• HBCU Network – a catch-all hub of resources for students attending an HBCU or considering attending one
• I’m First – if you are a first-generation college student, this is a great hub of resources to answer questions you may not even know you had. This can make your application process and your first semesters in school much easier and more successful

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for Black students

Are there scholarships specifically for black women, do i qualify for scholarships for black students if i am multiracial, what are the advantages of hbcus, explore these additional scholarship categories.

• Top scholarships at HBCUs
• Top scholarships for multiracial students
• Top scholarships for women
• Easy scholarships to apply for
• Top scholarships for minority students
• Most prestigious scholarships

Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.

3 reasons to join scholarships360

• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
• Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

The Online Guide to Scholarships, Financial Aid and More for African American Students

Beyoncé and Mom, Tina, Announce $500K Cosmetology School Scholarship Program

Fostering talent, promoting professionalism, and supporting entrepreneurship within the hair industry are deeply important to Beyoncé and her mom, Tina. That's why they're partnering with Cécred to create the Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund, which celebrates the influence professional stylists have on hair health and the critical importance of advocating for the salon community.

Ron Brown Scholarship Program For African American Students — Up to $40K in Awards Available!

Mary J. Blige Celebrates Black Women With New HBCU Scholarship

Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Mary J. Blige has launched a scholarship program aimed at supporting African American women seeking higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant

The Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant has been an annual event for the past 38 years, offering young girls of African American descent a platform to showcase their talents, beauty, and intelligence.

Chevrolet "Discover the Unexpected" Scholarship Program For HBCU Students

Official Black Lives Matter Scholarship Program For HBCU Students

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) has launched the Student Solidarity Fund and the HBCU Student Scholarship Fund to emphasize the importance of mutual aid in their philanthropic work. The organization recognizes that the well-being, health, and dignity of individuals are interlinked, and cooperation is necessary for survival.

For students

• Current Students website
• Email web access
• Make a payment
• iExeter (students)
• Programme and module information
• Current staff website
• Room Bookings
• iExeter (staff)
• Finance Helpdesk
• IT Service Desk

Popular links

• Accommodation
• Job vacancies
• Temporary workers
• Future Leaders & Innovators Graduate Scheme

New and returning students

• New students website
• Returning Students Guide

Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture

• Wellbeing services for students
• Wellbeing services for staff
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East

Postgraduate Study - PhD and Research Degrees

• Postgraduate Research home
• PhD funding
• Black British Researchers Studentships
• Postgraduate Doctoral Loans
• Funded centres
• Funding by faculty
• EPSRC Studentships
• CSC Scholarships
• Exeter Paris-Saclay Studentships

University of Exeter PhD Scholarships for Black British Researchers

This programme offering 4-year fully-funded PhD studentships to support Black British researchers has been established by philanthropic donations from University of Exeter alumni - you can read more about the donors here .  

About the scholarship scheme

The aim of these scholarships is to help improve access and participation in PhD study for talented Black British students.  Each studentship offers a comprehensive funding and support package designed to enable students to succeed in their PhD programme and beyond, including:

• 4 years of stipend funding at the UKRI rate (currently £18,622 for 2023/24)
• Funding for tuition fees the Home fee rate
• A research training support grant (to cover project costs; ranging from £2,000 minimum up to maximum of £10,000 for higher cost projects)
• The opportunity to undertake a placement of up to 6 months (in total) during the 4-year PhD programme (with access to additional funding of up to £2,500 to support placement costs).
• Access to mentoring support (specific to this studentship scheme)

Studentships for September 2024 entry

This scheme will fund at least 8 students in total, with 3 studentships now open for applications to start a PhD in September 2024 – one in each of our three Faculties: Support for Applicants

We are happy to provide individual support to answer any questions you may have about the scholarships scheme, and to support you with the preparing your application (such as how to prepare your academic CV or your research proposal). Please contact the Dean of the Postgraduate Research, Professor Stacey Hynd [email protected] .  If you have any practical questions about the application process and submitting your application, please contact [email protected] . 

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

Find out how to apply for a Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy Black British Researchers Studentship via the following web page https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5029

About Research at Exeter

Further information about our world leading research including the outcomes of the   REF 2021 - Research Excellence Framework ,   Research News , and   Events   can be found on our research web pages.

For details on the research undertaken in our departments and the research undertaken by our current PhD students, please see the sections below.  

Research in our Departments

Computer Science

• Computer Science Research

Earth and Environmental Science

• Camborne School of Mines Research
• Centre for Geography and Environmental Sciences Research
• Environmental Mathematics Group Research

Ecology and Conservation

• Ecology and Conservation Research

Engineering

• Engineering Research
• Renewable Energy Research
• Geography Research

Mathematics and Statistics

• Mathematics Research

Physics and Astronomy

• Physics and Astronomy Research
• Natural Sciences Research

University of Exeter Business School

• Business School Research

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Find out how to apply for a Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Black British Researchers Studentship via the following web page https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5030

For details on the research undertaken in our departments and the research undertaken by our current PhD students, please see the links below.  

Biosciences

• Biosciences Research

Health and Care Professions

• Medical Imaging
• Psychology Research
• Public Health and Sports Sciences
• European Centre for Environment and Human Health
• Sport and Health Sciences Research

University of Exeter Medical School

• Health and Community Sciences
• Clinical and Biomedical Sciences

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Find out how to apply for a Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Black British Researchers Studentship via the following web page https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5031

• Classics and Ancient History Research
• Theology and Religion Research
• Archaeology Research
• History Research
• Drama Research
• Film Research
• English Research
• Education Research
• An interdisciplinary department with research across English, History, Law and Politics
• Arab and Islamic Studies Research
• Law Research
• Modern Languages Research
• Art History and Visual Cultures Research
• Politics and International Relations Research
• Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology Research

Eligibility Criteria

The aim of this scholarship scheme is to improve participation by Black British students in PhD study at the University of Exeter. Applicants must meet all of the following entry criteria:

• Have UK nationality and have ‘Home’ tuition fee status (your fee status will be assessed when you apply; you can find out more about fee status on our funding page )
• Black African
• Black Caribbean
• Black Other
• Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
• Mixed – White and Black African
• Other mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other)
• Black or Black British African
• Black or Black British Caribbean
• Black or Black British other
• Mixed Black or Black British
• Applicants should not already be enrolled on a PhD programme at the University of Exeter.

Entry Requirements

You will need to meet the academic entry requirements for the particular PhD programme on which you would be registered if successful in your studentship application (please note, you do not need to make a programme application at this stage; just follow the studentship application process outlined in the How to Apply section).

Mode of Attendance

Studentships can be held on a full-time or a part-time basis (part time awards will be made on a pro-rate basis).  Students on this scheme are expected to register on campus-based PhD programmes (i.e. distance learning is not supported).

How to Apply

Please follow the specific guidance for the Faculty in which you wish to study for a PhD:

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

The closing date for submission of applications is midnight (UK time) on Friday 16th February 2024 .

We will be holding a webinar for applicants between 15-19 January 2024 to answer any questions you may have about the scholarships scheme or the application process, and to support applicants in how complete their application (such as how to prepare your academic CV or your research proposal).  Details of registering your interest in attending will be available in due course. 

If you have any questions please contact [email protected] .

Connect with us

Information for:

• Current students
• New students
• Alumni and supporters

Quick links

Streatham Campus

St Luke's Campus

Penryn Campus

Truro Campus

• Using our site
• Accessibility
• Freedom of Information
• Modern Slavery Act Statement
• Data Protection
• Copyright & disclaimer
• Privacy & cookies

Scholarships for Black and African American Students

Contributing Writer

Editor & Writer

• Black college students receive financial aid at the highest rate among minority groups.
• African Americans amass more student debt than other racial and ethnic student groups.
• Many scholarships and grants are awarded exclusively to Black and African American students.

Black students receive the highest percentage of financial aid compared to students in other racial/ethnic groups completing an undergraduate degree, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

You can find scholarships through national and state agencies and individual universities on the basis of merit and/or financial need. You should seek out scholarships and grants — which do not need to be repaid — before considering loans or other conditional methods to fund your college education.

Read the Video Transcript

Reasons to Apply for Scholarships

With the rising costs of college, almost all college students need financial aid to earn a degree. More than 85% of full-time, first-time undergraduate students received financial aid in 2019-2020, according to the NCES .

However, these financial awards are distributed unevenly across minority student groups. Black students take out federal loans at a higher rate, amass more debt , and are more likely to default on their student loans than their white peers.

Scholarships and grants earmarked for Black and African American students can help offset the cost of a college education and reduce student loan debt. You can also stack scholarships and pursue financial aid specifically for women , first-generation college students , STEM programs , or high-need majors.

Black and African American Scholarships

Ron brown scholarship.

Who Is Eligible: Applicants must be Black or African American high school seniors who hold U.S. citizenship or meet permanent resident requirements. Candidates must also demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, leadership potential, and community service experience.

Deadline: December 1, 2024

Scholarship Amount: $10,000 per year for four years

American Association of Blacks in Energy Scholarship

Who Is Eligible: Applicants must be high school seniors belonging to an underrepresented minority group with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Candidates must intend to enroll in an undergraduate program in the semester following high school graduation, majoring in a STEM field.

Deadline: April 15, 2024

Scholarship Amount: $3,000 (regional) or $5,000 (national)

Fontana Transport Inc. Scholarship

Who Is Eligible: Candidates must be first-generation high school seniors who belong to an underrepresented minority group. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited four-year university and intend to major in a qualifying subject such as STEM, pre-med, or psychology.

Deadline: March 14, 2024

Scholarship Amount: $5,000

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Herbert Lehman Scholarship

Who Is Eligible: Candidates must be graduating high school seniors, first-year college students, or transfer students in their freshman or sophomore year. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a history of academic excellence and public service experience and whose combined family income does not exceed $70,000.

Deadline: April 1, 2024

Scholarship Amount: $3,000 per year for four years

PlayStation Career Pathways Scholarship

Who Is Eligible: Applicants must identify as Black or African American and be enrolled or accepted as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited four-year university. Candidates must declare a major in computer science or computer engineering and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Deadline: January 31, 2024

Scholarship Amount: Up to $30,000

Institute of Transportation Engineers Diversity Scholars Program

Who Is Eligible: Applicants may be high school seniors or transfer college students who belong to an underrepresented minority group. Candidates must intend to major in transportation engineering or a related field at an accredited four-year university. First-generation college students with the greatest financial need are preferred.

Deadline: March 15, 2024

Scholarship Amount: Up to $20,000

McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Scholarship

Who Is Eligible: Candidates must be enrolled in a historically Black college and university (HBCU) undergraduate program during the academic year for which they apply for the scholarship. They must maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA, hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and demonstrate financial need and strong leadership potential.

Deadline: March 28, 2024

Scholarship Amount: Up to $15,000

National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Scholarship

Who Is Eligible: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are also active members of NBMBAA. They must be enrolled full-time in an accredited graduate-level business program at the time of application. Candidates must also demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA, as well as academic excellence, leadership potential, and community service experience.

Deadline: May 15, 2024

Scholarship Amount: Up to $5,000

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

Who Is Eligible: Candidates must be a high school senior of African descent planning to attend an accredited four-year university immediately following high school graduation. Applicants must also maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate strong leadership potential but require financial assistance to attend college. Candidates must pursue a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related business major.

Deadline: May 13, 2024

Grants for Black and African American Students

Federal pell grant.

Who Is Eligible: Federal Pell Grants are awarded to students based on their family income and the individual cost of completing their preferred college program. Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for funding.

Deadline: June 30, 2024 (FAFSA deadline)

Scholarship Amount: Varies by year; up to $7,395 in 2023

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Who Is Eligible: FSEOGs are awarded by colleges and universities to supplement other sources of financial aid already distributed to students with a demonstrated financial need. Eligibility for the FSEOG program is determined by the FAFSA.

Scholarship Amount: $100-$4,000 per year

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

Who Is Eligible: TEACH Grants award financial aid to aspiring teachers completing their degree in education under the condition that they fulfill a service obligation after graduation. Candidates must be enrolled in a TEACH-eligible program and serve a teaching term of at least four years in a low-income facility or high-need subject.

Scholarship Amount: Up to $4,000 per year

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Who Is Eligible: Eligible candidates may exceed family contribution income limits but must meet the remaining requirements of the Pell Grant. Awards go to applicants whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11. Applicants must have been under 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time during this period.

Scholarship Amount: Varies by year; Up to $7,395 in 2023

AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students

Who Is Eligible: The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants awards this fellowship to AICPA members who also belong to a minority ethnic group. Eligible candidates hold a master's degree or relevant experience and CPA licensure and have been accepted to or are enrolled in a full-time DBA or Ph.D. program.

Deadline: May 31, 2024

Scholarship Amount: $12,000

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Additional Financial Resources

• Federal Work-Study: This type of financial aid enables students to gain experience and earn income in a job related to their major. Work-study candidates can use their earnings for educational or personal living expenses.
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Nearly every type of federal or institutional scholarship requires students to submit the FAFSA to determine eligibility for financial aid programs. Even some merit-based scholarships may give preference to students whose FAFSA demonstrates a high financial need.
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund: The TMCF partners with HBCUs and predominantly Black colleges and universities to provide millions in scholarships and thousands of internship opportunities each year.
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: The NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States. The NAACP funds a variety of annual legacy scholarships for Black and African American high school seniors and college students.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black and African American Scholarships

• Collapse All

What is the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)?

UNCF represents the largest minority education organization in the U.S., helping to facilitate scholarships, internships, fellowships, and international learning opportunities for college students. UNCF partners with thousands of U.S. universities to enable low-to-moderate-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students to pursue a post-secondary education program.

What percentage of Black students get scholarships?

According to the NCES , 88% of Black students received scholarships and grants during the 2015-2016 academic year. Specifically, Black students received Pell Grants at a higher rate and also took out private loans at a higher rate than any other racial or ethnic group that year.

Can I get scholarships to attend an HBCU?

Yes; in fact, many scholarships require candidates to be accepted at or enrolled in an HBCU as a condition of the award. Some Black scholarships, grants, and fellowships are funded through partnerships between HBCUs and regional or national organizations such as UNCF, while other HBCUs offer their own institutional scholarships and awards.

What is the difference between need-based and merit-based scholarships?

Need-based scholarships require students to demonstrate a significant financial need, typically through income tax returns or other reported family contributions on their FAFSA. Merit-based scholarships award funds for achievements such as academic performance, leadership potential, or community service experience instead of primarily considering their financial need.

Explore More College Resources

Financial aid opportunities for students of color.

The 25 Most Generous Universities for Financial Aid

College Guide for HBCU Students

20 Great Doctoral Scholarships for African American Females and Males

• Published March 3, 2016
• Last Updated October 4, 2023

Doctoral scholarships for African American females and doctoral scholarships for African American males are becoming more numerous in an effort to close the racial gap.

At the highest educational level, doctoral programs can lead to a PhD, PsyD, EdD, PharmD, MD, JD, or other field equivalents. According to the NSF’s Survey of Earned Doctorates , universities in the United States conferred a total of 52,749 doctoral degrees in 2013. Only 6.4 percent of these doctoral degrees were granted to African Americans.

Although African Americans only represent a small slice of PhD candidates, their presence in graduate schools is rising. The number of doctorates awarded to African Americans has reached an all-time high by increasing around 5.3 percent each year. The majority, 65 percent, are received by African American females.

If you’re embarking on the doctoral path, consider the following 20 great PhD scholarships for African Americans for funding.

Top Doctoral Scholarships for Black Women and Men

1. aaa minority dissertation fellowship.

Deadline: March 14th

The American Anthropological Association (AAA) offers a Minority Dissertation Fellowship annually for racialized minorities. These include African Americans who are completing a PhD program in anthropology. The fellowship is valued at $10,000. Eligible applicants must:

• be U.S. citizens or legal residents
• attend an accredited university
• be admitted to degree candidacy
• have AAA membership
• have a record of outstanding academic achievement

Online applications must include a 1,000-word anthropological research proposal and an endorsement letter.

AAA Minority Dissertation Fellowship 2300 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 1301 Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 528-1902 [email protected] Scholarship Link

2. Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship is funded by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The $2,000 scholarship goes to African American graduate students attending accredited U.S. colleges. They must be earning a master’s, professional, or doctoral degree. To qualify, candidates must:

• be current NAACP members
• have U.S. citizenship
• be 25 years old or younger
• demonstrate financial need based on federal poverty guidelines
• maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship 4805 Mt. Hope Drive Baltimore, MD 21215 (410) 580-5760 [email protected] Scholarship Link

3. Barrow Minority Doctoral Student Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

African Americans pursuing a PhD in journalism or mass communications could qualify for $2,500 through the Barrow Minority Doctoral Student Scholarship. It’s presented by the Communication Theory & Methodology Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. Eligible recipients must:

• be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• enroll full-time at an accredited graduate school
• submit two letters of reference
• have research interests in print or digital media.

Barrow Minority Doctoral Student Scholarship 234 Outlet Pointe Blvd. Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 798-0271 [email protected] Scholarship Link

4. Beinecke African Scholarship Program

Deadline: February 19th

The Beinecke African Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious PhD scholarships for African American males and females interested in studying wildlife ecology or conservation. To qualify for the $4,000 scholarship applicants must:

• be from Africa
• be admitted to an accredited university in the United States
• enroll full-time
• qualify for financial aid
• demonstrate superior standards of research ability
• maintain good academic standing.

Beinecke African Scholarship Program 8240 Peach Lane Fogelsville, PA 18051 (610) 395-5560 [email protected] Scholarship Link

5. CVS Caremark Pharmacy Scholarship

Deadline: May 2nd

The CVS Caremark Pharmacy ScholarshipIn is in partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The $5,000 scholarship is for African American scholars who are pursuing a PhD or PharmD in the pharmaceutical sciences. Eligible recipients must:

• be enrolling full-time
• have unmet financial need
• have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Applications are only accepted from students at:

Chicago State University

• Florida A&M University
• Howard University
• Texas Southern University
• Xavier University of Louisiana.

CVS Caremark Pharmacy Scholarship One CVS Drive Woonsocket, RI 02895 (401) 765-1500 [email protected] Scholarship Link

6. Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship

Deadline: March 4th

Through the American Medical Association the Association of Black Cardiologists has funded the Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship. The $5,000 award goes to African American men and women pursuing a doctoral or medical degree. Qualified nominees must:

• be current first or second year students
• have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
• show an interest in cardiovascular medicine
• exhibit promise for contributing to medical research.

Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship 6849-B2 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30328 (678) 302-4222 [email protected] Scholarship Link

7. Eastman Kodak Dr. Theophilus Sorrell Award

Deadline: December 31st

The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers offers the Eastman Kodak Dr. Theophilus Sorrell Award. The $13,500 award is given to outstanding African American scholars. They must be pursuing a doctoral degree in:

• chemical engineering
• a related life science

For consideration, candidates must:

• be U.S. citizens
• attend an accredited graduate school full-time
• have made significant contributions to scientific research.

Eastman Kodak Dr. Theophilus Sorrell Award P.O. Box 255 Blue Bell, PA 19422 [email protected] Scholarship Link

8. Frederick Douglass Scholars Fellowship

Deadline: February 5th

The Frederick Douglass Institute offers the Scholars Fellowship Program. It honors  leader of the national abolitionist movement. The scholarship supports African American students who are entering the final year of their PhD program. Applicants must:

• have a master’s degree
• enroll full-time at an FDI partner university
• have attained teaching experience
• wish to become college or university faculty members.

Frederick Douglass Scholars Fellowship 210 South 10th Street Indiana, PA 15705 (724) 357-4072 [email protected] Scholarship Link

9. Fredrikson & Byron Minority Scholarship

The Minneapolis-based law firm Fredrikson & Byron P.A. offers the Minority Scholarship. The $15,000 scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding graduate students. They must be earning obtaining a JD or PhD from an accredited U.S. law school. Priority is given to African American, American Indian, Hispanic, or Asian students interested in private law practice in the Upper Midwest. Applications must include:

• two written recommendations
• one writing sample
• official transcripts
• a current resume.

Fredrikson & Byron Minority Scholarship 200 South Sixth Street Suite 4000 Minneapolis, MN 55402 (612) 492-7000 [email protected] Scholarship Link

10. GlaxoSmithKline Science Achievement Award

Deadline: April 30th

The GlaxoSmithKline Science Achievement Award is another PhD scholarship for African American females and males granted through the UNCF. For this $3,000 award, applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. graduate school to study:

• biochemistry
• organic chemistry
• pharmacology
• microbiology
• zoology, or a related scientific field

The student must maintain with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students who are medical interns and nurses aren’t eligible.

GlaxoSmithKline Science Achievement Award 1805 7th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 810-0258 [email protected] Scholarship Link

11. Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship was Inspired by the founder of the Institute for Women and Technology. It awards $7,000 annually to minority female students, including Africans and African Americans. They must be studying computer science or engineering at the PhD level. Eligible applicants must:

• be at least 18 years old
• enroll full-time or part-time at any accredited university worldwide
• demonstrate a passion for computing

Recipients will also be invited to attend the Google Scholar’s Retreat.

Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 253-0000 Scholarship Link

12. Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship

The Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship is sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). It provide at least 25 awards for $3,000 to male African Americans at the undergraduate or graduate level, including doctoral. Eligible applicants must:

• enroll full-time or part-time at an accredited non-profit college
• have NAACP membership
• have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• demonstrate financial need

Eligible are majors in:

• engineering
• mathematical sciences.

Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship 4805 Mt. Hope Drive Baltimore, MD 21215 (410) 580-5760 [email protected] Scholarship Link

13. Koch Scholars Program Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: July 15th

The Koch Scholars Program Graduate Scholarship is one of the most lucrative PhD scholarships for African American males and females. They must permanently reside in the United States. The scholarship is  valued at $20,000. Qualified recipients must be enrolled full-time in a doctoral program in:

• political science

They must attend a historically black college or university (HBCU). Required are:

• official transcript showing a minimum 3.0 GPA
• three recommendation forms.

Koch Scholars Program Graduate Scholarship 1805 7th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 810-0258 [email protected] Scholarship Link

14. Jeanne Spurlock Research Fellowship

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) offers the Jeanne Spurlock Research Fellowship. It provides $4,000 to minority PhD or MD students. They must be conducting research related to substance abuse and addiction. Eligible U.S. fellows will spend 12 consecutive weeks working full-time under a child and adolescent psychiatrist researcher during the summer. To apply, candidates must submit:

• a one-page statement of interest
• curriculum vitae
• letter of support.

Jeanne Spurlock Research Fellowship 3615 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 (202) 587-9663 [email protected] Scholarship Link

15. Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship

Aspiring African American nurse educators could receive the Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship. It’s from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing for up to $18,000 in financial support. Eligible candidates must:

• enroll full-time at a university accredited by the CCNE
• pursue a clinically focused DNP or PhD in nursing
• be registered nurses
• demonstrate a commitment to teaching nurses at the college level after graduation.

Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship 1 Dupont Circle NW Suite 530 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-6930 [email protected] Scholarship Link

16. Merck Graduate Research Dissertation Fellowship

Deadline: December 11th

The Merck Graduate Research Dissertation Fellowship is awarded for up to $53,500 through the UNCF. Eligible are African American scholars who are pursuing a PhD or ScD full-time.  They must major in one of these disciplines:

• physical science
• life science
• Qualifying recipients must be United States citizens or legal residents, have completed all pre-dissertation requirements, be within three years of completing their dissertation, exhibit academic merit, and submit a two-page research summary.

Merck Graduate Research Dissertation Fellowship 1805 7th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 810-0331 [email protected] Scholarship Link

17. McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program

Deadline: January 15th

The McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program offers a $5,000 tuition waiver and $12,000 stipend annually. It’s provided by the Florida Education Fund to African American doctoral candidates who plan to teach college coursework. Eligible candidates must:

• have at least a bachelor’s degree
• hold U.S. citizenship
• attend one of the nine participating Florida institutions full-time

Fellowships are especially encouraged in:

• agriculture

McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program 201 East Kennedy Blvd. Suite 1525 Tampa, Florida 33602 (813) 272-2772 [email protected] Scholarship Link

18. Robert D. Watkins Graduate Fellowship

The American Society for Microbiology awards the Robert D. Watkins Graduate Fellowship. The  stipend is worth $63,000 over three years. It’s open to minority doctoral students, including African Americans, who are pursuing a PhD in the microbiological sciences full-time at an accredited U.S. university. Along with the application, candidates must submit:

• three letters of recommendation
• official graduate transcripts
• a research proposal
• a brief statement of professional career goals.

Robert D. Watkins Graduate Fellowship 1752 N Street NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 942-9283 [email protected] Scholarship Link

19. Stephen C. Rose Scholarship Fund

Administered by the Association of Black Psychologists the Stephen C. Rose Scholarship Fund will give $1,000 to doctoral students of color. They must be devoting their dissertation research to studying psychological challenges confronting African American youth, especially racism. Eligible applicants must:

• be ABPsi members
• attend an accredited U.S. institution
• pursue a PhD in the social sciences

Recipients also earn a travel stipend to present at that year’s ABPsi Convention.

Stephen C. Rose Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 9070 Providence, RI 02940 (310) 449-3082 [email protected] Scholarship Link

20. Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarships

The Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarships are distributed by the American Marketing Association Foundation to outstanding students from underrepresented minority groups, including African Americans. They must be are pursuing a PhD degree in marketing or advertising. Qualified applicants must:

• attend an AACSB-accredited business school full-time
• have completed at least one year
• write a 500-word essay reflecting on their research efforts.

Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarships 311 South Wacker Drive Suite 5800 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 542-9015 [email protected] Scholarship Link

Going the extra mile to earn a doctorate is certainly expensive, but it can pay off. Georgetown’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) reports that graduates with a doctoral degree have average lifetime earnings of $3.3 million. Investing in a PhD can provide a 61 percent salary increase from the bachelor’s level! African American students may sidetrack their doctoral dreams due to rising tuition costs. However, scholarships, grants, and fellowships can provide enough money to cover your schooling and dissertation expenses. Apply to some of these doctoral scholarships for African American females and males to afford your degree.

See also:  20 Great PhD Scholarships and Doctoral Grants for Minorities

• Top 20 Deals on Small Colleges in Texas
• Top 50 Best Colleges in Texas
• Top 50 Great Deals on Bachelor’s Degrees Online
• 20 Best Deals on Colleges that Don’t Require SAT

This completes our coverage of top doctoral scholarships for African Americans.

• Find a course
• Undergraduate study
• Postgraduate study
• MPhil/PhD research
• Short courses
• Entry requirements
• Financial support

How to apply

• Come and meet us
• Evening study explained
• International Students
• Student Services
• Business Services
• Student life at Birkbeck
• The Birkbeck Experience
• Boost your career
• About Birkbeck
• Contact Birkbeck
• Faculties and Schools

Diversity100 PhD Studentships

In 2023, we celebrated our bicentenary, marking 200 years of changing lives and helping people to access higher education. Birkbeck is a research-excellent institution profoundly committed to widening participation.

Diversity100 studentships actively address under-representation at the highest level of research, and encourage Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students to consider academic research in all disciplines.

Please note , all prospective Diversity100 applicants are also encouraged to find out more about the full range of studentship opportunities available at Birkbeck. 

Applications for 2024/25 entries are now open

Successful candidates will be identified on the basis of demonstrating a strong academic background and/or exceptional research potential that establishes their readiness for the proposed doctoral research.

This will be considered on the basis of:

• a completed PhD programme application (including a research proposal) 
• a Diversity100 abstract. 

OPPORTUNITIES TO FIND OUT MORE

• If you would like to find out more about the Diversity100 studentships, about the PhD application process and about what it is like to be a doctoral researcher at Birkbeck, you can sign up to attend one of our online D100 briefing sessions during the Spring Term.
• 27 February, 5-6pm (online)
• 14 March, 5-6pm (online)
• One of our current Diversity100 students will speak at the session and you will have opportunities to ask questions. 
• These events are designed to provide information for those who are considering whether to apply for a doctorate in the future, and those who are actively applying for a place on a doctoral programme.

Number of studentships available 

• For entry in 2024/25, Birkbeck will award up to five Diversity 100 studentships.

Value of award

• These studentships will offer financial support to Home fees Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic PhD students.
• The studentships cover all tuition fees (£4,712 a year for 2023/24) and provide a tax-free stipend for living expenses at the same rate as UK Research Council funded studentships (£20,622 a year for 2023/24) for up to three years full time or five years part time.

Essential Eligibility criteria

• new students beginning their PhD studies in Autumn 2024
• or current Birkbeck PhD students providing they will have at least 50% of their doctoral research remaining at the start of the Autumn term 2024.
• All candidates must qualify for Home fees.
• Applicants must be from one of the following Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups:
• Asian - Bangladeshi
• Asian - Chinese
• Asian - Indian
• Asian - Other 
• Asian - Pakistani
• Black - African
• Black - Caribbean
• Black - Other 
• Gypsy or Traveller
• Mixed - White/Black Caribbean
• Mixed - White/Black African
• Mixed - White and Asian
• Mixed - Other 
• Other - Any other Black or Minority Ethnic Group.

Advice for applicants

• 1.) Apply for a place on an MPhil/PhD programme
• Applicants must submit a PhD programme application - you may apply for a place on any of our doctoral programmes.
• You will need to identify a potential supervisor and write an agreed research proposal.
• When you complete your online Birkbeck PhD programme application form, please use the Finance section to state that you intend to apply for a ‘Diversity100 PhD studentship’.
• If you wish to demonstrate your preparedness for doctoral research using examples drawn from experience other than your academic record, you should highlight these features in your research proposal and outline how this relates to the research you propose to carry out. The following are provided as examples to illustrate this:
• e.g. You have developed valuable knowledge built up from your professional practice which has led you to ask specific research questions that you wish to answer through your doctoral research proposal.
• e.g. You are an experienced teacher and are proposing research into an aspect of education where you have specific knowledge that would be relevant to the research.
• e.g. You work within a specific community where you have a detailed understanding of potential subjects for a study and access to networks and communities of relevance.
• e.g. You work within a government department and you are proposing research where you would be able to organise access to resources that would be otherwise difficult to source.
• Please note that it may take between 4-6 weeks for you to receive an outcome for your PhD programme application so you should begin applying as soon as possible.
• In addition to the PhD programme application, you must submit an abstract of your research proposal by completing our abstract form . The abstract must be no more than 250 words and must be written in a way that can be understood by a non-specialist.
• Your abstract should be concise and include the following: 
• A brief background to the proposed research area
• The purpose of the proposed research; what would the research propose to examine or discover?
• The principal question or argument you would be researching
• The relevance of the proposed research; why would this research be important to complete? E.g. are you aiming to address a gap in knowledge or solve a problem? Are there any social or practical benefits to research in this area?
• The scope of your project and the type of research you would carry out including key methodology or approaches you have identified.

Current student applications

• information about your progress with the PhD to date
• achievements or changes to the original research proposal.
• Current Birkbeck PhD students should include their brief statement of support in the online abstract form .

Support and Guidance about the application process

• To find out more about what you should expect to do in order to apply for a PhD, please see this overview of the PhD application process .
• Please note, depending on the PhD programme you are interested in, there may be additional requirements that you need to meet in order to submit a successful PhD programme application. This information will be available to you via the relevant PhD programme prospectus page.
• Writing a successful PhD programme application is likely to require a period of preparation that will last several weeks or more. During this time you will need to consider your research area, identify a potential supervisor and discuss your potential research project with them. You must plan to allow sufficient time to complete this process.
• Birkbeck has been part of developing a three-week course in collaboration with the Bloomsbury Learning Exchange, designed to provide information and advice for anyone deciding whether doctoral study is the right path for them. Swapping myths and misconceptions for useful tips and resources, the free ‘ Is a PhD Right for Me? ’ course will help you prepare for PhD applications and beyond. 

Closing date for applications

• The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 13 May 2024 .
• All those wishing to be considered must have submitted a Birkbeck programme application and a Diversity100 abstract by this date.
• You are strongly encouraged to apply in advance of the deadline wherever possible.

Selection process

• Each school will be asked to rank applications received and to identify their strongest candidate.
• A faculty panel will then be responsible for considering applications and identifying their strongest overall application. Candidates should be prepared to attend a Diversity100 interview at this stage of the process.
• The faculty panel will be chaired by the Head of Research or equivalent.
• No candidate can take up the award unless they meet all eligibility requirements and are also offered a place on the relevant doctoral programme.

Notification of outcomes

• Successful candidates will be informed in the week commencing  Monday 17 June 2024 .

Congrats Class of 2024!

As our graduates receive their degrees, enter the job market and take their first steps toward great careers, we must continue to support the students behind them and the new group of hopeful, expectant students entering college this year.

UNCF: The nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization

Scholarships.

All you need to know about the scholarship, internship, and fellowship programs offered by UNCF—and how to apply.

Ways to Donate

Talented and deserving young people need your support today. Your donation helps educate over 60,000 students at more than 1,100 schools.

Making a Difference

Eric Benet to Perform at the 2024 UNCF “A Mind Is…”® Gala,...

UNCF Releases Call to Action for Enhanced Mental Health Support at...

The 2024 Annual UNCF Student Leadership Conference Begins May 29

UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax Receives Honorary...

Students Share How Your Donations Make a Difference

Angela and Reginald Goins

"I think it is absolutely essential to make sure that our HBCUs continue to thrive."

UNCF Events

2024 UNCF Leadership Luncheon – Cleveland

2024 UNCF “A Mind Is…”® Gala – Chicago

2024 UNCF Masked Ball – New Jersey

2024 UNCF Each One Teach One Luncheon – Portland

We can’t simply believe in equality in education. We have to create it.

Now more than ever, UNCF needs your voice. Join us to provide all students with a chance to succeed.

Financial Aid for Minority Students

Psychology.org Staff

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated July 14, 2023

Psychology.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Historically, minorities have been largely underrepresented in higher education. Recent census data illustrate staggering gaps between racial groups when it comes to educational attainment , with black students earning roughly half as many bachelor's and advanced degrees as white students. A similar study suggests economic and financial disadvantages contribute to this gap. The number of black, Hispanic, and Asian children who qualify as low income, poor, or in extreme poverty far outweigh their white counterparts.

These findings point to the importance of supporting minorities in higher education, especially in the field of psychology. Today, the major remains as popular as ever, with scholarships for minority graduate students in psychology on the rise. Aspiring psychology majors who happen to be African American, Latino/a, Asian American, Native American, or undocumented may pursue financial aid benefits for students with similar ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Psychology students can receive funding opportunities in the form of federal aid, scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many programs prefer minority applicants who plan to serve their communities after graduation.

Scholarships for African American Psychology Students

• Collapse All

ASA Minority Fellowship Program

Amount: $18,000 Deadline: January 31

Applicants must enroll in a graduate program leading to a Ph.D. in sociology. Social psychology majors are also eligible. Applicants must belong to a minority group and hold status as a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, lawful resident, or DACA immigrant.

More Information

The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship

Amount: Up to $2,000 Deadline: Varies

Applicants must be current members of the NAACP, U.S. citizens, and under 25 years old. Candidates should be enrolled in or accepted to a U.S. college or university. Students should also hold a minimum GPA of 2.5 (high school seniors and undergraduates) or 3.0 (graduate students). The NAACP's Poise Foundation offers 20-40 scholarships each year.

The Handbook of African American Psychology Scholarship

Amount: Varies Deadline: Varies

This scholarship assists black students who plan to use psychology to improve the well-being of African and African-American communities. Applicants must belong to the the Association of Black Psychologists and enroll full time in a psychology college program.

The Stephen C. Rose Scholarship for Psychology Research on African American Youth

Amount: $1,000 Deadline: April 7th

The Association of Black Psychologists grants this award to candidates conducting research on the mental health of African-American students on college campuses. Applicants must be current members of ABPsi. In addition to the monetary award, recipients receive a travel stipend to present of their research at the annual ABPsi conference.

SAGE Student Research Scholarship

Amount: $750 Deadline: May 15th

Applicants must conduct research into the psychology of African Americans with the potential to inform public policy. Papers should have a high likelihood of being published in a professional journal or industry publication. Candidates must be members of ABPsi. In addition to the monetary award, recipients receive a travel stipend to attend the annual ABPsi conference. ABPsi may ask recipients to present their research.

Professional Organizations for African American Students

• Association of Black Psychologists : The Association of Black Psychologists has created a comprehensive scholarship resource list, vetted for opportunities specific to African-American and minority students. The organization offers different levels of membership for undergraduate students, graduate students, and early-career professionals
• Black Therapist Network : A potential resource for African-American psychology students completing clinical hours or seeking mentorship from professional psychologists, Black Therapist Network connects therapists to clients and each other. The site occasionally features scholarships and continuing education opportunities on its resources page.
• African American Therapists : Primarily a directory of African-American mental health service providers, this site also maintains a highly active blog-style news section. The frequently updated resources page provides information for students seeking financial aid, professionals searching for jobs, and mental health workers interested in networking and development.

Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino Psychology Students

The nasp-ert minority scholarship program.

Amount: $5,000 Deadline: October 30

Applicants must be minority students and members of the National Association of School Psychologists. Candidates should have a minimum 3.0 GPA, enroll in an NASP-approved school psychology program , and pursue a career in school psychology after graduation. Doctoral students are not eligible.

NLPA Distinguished Student Service Award

Amount: $500 Deadline: July 15

The National Latina/o Psychological Association awards this scholarship to NLPA members who have made extraordinary contributions to the Latina/o community. Candidates demonstrate service such as developing mental health legislation, creating educational or outreach programs, and fundraising.

NLPA Outstanding Dissertation Award

Applicants must be graduate dissertation candidates conducting research in Latino psychology who presented their findings since the most recent NLPA conference. Nominations for this award must include the date the dissertation project was defended and a reference letter from the applicant's dissertation chairperson.

NLPA Cynthia de las Fuentes Dissertation Award

Applicants must conduct dissertation research into psychological theory or practice specifically affecting Latino populations. Candidates may also complete a dissertation project that makes a significant professional contribution to the Latino community through the study of psychology.

The Haz La U Program

Amount: $2,000-$3,500 or $15,000 Deadline: October 15

Applicants must be graduating high school in 2019 and entering college in 2019-2020. The program selects Hispanic students who demonstrate leadership and community service. Candidates should possess U.S. citizenship, DACA eligibility, or permanent residency status. Recipients must attend a regional awards ceremony at their own expense.

Professional Organizations for Hispanic and Latino Students

• National Latina/o Psychological Association : NLPA offers exclusive training, continuing education, teaching, and funding opportunities. The organization features its own travel scholarships, as well as an award in honor of Dr. Adriana Pellicari Rodriguez. NLPA hosts a job board for psychology graduates.
• Hispanic Heritage Foundation : The Hispanic Heritage Foundation promotes minority development in a wide variety of academic majors, including coding, science, and education. Although the organization maintains a high profile for its Hispanic Heritage Awards and Youth Awards, it also offers a unique video game innovation fellowship and workforce development program. The foundation holds extensive education and community partnerships with many institutions nationwide.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund : The HSF supports higher education for Latinos by fostering major national and international corporate partnerships. In addition to awarding the competitive HSF Scholarship each year, the organization hosts networking opportunities for prior award winners, a STEM summit, and youth leadership programs for high school and college students.

Scholarships for Native American Psychology Students

The american indians into psychology program - pre-graduate scholarship.

Applicants must enroll in pre-professional, bachelor's-level coursework that will eventually lead to a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Student must attend a public or nonprofit university accredited by the American Psychological Association.

The American Indians Into Psychology Program - Health Professions Scholarship

Eligible candidates include Native Americans and American Indians who are members of a federally recognized tribe. Candidates must enroll in an APA-accredited doctoral clinical psychology program. Recipients must begin service commitments within 90 days of completing their professional training.

The Psychologists in Public Service Wayfinder Award

Amount: Varies Deadline: May 1

Applicants must demonstrate significant research, clinical, or educational practice. Candidates may also develop programs involving cultural revitalization, advocacy, or wellness within the Native-American community.

The Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Scholarship

Amount: Varies Deadline: May 1 for summer session; November 1 for winter session

Johns Hopkins University grants this award to Native-American or Alaska-Native students, scholars, and professionals in health-related disciplines. Candidates should express interest in attending a winter or summer intensive at Johns Hopkins' Center for American Indian Health.

Indian Health Service Scholarships

Amount: Varies Deadline: April 13

IHS offers preparatory, pre-graduate, and health professions scholarships for students and professionals in approved health-related fields. Options include pre-clinical psychology, counseling, and clinical psychology. Eligible candidates must be members or descendants of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or Native Alaskan territory. Applicants should have U.S. citizenship or naturalization status and at least a 2.0 GPA. Recipients must plan to serve the Indian population in their career.

Professional Organizations for Native American Students

• Asian Psychological Association : APsyA unites Asian psychologists, mental health professionals living in Asia, and psychologists specializing in issues affecting the Asian population. APsyA is unique for its focus on international networking and scholarship. The association hosts a convention every 2-4 years and circulates publications on issues affecting the Asian psychology community.
• AAPA Division on South Asian Americans : The Division on South Asian Americans provides members with mentorship, professional training, and networking opportunities. The organization supports fellowship opportunities specific to South Asian psychologists. Topics include the role of female South Asian immigrants in the U.S. and bicultural identity conflicts.

Scholarships for Asian and Pacific-Islander Psychology Students

Filipino american psychology scholarship.

Amount: $500 Deadline: February 1

The Asian American Psychological Association - Division on Filipino Americans awards this scholarship to graduating seniors in pursuit of a Ph.D. or MA in psychology. Students in the first two years of graduate study may also apply.

AAPA Dissertation Research Grant

Amount: $500 Deadline: April 1

Applicants may submit grant proposals to the Asian American Psychological Association for projects contributing to the research and advancement of Asian American psychology. Awards last for up to one year.

Goldstein and Schneider Scholarships by the Macey Fund

Amount: $3,000 Deadline: June 30

Applicants must be members of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology with ethnic minority status. Candidates must enroll full time in a Ph.D. program in industrial/organizational psychology at a regionally accredited school.

The AAPA-APF Okura Mental Health Leadership Foundation Fellowship

Amount: $20,000 Deadline: Varies

The Okura Mental Health Leadership Foundation and the Asian American Psychological Foundation award this fellowship to researchers, educators, and practitioners helping to advance the study and treatment of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

AAPA Okura Community Leadership Award

Amount: Varies Deadline: September 1

The community leadership award recognizes members of the Asian-American psychology community who demonstrate outstanding achievements in service or leadership. Recipients may work in psychology, psychiatry, social work, or medicine.

Professional Organizations for Asian and Pacific Islander Students

• Society of Indian Psychologists : The American-Indian and Alaska-Native Society of Indian Psychologists offers various levels of membership, including options for aspiring members experiencing financial hardship. The organizations encourages student members to participate in its annual conference and retreat, pursue mentorships through the organization, and access data through the website for tribal and professional research.
• Indian Health Service : The federal health program for American Indians and Alaska Natives, IHS provides up-to-date advocacy news, as well as community service, externship, and continuing education opportunities for Native-American students. The site also features career opportunities, federal financial aid information, scholarship data, and loan assistance.
• National Indian Health Board : NIHB offers a variety of financial aid resources, including travel expenses for conference meetings, behavioral health grants, and nomination-based awards for Native minority groups. NIHB also features comprehensive, updated listings of leadership and advocacy opportunities in the public, community, and mental health sectors.

Scholarships for Undocumented Psychology Students

The dream national scholarship.

Amount: Varies Deadline: March 1

This scholarship awards up to $14,500 towards an associate degree; up to $29,000 towards a bachelor's degree. Comparable to the Department of Education's federal Pell Grant, this national scholarship is one of the largest programs for students with certified DACA or TPS status. Applicants must be high school seniors planning to pursue an undergraduate degree or community college graduates planning to pursue a bachelor's degree. Applicants should have a minimum 2.5 GPA and unmet financial need. Students must intend to enroll full-time and be eligible for in-state tuition at a partner college. Students may qualify for an additional $4,000 stipend for supplies.

The Dream Opportunity Scholarship

Amount: Up to $80,000 Deadline: January 23

The Dream offers an opportunity scholarship to students pursuing higher education in a "locked out" state that either does not offer in-state tuition or does not admit DACA or TPS students. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates with a minimum 2.8 GPA and SAT or ACT scores. Candidates must have DACA or TPS status. Recipients should enroll in an undergraduate program at one of the Dream's partner colleges no later than spring of the following year. The scholarship application also serves as the admissions application for the Dream partner schools.

Pepsico Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship Fund

Amount: $5,000 Deadline: June 8

Applicants must be of Latino/a descent, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and enroll full time in an undergraduate degree program in Arizona or California. Students may be U.S. citizens, legal residents, undocumented immigrants, DACA recipients, or other non-citizens. Pepsico offers this scholarship to 10 students each year until 2021.

Boundless American Dream Scholarships

Amount: $1,500 Deadline: May 31

Applicants must be DACA or TPS students enrolled in or applying to an accredited college or university. Since the scholarship emphasizes technology-inspired innovation among minority students, applicants must submit written responses describing the impact -- inspired by technology -- they hope to make in the world. Candidates should also submit essays addressing what the American Dream means to them and what they have achieved despite hardships in their lives. Boundless Immigration Inc. offers two scholarships each year.

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans

Amount: Varies Deadline: November 1

This award provides a stipend of up to $25,000, plus 50% of tuition and fees per year (up to $20,000). The P.D. Soros Fellowship assists immigrants and the children of immigrants. Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger at the time of application, and must be enrolled in or applying to a full-time graduate program in the U.S. Current graduate students may only seek funding for their program within the first two years of study. Both of each applicant's parents must have been born outside of the U.S. as non-U.S. citizens. Each fellowship applies for one to two years of graduate study.

Professional Organizations for Undocumented Students

• United We Dream : United We Dream focuses on four primary areas of advocacy for immigrants to the U.S., one of which is access to education for DACA students. In addition to hosting information on scholarship opportunities, United We Dream supports initiatives such as National Immigrant Resilience Day and immigrant certification training services.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services : The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website offers the latest news and regulations concerning DACA status and eligibility. Here, students may apply for DACA for the first time, renew their DACA, and review up-to-date information about national citizenship services and immigration enforcement procedures in their state.
• Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education : CCCIE promotes collaboration among international scholars. The organization shares student success stories in order to encourage higher education for immigrants and undocumented youths in the U.S. CCCIE offers outreach through nonprofit partnerships, continuing education and training opportunities, and advocacy programs for individuals and institutions of higher learning.

Types of Funding Available for Psychology Students

The following types of funding are listed from least likely to most likely to incur debt.

Scholarships

Perhaps the most highly sought-after form of "free" financial aid, scholarships typically reward students for their academic and personal achievements. Students do not have to pay back any portion of a scholarship. National associations, individual schools, private foundations, and other organizations all offer scholarships for minority graduate students in psychology. Each scholarship includes different requirements. For example, some minority-specific psychology scholarships may require study in a particular field or a period of community service after graduation. Scholarship recipients may also pursue need-based funding through federal grants and work-study programs. With no interest or repayment obligations, scholarships are the best method of financial aid for college students.

Grants, like scholarships, do not need to be paid back. Students typically receive grants based on financial need. When it comes to grants for minorities, there are two main categories -- ethnic and non-ethnic. Applicants belonging to a racial minority qualify for ethnic minority grants, while non-ethnic grants are reserved for students with physical or learning disabilities or another minority group. Ethnic minority grants may be of particular interest to graduate students in psychology, since they can help fund a study abroad experience, research project, or dissertation.

Federal work-study programs provide students with part-time jobs to help cover the cost of tuition, books, housing, and other expenses. Upon reviewing your FAFSA, the Department of Education determines if you are eligible for work-study and, if so, lists your maximum award for the academic year. Students receive minimum wage, subject to their school's available funds for work-study awards. Students may work for their school, a public agency, or a local nonprofit organization, depending on availability. In some cases, minority students in a psychology program may receive a work-study opportunity related to their major. However, these positions may be limited, since schools must apply at least 7% of work-study awards to community service jobs.

Federal Student Loans

The Department of Education offers direct loans and Perkins loans. These financial aid options are funded by the federal government and your school, respectively. Federal direct loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized based on financial need. Other options include direct PLUS loans, which help graduate students and the families of undergraduate students cover educational expenses in excess of other financial aid. Direct consolidation loans combine all loans into one sum through a single third-party servicer. Unlike grants and scholarships, loans require students to pay back the initial amount with interest. Federal student loans offer lower interest rates and more forgiving repayment schedules than private loans.

Private Loans

Once all of the above forms of financial aid have been exhausted, students may pursue a loan through a private lender. While private loans can be helpful in providing additional financial aid to responsible borrowers, this type of aid can rapidly increase student debt for those who borrow too much or misunderstand the terms of their agreement. Many banks and businesses offer private student loans. Some banks even manage a subsidiary division specifically for loan servicing, such as Citizens One and Sallie Mae. Unlike federal student loans managed through the Department of Education, private loans require higher interest rates and less flexible repayment terms. These loans typically require a credit check or a cosigner.

Filing the FAFSA

Whether you are broadly considering grants for an undergraduate degree, or specifically pursuing scholarships for minority females in psychology, all paths leading to financial aid begin with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filing the FAFSA is mandatory to determine your eligibility for federal grants, scholarships, work-study awards, and federal loans. The FAFSA even informs the lending process for private loans, as some banks and other loan servicers set interest or repayment terms based on your FAFSA status.

The FAFSA is available to both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking students. However, applicants must be citizens or eligible non-citizens of the U.S. to apply. Undocumented immigrants cannot access aid through the FAFSA. Other eligibility requirements include a high school diploma or GED, enrollment in a certificate or degree program, continued academic progress at a satisfactory level, and registration with the Selective Service System. Applicants cannot be in default on a federal student loan or have a conviction for the sale or possession of illegal drugs while receiving federal student aid.

The FAFSA works by estimating each student's estimated family contribution. The Department of Education then calculates the student's maximum federal award. Schools use the data to determine institutional scholarships, work-study, and loan limits. While applicants have between October 1 and June 30 to complete the FAFSA, the Department of Education encourages students to apply as early as possible. Early filing allows you to access limited federal funding opportunities and expedite reporting to other potential sources of financial aid.

Items needed to complete the FAFSA include:

• Your social security number (or alien registration number for non-citizens)
• Federal income tax returns, and income statements such as 1040s or W-2s
• Bank account statements and investment records, if applicable
• Untaxed income records, if applicable
• An FSA ID (your electronic login if filing online)

Scholarship Application Tips

Understand your options.

Start by contacting organizations in your community or school that provide resources to underserved populations. Options include the NAACP and the Black Student Association. Consider explaining your position as an aspiring college student and asking about awards such as scholarships for minority females in psychology. Also request tips on how to successfully apply for financial aid as a minority student. You may be surprised at the response you get for showing such initiative and taking command of your application process. Worst case scenario, your contact gives you information you already know. At best, you'll receive some insight into how to submit exactly what the scholarship committees are looking for.

Start Early, Get Organized

While it may be your style to do things last minute, haphazard applications are a surefire way to get passed over for scholarships, no matter how impressive your qualifications. Pursuing financial aid is a crucial aspect of the college application process, and the time you spend organizing your materials should reflect how important the scholarship is to you and your education. The committee reviewing your application will likely award scholarships to students who can follow directions precisely, in addition to meeting eligibility requirements.

Put Time and Effort into Your Essays

Many scholarships for minority students in psychology require compelling essays as an important component of the application process. Scholarship committees often consider an applicant's mission statement, academic aspirations, and life experiences just as much as merit-based and need-based qualifications. Scholarships require an essay for a specific reason, so be sure to take your time, be genuine, and let your personality come through.

Ask an Experienced Applicant

Consider consulting an older family member, friend, alum, or mentor who has successfully applied for scholarships as a minority student. While your predecessors may not have applied for exactly the same awards as you, they may be able to offer invaluable insight into what the selection committee was looking for. Many applicants have mastered the process by applying for several types of aid, including scholarships for minority graduate students in psychology, grants for doctoral psychology dissertation research, and awards for students with significant financial need.

Solicit Letters of Recommendation

While letters of recommendation are one of the key components of a scholarship application, they can also be the most unpredictable. You must rely on each individual source to submit their recommendation by the deadline. Assume the letters of recommendation will take longer than expected, and consider soliciting the letters as early as possible. Giving yourself plenty of time means you can avoid feeling rushed, and avoid rushing those writing your recommendations.

Additional Scholarship Resources for Psychology Students

• Ethnic Minority Psychological Associations : The American Psychological Association (APA) houses psychological associations for African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans. The APA also hosts the Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race. Scholarship seekers can access financial aid opportunities exclusive to members of the minority-specific associations of APA.
• Department of Education Scholarships for Minorities : The Department of Education's scholarship list for underserved student populations features comprehensive information about some of the nation's largest scholarships and grants for minority students, including the Gates Millenium Scholarship and the Generation Google Scholarship. Although open to all minority groups, the website includes awards funded by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
• Federal Grants Wire : Not limited to educational awards, the Federal Grants Wire directory includes potentially obscure sources of funding for college-bound minority students. Students can search for grant opportunities by region, major, subject, and ethnic classification. The site also features instructions and tips for applying to a federal grant program.
• Department of Education Grants : The Department of Education's site walks students through the process of applying for federal programs such as the Pell Grant. The page directs students to additional opportunities such as work-study and IES funding through the Department's Institute for Education Sciences. Students may also search for grants by eligibility requirements and learn upcoming grant opportunities.
• Department of Education DACA Resources : Sponsored by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, the Department of Education created a comprehensive resource guide for DACA recipients and other undocumented high school and college students. In addition to crucial tips for understanding non-citizen rights and accessing DACA education records in the U.S., the site features a list of federally funded programs and private scholarships that offer funding to undocumented students.

Latest Posts

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS. A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Alert: Due to extended maintenance, NSF.gov will be unavailable from 11:00 PM on 5/31 to 2:00 AM on 6/1. Most other NSF systems, including Research.gov, will be unavailable from 11:00 PM on 5/31 to 1:00 PM on 6/1. We apologize for any inconvenience.

• Supporting Black/African Americans in STEM

Broadening Participation in STEM

• Program Portfolio
• Investments
• Events, Outreach and Webinar Videos
• Reports, Studies and Analyses
• BP Acronym Glossary
• Supporting Women and Girls in STEM
• Supporting Persons With Disabilities in STEM
• Supporting Tribal Nations in STEM

The U.S. National Science Foundation is dedicated to increasing the involvement of Black/African Americans in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

NSF provides support and resources of particular interest to Black/African American students and scientists, including:

• Grants for individuals, institutions and organizations that promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.  
• Supplemental funding for existing NSF awardees to broaden participation in the STEM enterprise.
• Alliances among universities and colleges to increase the number of Black/African American scientists and students in STEM fields. 
• Fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students, which provide funding and opportunities for students to gain research experience and skills in STEM fields.
• Prestigious awards for Black/African American STEM leaders.

On this page

Featured funding.

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) provides awards to strengthen STEM undergraduate education and research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). HBCU-UP is actively encouraging new proposals and supplemental funding requests.

NSF HBCU-EiR

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Excellence in Research (HBCU-EiR) supports research at public and private HBCUs to strengthen research capacity and promote engagement with NSF. HBCU-EiR invites planning proposals from HBCUs to support activities that will lead to a future HBCU-EiR submission.

Additional funding opportunities

• Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST Centers) : Provides support to enhance the research capabilities of Minority-serving institutions (MSIs) through the establishment of centers that effectively integrate education and research.
• Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology HBCU Research Infrastructure for Science and Engineering (CREST-RISE): Supports the expansion of research and education capabilities of minority-serving institutions to strengthen their science and engineering graduate programs and the successful production of research doctoral students.
• Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) : Supports university alliances and post-baccalaureate fellowship programs focused on increasing the number of STEM bachelor's and graduate degrees awarded to populations historically underrepresented in STEM fields.
• Racial Equity in STEM Education (EHR Racial Equity) : Supports projects focused on advancing racial equity in STEM education and workforce development that are led or co-developed by individuals and communities most impacted by the inequities caused by systemic racism.
• NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science Initiative (NSF INCLUDES) : Increases diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting innovative approaches to broadening participation, including efforts to engage and support Black/African American communities.
• ADVANCE: Organizational Change for Gender Equity in STEM Academic Professions : Increases the representation and advancement of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM academic careers. It also includes a focus on intersectionality, including race and gender.

Duke Professors to Lead Nationwide Effort to Diversify Participation in Computing

NSF funded a $10 million grant to increase computing entry, retention and degree completion rates of students from historically underrepresented groups

• Broadening participation programs support capacity and research at MSIs NSF offers programs aimed at supporting MSIs in a wide range of STEM disciplines.

Developing STEM Talent

NSF establishes new center to study successful undergraduate STEM education practices at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

NSF awarded $9 million to establish the center, which will study and model the successful practices of HBCUs, with the aim of applying these practices broadly in higher education. 

Developing and supporting STEM talent is crucial for maintaining the country's global competitiveness and creating a diverse and skilled workforce for the future. To achieve this goal, the NSF invests in a variety of programs and initiatives that focus on identifying and nurturing talent in the STEM fields. These programs include:

• Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) : Broadens participation of the full spectrum of diverse talents in STEM. The five-year fellowship provides three years of financial support inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000.
• Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) : Supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation.
• NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) : Provides scholarships to undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds to pursue degrees in STEM fields.
• Summer Scholars Internship Program (SSIP) : Develops the potential of undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented groups interested in gaining professional experience working in science administration. 

Prestigious awards

NSF recognizes the importance of diversity in the scientific community and offers several honorary awards to honor diverse individuals and organizations. These include:

• Faculty Early Career Development Program ( CAREER) : Supports early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and contribute to the mission of their department or organization.
• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) : Recognizes individuals and organizations for their efforts in mentoring students from underrepresented groups in STEM.
• Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers ( PECASE) : Recognizes a diverse pool of scientists and engineers who, while early in their research careers, show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of scientific knowledge during the twenty-first century. 
• National Medal of Science : Recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the scientific community and celebrates those who have made significant efforts to promote and advance diversity and representation in STEM fields.
• Alan T. Waterman Award : Recognizes outstanding young scientists and engineers and encourages nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups. This includes women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities.

First principal investigator faculty member of an HBCU receives the NSF Alan T. Waterman Award

Dr. Lara Thompson, received $1 million over five years for research on rehabilitation robotics and devices for veterans and amputees.

Special initiatives

Credit: The White House

• White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities : The Initiative is dedicated to a Government-wide policy making effort to eliminate barriers HBCUs face in providing the highest-quality education to a growing number of students. The Initiative works closely with the Executive Office of the President on key Administration priorities related to advancing educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity through HBCUs, in partnership with HBCU leaders, representatives, students, and alumni.
• Advancing Research Capacity at HBCUs through Exploration and Innovation : This solicitation invites participation in an Ideas Lab, which is an intensive, facilitated workshop that brings together multiple diverse perspectives to find innovative solutions to a grand challenge. This Ideas Lab will focus on exploration of innovative approaches for addressing the research capacity needs of the Nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and development of collaborative networks among HBCUs that enable research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

Additional resources

• NSF INCLUDES National Network
• ADVANCE Resource and Coordination (ARC) Network
• Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering
• Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM
• Community for Advancing Discovery Research in Education (CADRE)

Contact information

For further information concerning NSF's Broadening Participation programs, please contact:

Dr. Alicia J. Knoedler NSF Executive Liaison for Broadening Participation in STEM U.S. National Science Foundation Phone : 703-292- 4717 Email :  [email protected]

Ph.D. Resources for Minority Students Attending Grad School

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: March 17, 2024 , Reading time: 20 minutes

Share this on:

Find your perfect college degree

In this article, we will be covering...

Minority students are students who come from an ethnicity or race other than Caucasians, commonly known as whites. Their population on college and university campuses is on the rise!

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reveals that the overall percentage of minority students admitted to college after completing high school has been on the rise since 2000. In particular, the enrollment of Asian and Hispanic learners grew higher in 2016 than in the years 2000 and 2003.

The overall post-baccalaureate enrollment rate for Hispanic students is more than twice the growth between 2000 and 2016 , with a 134% increase from 111,000 students to 260,000.

Similar growth has been highlighted among Black post-baccalaureate enrollment, indicating a 100% increase, from 181,000 to 363,000 students. It indicates that the college enrollment of minority students composed of Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics is increasing in contrast to their white peers.

Factors such as globalization, the number of minority-friendly degree programs, diversity in higher education, and minority student preparation are possible key players in these statistics. With the appropriate and up-to-date resources and tools, minority students in doctorate programs can succeed in post-secondary education, just like their white colleagues!

Minority Students in A Nutshell

For purposes of identification and proper classification, a person is considered a minority student if he or she is either:

African American/Black

The student is having ancestries in any of the black racial groups in the African continent.

Asian American

The student is from Southeast Asia, the Far East, Pacific Islands (Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Hawaii), and the Indian Sub-Continent (including Pakistan).

Hispanic American

A student of Portuguese or Spanish culture with roots in Central or South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands.

Native American

The student is a member of a state or federally recognized Indian tribe or whose grandparents and parents have such association. It includes the native people of Alaska.

Resources for Minority Students

In an initiative to advocate diversity, Ph.D. resources for minority students are becoming more accessible and easier to find.

Admission in doctorate programs by ethnic minority learners has generally trailed behind the average. On the contrary, the success difference has become narrower. For instance, the NCES highlights that currently, more than one-fourth of Ph.D. students are part of the underrepresented minority groups.

The goal of diversity in doctorate studies has baffled the country for several decades. The diversity regulations have cultivated significant efforts and initiatives from academic institutions, philanthropists, and professional groups to recognize a higher number of women and students from minority groups.

Prospective minority students who are planning to pursue a graduate program can enjoy a wide variety of resources ranging from scholarship programs to financial aid to career and networking resources. Because several minority students may be the first in the family to attend a graduate program, comprehensive and first-generation information has been provided.

Scholarships and Fellowships

AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship in Education Research

The program grants numerous funds to learners to support writing and research of a supervised doctorate thesis at an accredited college or university.

It advocates representatives of historically underrepresented communities, including Pacific Islanders, Latinos, Hispanics, Asians, American Indians, and African Americans.

AICPA Fellowships for Minority Doctoral Students

The fellowship program grants $12,000 to advocate Minority CPAs that serve as role models for minority learners in the classroom and other settings that highlight the potential to become accounting professors. It paves the way for classroom diversity within CPA doctoral programs.

American Association of University Women

The American Association of University Women is hailed as one of the most reliable sources of funding for female graduate students. During the 2018 to 2019 school year, the association granted $3.9M to 250 outstanding non-profits and women.

Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund

The Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund offers scholarship programs to qualified students who belong to low-income or poverty-level families. These are the first in their families to enroll in college, representing the underserved communities.

Asian Pacific Fund

Asian Pacific Fund offers numerous scholarship programs every academic year for a total of $1,000 to Pacific Islanders or Asian Americans enrolling in a U.S.-based academic institution for a doctorate program in Economics.

One of these scholarships is the Hsiao Memorial Economics Scholarship. These scholarship programs give priority to doctorate students of Chinese origins.

CHCI Graduate Fellowship Program

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute delivers a graduate fellowship program for pre-doctorate learners pursuing to make an impact and learn more in public policy. Candidates will receive a gross stipend worth $27,500 for a 9-month fellowship program in Washington, District of Columbia.

Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program

Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is facilitated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Annually, it offers four doctorate grants for minority students and women who aren’t able to finance for Ph.D. studies in maritime archaeology, ecology, marine biology, oceanography, and other related studies.

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships

The Ford Foundation Fellowship Program advocates applicants that currently obtain legal U.S. status. It includes explicitly those with fortification under the DACA program. This program provides funding to Ph.D. candidates at accredited colleges and universities, including for-profit schools.

Fulbright Scholar Program

The global scholarship program provides opportunities for 155 nations around the world. The program delivers opportunities for diverse international students to study in the United States and for diverse American students to travel and study abroad. It has increased global awareness and leadership for international collaboration.

Gates Millennium Foundation

The Gates Scholarship will provide aid to 300 applicants from at least one of these minority groups: Hispanic American, Asian & Pacific Islander American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and African American.

The program can fill the difference between Pell Grants and all other financial aid to supplement the entire costs of graduate education.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Hispanic Scholarship Fund provides $500 to $5,000 worth of grants based on need. Qualified applicants are high school and college learners of Hispanic origins that meet the academic achievement requirements for GPA, eligible residents of the country, and students that are enrolled in an accredited academic institution.

Jackie Robinson Foundation

Jackie Robinson Foundation offers fellowships and scholarship programs and provides additional support services through the foundation’s “42 Strategies for Success” curriculum as well as job placement and mentoring programs.

KSEA-KUSCO Scholarships for Graduate Students

The Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association collaborates with the Korea-U.S. Science Corporation Center each year to grant 20 scholarships worth $1,500 each to graduate learners of Korean origins who are pursuing a master’s or doctorate program.

Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship

Administered by Tyler Technologies, the Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship is provided with a total of $8,000 per year through the Government Finance Officers Association. It offers scholarships to outstanding minority students pursuing master’s or doctorate programs and planning for a career in government finance.

NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship

This program provides 35 fellowship programs of $27,500 to advocate dissertations that offer fresh perspectives to informal or formal education anywhere on the planet. The objective is to inspire numerous scholars and disciplines to undertake an academic improvement research project.

National GEM Consortium Ph.D. in Science Scholarship

The National GEM Consortium provides Ph.D. Science Scholarship programs to minority students enrolling in 1 st year of doctorate education in any natural science field of studies such as computer science, biology, mathematics, earth science, physics, and chemistry.

Candidates are provided with full tuition coverage at a GEM academic institution member, paid summer internship, and $16,000 living compensation.

Poise Foundation Post-Secondary Scholarships

These scholarship programs are aimed toward assisting African-Americans who need finances for their post-secondary education. The candidates should, however, meet a set of criteria that include monetary need or being a descendant of slaves.

Predoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

The American Psychological Association’s Predoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services provides preference to Ph.D. students who belong to minority groups such as Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and African American.

Candidates will receive network collaborations, dissertation support, ancillary training, and three years of funding.

SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program

The Southern Regional Education Board Doctoral Scholarship Programs provide a $20,000 yearly stipend to qualified racial minority students enrolled in a full-time and campus-based doctorate program at an accredited college or university in the U.S.

Financial Assistance Resources

U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce

Aimed at advocating the common interests of Asian-American professional organizations and businesses, the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce also offers college internship and scholarship programs to foster mentorship and leadership among Asian students and companies.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Advocating the accessiblity of education as one of its primary endeavors, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People strives to achieve equality for everyone in different areas of society.

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

The membership of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association is comprised of law students and professionals, ranging from law school professors to lawyers to judges.

Minority Student Achievement Network

The Minority Student Achievement Network is an agreement of school districts committed to removing academic inequalities in colleges and universities. As part of its goal, it provides a comprehensive listing of scholarship programs for minority students.

Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund is a civil rights association that influences the legal system to enhance the socio-economic and political status of Latinos in the U.S. It also offers numerous scholarship programs to Latino students.

Hispanic Education Association

The mission and goal of the Hispanic Education Association are to administer professional growth and educational achievement for Hispanic students.

Federal Student Aid

The Federal Student Aid is the country’s one-stop-shop for everything related to financial aid programs. It is managed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Fastweb! has one of the most detailed listings of scholarship programs for students, including members of the minority groups. Its website is a portal that matches prospective students to scholarship opportunities that are suitable for them.

American Indian College Fund

The American Indian College Fund is a not-for-profit organization. It offers scholarship programs and other forms of educational support.

American Bar Association

The American Bar Association advocates internal groups, including one that represents the minority law student communities around the country. It is the premier association for lawyers in the U.S.

Financial Aid – Women of Color in Doctorate Programs

American Dissertation Fellowship

This fellowship program offers a generous amount between $6,000 to $30,000 to assist women of color in obtaining the final year of their doctorate programs.

Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship

Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship program is a product of the collaborative efforts of the National Marine Sanctuaries and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It offers scholarships to female minority students pursuing education in oceanography, maritime archaeology, marine biology, and related disciplines.

Faculty for the Future Scholarship

The Schlumberger Foundation offers a maximum of $50,000 annually to women of color from emerging or developing economies who are completing doctorate education in STEM or STEM-related disciplines.

The Laurels Fund Scholarship

The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting presents women of color with scholarship opportunities that award up to $5,000 for their doctoral studies in Accounting. Qualified applicants must submit a resume or CV, a statement of objectives and goals, two letters of reference, and copies of any published articles.

The National Association of Black Journalists

This association offers a yearly scholarship program of $3,000 to a qualified African American or Black woman in her final year of a doctorate program related to journalism, communication, or any related discipline.

Women of Color Scholars Program

This scholarship program is sponsored by the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. It provides this award to women of color pursuing doctorate education in any field of study. To qualify, an applicant must be an official member of the Methodist church for at least one year at the time of application.

Agencies, Publications, and Organizations

5 Facts About Latinos and Education

Latino study trends represent an overall positive perspective of higher high school completion rates and lesser out-of-school rates. Education and college enrollment have a good reputation among the Latino public sentiment.

The educational pattern is combined with low rates of four-year admission, high enrollment in community colleges, low usage of student loans, and reduced baccalaureate completion rates.

Certificates and Degrees Conferred by Race/Ethnicity

The NCES report describes the trend in African American completion of doctorate degrees over the past years, plus the year-to-date measure. The growth in Hispanic and Black educational attainment has been steady and dramatic.

Educational Attainment

The census reports of educational attainment in the country highlight the trend in educational attainment among minority students. The report describes some supplemental information, such as the fact that the number of native-born doctorates is lesser than the number of foreign-born doctorates.

Who Earns A Doctorate

The report describes the increase in doctorate education in underrepresented minority groups. The number of African American or Black doctorate students grew by 31% while the number of Hispanic doctorates rose by 71% over the past ten years.

Advocacy & Education

American Council on Education

The American Council on Education aims to address the challenges surrounding equal opportunities for minority students and underrepresented communities in U.S. institutions of higher learning.

American Indian Higher Education Consortium

Unified through the consortium, the United States’ 38 tribal colleges and universities aim to address regulations of American Indian post-secondary education.

Demos: Higher Education

Demos, a public policy association committed to equality, is integrated with a series of publications dedicated to Higher Education. It aims to discuss topics such as financial security by ethnicity, types of loans and risks, comprehensive student debt, and college education without debt.

Techstars Foundation

Techstars Foundation aims to develop more diversity in the tech entrepreneur setting through partnerships with individuals, corporations, and non-profits. It intends to offer sponsorship programs, scholarships, and grants.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is a platform for historically black colleges and universities and their student communities. It provides advocacy programs, talent outsourcing, and scholarship opportunities for minority students.

Young Invincibles

Young Invincibles encourages people to help young individuals have a more excellent voice in the world of politics and foster the economic well-being of the generation. One mission of the group is advocating diversity and higher education – one of the four primary issues they address.

Community Resources

Alpha Pi Omega

Alpha Pi Omega is an American-Indian sorority that has 21 chapters across the country. One of the sorority’s goals is the preservation of the members’ Native American legacy.

American Indian Student Association

While there is no administrated national AISA, numerous campuses across the country have an organization with a similar name. The American Indian Student Association aims to preserve its heritage and educate other student groups about it.

Capoeira is an African-Brazilian martial art that integrates acrobatics, music, and dance. Students can discover their cultural heritage while benefiting from the fitness perspective. It is also among the country’s most popular clubs serving minority students, especially in the Hispanic and Latino communities.

League of United Latin American Citizens

League of United Latin American Citizens campus organizations replicate the national association’s mission of obtaining equal education in Latino communities. The organization facilitates a yearly youth conference program during the Spring season.

Multicultural Student Union

This student organization is not affiliated with the primary Student Union. Organizations in numerous higher education institutions around the country share this name. This group fosters professional development and heritage sharing among minority student communities.

National Black Student Union

The National Black Student Union works to develop black undergraduates’ college experience. It has 23 collegiate members across the country.

National Pan-Hellenic Council

The National Pan-Hellenic Council is a group of historically minority-based Greek fraternities and sororities. This organization aims to deliver a sense of camaraderie, pay it forward to the community, and strive for academic achievement.

National Society of Black Engineers

Black undergraduates and graduates in the engineering field are eligible for the student membership alternative of the NSBE. The organization helps with college preparation and facilitation of events, networking opportunities, and scholarship programs.

The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science

Simply called SACNAS, the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science chapters advocate the education of specific cultural groups to prepare them for professional STEM career pathways.

National Resources

College Access Challenge Grant Program

The College Access Challenge Grant Program of the DOE includes preparing low-income students for success in post-secondary education. It offers career preparation, student loan assistance, FAFSA assistance, and financial preparation.

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

Members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities obtain services like access to events and conferences, career advancement and development, exchange student programs, internships, and scholarship programs. It represents over 470 colleges in Latin America, Puerto Rico, Spain, and the U.S.

Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Hispanic-Serving Institutions are accredited higher education facilities that have a Hispanic population of 25% or more. They seek to make successful post-secondary studies a reality for Hispanic students.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are accredited universities across the U.S. that offer opportunities for education to students of different ethnicities. They also offer programs that benefit the African-American communities.

National Indian Education Association

Student members of the National Indian Education Association take advantage of community tools and resources dedicated to helping Indian students succeed in doctorate studies through career prep resources and scholarship programs.

Office of Post-Secondary Education – Programs

This is a section of the U.S. Department of Education that lists colleges and programs related to Asians, Blacks, Native Americans, and other minority students’ needs and passions.

Accommodation, Food, and Living

Everyone in the United States who requires assistance for a wide range of services, including food, housing, nutrition, and utilities, can search for their local 2-1-1 companies and verify if they can qualify for assistance.

American Campus Communities

Prospective graduates can explore off-campus living at a wide range of price points by browsing the ACC listings for local apartment catalogs, specifically catering to college student communities.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

FAFSA is a need-based financial assistance program. If eligible students receive FAFSA assistance, that stipend can be utilized for food and accommodation expenses. Any cash left can be used to settle tuition fees and educational expenses.

Feeding America

Prospective minority student graduates can browse through a nationwide database of community food banks to find a nearby location. It advocates fighting hunger in the country by providing free meals to qualified beneficiaries.

The Federal Pell Grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Education is a need-based grant. It distributes financial resources based partially on accommodation and living costs aside from schooling-related expenses.

Student Support Services Program

Another type of federal grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education is the Student Support Services Program that can be integrated with the Pell Grant. This program helps students in all academic revenues. It also offers temporary accommodation to homeless or low-income minority students during semester breaks.

Sublet.com is a platform that connects college students with cheap housing alternatives instead of rental apartments and homes. Students can browse for subletting results in their chosen location without fees.

United Negro College Fund College Readiness

The UNCF offers numerous scholarship programs for black students. They also offer college readiness tools and resources that discuss financial education and procedures for applying for financial aid.

Career and Networking Resources

Asian American Journalists Association

The Asian American Journalists Association advocates newsroom diversity by involving Pacific Islander and Asian-American journalists with career opportunities in the industry.

INROADS offers employment and educational support to student achievers, including services such as workforce solutions, mentoring sessions, paid internship opportunities, and coaching programs. Its population is composed of 80% first-generation college students.

Minorities in Media Connect

Creatives, journalists, and marketing professionals of color who are mid-level professionals or beyond can explore leadership, and advanced roles in the field through this association.

NAACP Job Finder

This tool helps minority students explore career opportunities through companies and employers who value diversity. It also facilitates a wide range of conferences and networking events.

National Association of Asian American Professionals

The National Association of Asian American Professionals hosts virtual training programs, conferences, job listings, and job fairs, as well as links to career resource groups. It is composed of members who are career- and community-oriented.

National Black MBA Association

Despite its official name, the National Black MBA Association isn’t restricted to black members with MBA programs. It advocates career development through career resources, training, conferences, and networking events.

National Congress of American Indians

As the country’s largest and oldest American Indian and Alaskan Native association, the National Congress of American Indians highlights the issues impacting natives. The association is also a useful resource that features career listings, scholarship programs, internship opportunities, and fellowships.

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives or NOBLE links blacks in law enforcement to job opportunities, online training centers, networking opportunities, events, and training conferences.

Professional Diversity Network

Professional Diversity Network is developed to meet the demands of employers pursuing diversity in the workplace. It has seven elements, including those specifically designed for Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics.

Resources – Women of Color in Doctorate Programs

Tips for Women of Color Navigating Doctorate Programs

Disorient Co offers essential tips and strategies for women of color, exploring an ideal university setting where they can thrive once admitted to a specific doctorate program.

Association of Black Women Physicians

Since 1982, the Association of Black Women Physicians has facilitated a platform for black women physicians to pay it forward to their communities. The association provides sister-to-sister advocacy, scholarship programs, and mentoring opportunities.

Black Ph.D. Network

This association works to inspire more women of color to complete doctorate studies by providing collaboration, networking, and support services. It also fosters more diversity within academic settings.

Sisters in the Dissertation House: A Dissertation Narrative

Women of color completing their doctorate programs and dissertation work go to Dr. Jennifer Bacon for practical advice and relevant insights. Dr. Bacon’s book “Sisters in the Dissertation House: A Dissertation Narrative” focuses on this subject.

The Stronger Our Voice, the Greater Impact We Might Force

Victoria Duran, a professor at the University of San Francisco, provides insightful information to students who are interested in mentorship through her “The Stronger Our Voice, the Greater Impact We Might Force” publication.

Optimizing Mentoring Programs for Women of Color

This comprehensive guide offers assessment tools for calculating the effectiveness of mentorship programs for women of color. It also offers insights on how to develop a successful program.

Public Leadership Education Network

Headquartered in Washington D.C., the mission of the Public Leadership Education Network is to inspire women in leadership positions and motivate them to legislate policy changes. Most members are doctorate students or degree holders, and 45% of them are women of color. Numerous mentorship programs and advocacies are also available in PLEN.

SisterMentors

This not-for-profit organization works to match successful women of color with other women of color who are completing baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. It aims to provide mentorship programs and support to students during their academic journey.

Susan La Flesche

A Smithsonian Magazine article describes the fascinating life of Susan La Flesche, the first Native American to complete a medical degree. It is an inspiring read for any woman of color who needs to overcome the challenges to pursue their graduate studies.

Women of Color Leadership Network

Developed in 1993 as a member of the Center for Women and Community at UMass Amherst, the Women of Color Leadership Network serves as an outstanding example of one of the numerous ways colleges and universities can advocate women of color on campus.

Related Posts

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

• Skip to main content

We use cookies

Necessary cookies.

Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.

Analytics cookies

Analytical cookies help us improve our website. We use Google Analytics. All data is anonymised.

Clarity helps us to understand our users’ behaviour by visually representing their clicks, taps and scrolling. All data is anonymised.

Privacy policy

• Scholarships & funding

James McCune Smith PhD Scholarships

The  James McCune Smith Scholarships  will fund Black UK students to undertake PhD research at the University.  They will provide an enhanced experience through external mentors, placements, leadership training, community-building activities and networking opportunities.  The Scholarships are named after James McCune Smith, who graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1837 as the first African American to receive a medical degree. 

Key Features:

• PhD research can be in any discipline
• Funding covers stipend and fees for 4 years
• 6 month placement with industry, a government or non-governmental organisation or other employer
• Mentorship from outside academia to provide a broader perspective and network, in addition to the usual academic supervisors
• Leadership training and community building activities
• Support for conferences and other networking opportunities

  Eligibility

• A candidate must be a UK domicile Black African, Black Caribbean, Black other, Mixed-White and Black Caribbean or other mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black other). 
• The University is seeking to address under-representation by these groups in our PhD programmes. 
• This is an extra opportunity for Black UK students to receive a funded PhD place at the University of Glasgow. 
• Applying for a James McCune Smith Scholarship does not prevent a candidate from simultaneously applying for other schemes to obtain a funded place. However, only one funded place can be accepted. 

Eligible countries/regions

• Northern Ireland

Eligible programmes

• Accounting & Finance [PhD]
• Advanced Quantitative Methods [PhD]
• Ageing, Health & Welfare [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• American Studies [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Ancestral Studies [MRes]
• Animal Ecology [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Applied Linguistics [PhD]
• Applied Photonics [EngD]
• Archaeology [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Autonomous Systems and Connectivity [PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• Biochemistry & Biotechnology [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Biomedical Engineering [PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• Cancer Sciences [PhD/iPhD]
• Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences [PhD/iPhD/MD/MSc (Research)]
• Cell Engineering [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Celtic & Gaelic [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Central & East European Studies [PhD]
• Chemistry [PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• Classics [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Clinical & Surgical Sciences [PhD/iPhD/MD/MSc (Research)]
• Comparative Literature [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Computing Science [PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• Creative Writing [DFA/MFA]
• Criminology [PhD/MRes]
• Dentistry (Community Oral Health & Oral Sciences) [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Diabetes, Renal, Endocrine & Metabolic Medicine [PhD/iPhD/MD/MSc (Research)]
• Doctorate in Education [EdD]
• Economic & Social History [PhD]
• Economics [PhD]
• Education [PhD/MPhil/MRes]
• Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering [PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• English Language & Linguistics [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• English Literature [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Environmental Research [PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• Environmental Sciences [PhD/MSc (Research)/MPhil (Research)]
• Environmental Sustainability [PhD]
• Evolutionary Analysis [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Film & TV Studies [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• French [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• General Practice & Primary Care [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Geology [PhD/MSc (Research)/MPhil (Research)]
• Geospatial Data Science [PhD]
• German [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Health and Social Policy [PhD]
• Hispanic Studies [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• History [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• History of Art [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)]
• Human Geography [PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• Infection, Immunity & Inflammation [PhD/iPhD/MD/MSc (Research)]
• Infectious Disease [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Information Studies [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Infrastructure & Environment [PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• Interdisciplinary Studies [PhD/MPhil]
• Italian [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Law [PhD/LLM (Research)]
• Management [PhD]
• Mathematics [PhD/iPhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• Media & Cultural Policy [PhD/MLitt/MPhil]
• Medical Education [PhD]
• Mental Health [PhD/iPhD]
• Microbiology [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Modern Languages & Cultures [PhD/MRes]
• Molecular Genetics [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Molecular Pathology [PhD]
• Molecular Pharmacology [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Music [PhD/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Neuroscience & Psychology [PhD/iPhD/MD]
• Nursing & Health Sciences [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Nutrition [PhD/iPhD/MD/MSc (Research)]
• Parasitology [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Philosophy [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)]
• Philosophy & Psychology [PhD]
• Physics & Astronomy [PhD/EngD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• Plant Science [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Politics & International Relations [PhD]
• Population & Ecosystems Health [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Precision Medicine [PhD/iPhD]
• Public Health [PhD/iPhD/MD]
• Scottish Literature [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Sensor & Imaging Systems [EngD]
• Slavonic Languages & Cultures [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Social & Public Health [PhD]
• Social Science & Health [PhD/MD]
• Sociology [PhD]
• Statistics [PhD/iPhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• Systems Biology [PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)]
• Systems Power & Energy [PhD/EngD/MPhil/MSc (Research)]
• Text/Image Studies [PhD]
• Theatre Studies [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)/MRes]
• Theology & Religious Studies [PhD/MPhil/MTh/MLitt (Research)/MRes]
• Tissue Regeneration & Cancer [MSc (Research)]
• Tourism Studies [PhD]
• Translation Studies [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)]
• Urban Studies [PhD]
• Veterinary Medicine [PhD]
• Virology [PhD/iPhD/MD/MSc (Research)]
• War Studies [PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)]

4 years full stipend and fees at UKRI level, i.e. stipend of £18,022 for 2022-2023

How to apply

There are 10 James McCune Smith PhD Scholarships available to begin research in October 2022.  Eight of these are funded by the University of Glasgow and support research in any discipline.  Two are funded by GSK and support research in areas of interest to GSK Medicinal Chemistry.

Please visit the  James McCune Smith PhD Scholarships how to apply page  for details.

For more information contact: [email protected]

University of Birmingham

125th Anniversary Scholarships for Black British Researchers

A new PhD scholarship scheme will fund up to 12 talented Black postgraduate research students in Autumn 2024.

The University of Birmingham is proud to celebrate its remarkable 125-year journey and announce the launch of a groundbreaking scholarship initiative designed to empower and support Black British researchers in their pursuit of doctoral education.

These newly established 3.5-year scholarships aim to address under-representation and create opportunities for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to excel in academia.

We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion in higher education. In line with our commitment to fostering an environment that celebrates differences and promotes equal access to education, we are excited to introduce the 125th Anniversary Scholarships for Black British Researchers programme.

The deadline for applications closed at 23:59 (UK time) on Tuesday 30 April 2024.

Students who applied before the deadline will be contacted about the outcome of their application by Monday 10 June 2024.

Key features of this innovative scholarship initiative include:

• Financial Support: Recipients of these scholarships will receive substantial financial support, including a stipend at UKRI rates, which is set at £19,237 per year and will be paid to you in regular instalments. This support is designed to alleviate the financial burden often associated with pursuing a doctoral degree, such as covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs, including bench fees. 
• Mentorship and Guidance: Scholarship recipients will benefit from mentorship opportunities and guidance from accomplished faculty members who are dedicated to helping them succeed in their academic and research endeavours.
• Research Opportunities: We are committed to providing an exceptional research environment. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge resources, and a vibrant scholarly community.
• Community Building: A key component of the scholarship programme is the creation of a supportive community of Black British researchers pursuing PhDs. This network will foster collaboration and peer support among scholars.
• Research Training Support Grant: In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients will receive a research training support grant at £750 per year. This grant is intended to support conference attendance, fieldwork, and other essential activities that enhance their research and academic growth.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: We are dedicated to building an inclusive academic environment that values diversity and ensures equitable access to education.

Who can apply?

These scholarships are designed to create opportunities and address the underrepresentation of talented Black or Black mixed heritage students in academia. Applicants who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply:

• Students classified as 'Home' for tuition fee payments
• Black African
• Black Caribbean
• Black Other
• Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
• Mixed – White and Black African
• Other mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other)
• Not already enrolled on a PhD programme at the University of Birmingham

Entry Requirements

In addition to the above eligibility criteria of the scholarships, applicants should meet the university's entry requirements; you should familiarise yourself with the specific entry requirements on your project's individual webpage. Typically, applicants are required to hold a good Honours degree (usually a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree) or an alternative qualification, or experience of equal quality. In certain cases, a Masters degree or equivalent may be expected in a relevant subject.

Available PhD Projects

Social Sciences: Connecting Communities and Promoting Inclusion...

Between ‘Global Britain’ and national health: The role of Parliament..

Energy, efflux and resistance in bacteria

Data-driven population dynamics for biofiltration

Recycling of Carbon Fibre Composites with Deep Eutectic Solvents

Space-based solutions for improved space sustainability

A new toolbox to monitor molecular switches

Understanding the health benefits of exercise on the liver within...

Transforming the development and use of diagnostics to optimise...

Exploring Antimicrobial Resistance in the human GI Microbiome

‘WHOSE AFRICA?’: Connecting Art and Communities through...

Christian Connections and Faithful Citizenship: Black Majority...

How to apply.

Once applicants have familiarised themselves with the individual project's details, they are encouraged to contact the lead PhD supervisor to discuss the project and the applicant's suitability for the project. This is recommended before you submit an application to the PhD project. You can contact the lead supervisor via email on the individual project's webpage as well as viewing their research portal which includes the supervisor's research interests and academic publications.

After applicants have made contact with the lead PhD supervisor, you will then need to apply to the PhD project using our online application portal. You will find the application link on the individual project's webpage. You will need to create an account for the online application portal and you will be prompted to sign-in upon your return to the portal.

You do not need to complete your application in one session; you can save your application at each stage and return to the portal at any stage before submission, particularly if you do not have all of the necessary documents when you begin your application.

As these are 'advertised PhDs', in which you will studying one of the above projects that has already been provided by the academic supervisor(s), you do not need to submit a research proposal. Your personal statement will suffice for determining your suitability for the PhD project as well as your previous academic, professional and personal experiences. 

For your application you will need to submit the following documents:

On your application, you will have been asked for contact details of one or two references. For some courses, you will need the references before a decision to be made.

Please make sure you tell your references to expect contact from the University of Birmingham via email, requesting their reference. Please note that the contact email address of the referee must be an official email address and not a personal one (for example, gmail). We recommend that the referee sends back the reference in a PDF format as it is preferred if:

• The reference is on official headed paper with the organisation or university’s logo and address
• It includes the date, your details and the details of the referee
• A summary of how they know you and confirm your suitability for studying on the course you have applied for
• It should be signed by the referee with their official contact details.

If both your referees send back references which are not on official headed paper, you may be asked to send in additional references.

If you already have a written reference(s) and want to upload it on behalf of your referee(s), make sure the reference is a scanned copy of the original and that it is on official headed paper.

If you input your referee details, your referees will receive a reference request email from us as soon as you submit your application. When a referee provides the reference by clicking on the link in the reference request email, it will be automatically uploaded to your application.

Your online portal will be updated when a reference has been received and processed but please allow at least 15 working days for this. If your portal has not been updated, this does not necessarily mean that the references have not been received as there can be a delay with the processing of references.

Please note that for the vast majority of our programmes, we do not require references in order for a decision to be made and your application will still be processed as usual. If an offer is made and the references are still outstanding, they will form part of the conditions of the offer.

Academic certificate and transcript(s) for all prior degrees

If you have graduated.

You will have been asked to upload a scan of your original or certified copies of your degree certificate(s) and transcript(s) on the Postgraduate Application Portal.

If you have not done so already, you can go back into the portal to upload your documents. Otherwise your application cannot be considered.

Please be prepared to send in your original or certified copies of your documents if the Admissions team requests to verify them.

If you don’t have certified copies of your documents and would prefer not to send the original, you can get copies certified by either the institution where you studied or by a notary.

If you are currently a student

You will have been asked to upload an interim transcript from your latest exams.

If you have not done so already, you can go back into the portal to upload your interim transcript. Otherwise your application cannot be considered.

Please be prepared to send in your original or certified copies of your degree certificate and final transcript upon graduation if the Admissions team requests to verify them.

Sample Work

If you are required to submit a piece of example work— usually a short written piece (common for programmes such as Creative Writing or English Literature); music composition or performance for those looking to study music related programmes— you will be notified by the academic tutor before they can access and make a decision on your application.

Please make sure you submit these as soon as possible and in the format requested by the academic tutor.

Research Proposal

A research proposal is only required if you are applying to the project 'Christian Connections and Faithful Citizenship: Black Majority Churches in Birmingham' due to the choice of pursuing one of four thematic focuses.

A research proposal is a concise and ‭coherent summary of your proposed research. ‭It is a key part of your application, on which ‭potential supervisors will decide if your ‭research is something they can support. This is typically between 1,000 and 1,500 words in length.

A research proposal generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use. You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field.

We have prepared further guidance on writing your research proposal including what it should include; how to structure your proposal; and top tips to ensure your proposal demonstrates originality and its research impacts.

Application portal tips

• You don’t need to complete your application in one session. Simply save it and come back to it when you’re ready.
• Avoid delays by checking all your information is accurate and complete.
• Your application won’t be processed until you’ve completed all the relevant sections and submitted it.
• If you have any issues, visit our Admissions FAQ hub where you can find support for a range of queries or you can submit a form response for further help.

What happens next?

Once you’ve submitted your application, we’ll send you details on how to access your applicant portal. You’ll be able to track the progress of your application, update your personal information, view decisions and accept offers.

Your application will be ‘pending’ on your portal while we check your application. You will be contacted by Monday 10 June 2024 with an update on whether your application has been successful.

You can add or edit some details or documents within your application after it’s been submitted through your applicant portal.

Research themes

The 125th Anniversary Scholarships for Black British Researchers are innovative PhD projects in the following research areas:

Global Health:  To improve the health and well-being of people and communities across the world through the application of advanced analytics, the development of personalised treatments and the delivery of early interventions.

Thriving Planet: To diagnose the destructive impact of anthropogenic climate change and advance the scalable clean technologies needed to ensure a sustainable future for people, planet and communities.

Connecting Cultures: To foster intercultural inclusivity and communication by understanding how different cultures shape the world; and to enrich the lives of people and communities through the exploration of human experiences, values and expressions.

Life Changing Technologies:  To lead advances in technology and accelerate their impact on human progress. As pioneers in sustainable manufacturing, quantum technology, critical materials and healthcare technologies, our researchers are transforming lives and livelihoods.

Fairer World: To provide everyone with the chance of a fairer future by tackling inequalities and regional disparities in all aspect of economy and society.

We are delighted to be offering up to twelve studentship awards to increase the representation of Black British students at Doctoral level at Birmingham. We believe that fostering diversity and providing opportunities for underrepresented communities is essential for the advancement of knowledge and societal progress. These University of Birmingham Anniversary Scholarships are a reflection of our commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence. Professor Michael Hand

125 years of the University of Birmingham

In 2025, we’ll celebrate 125 years since the Royal Charter was granted. Founded in 1900, Birmingham represented a new model for higher education, as England's first civic university, a place where students of all backgrounds were accepted on an equal basis. One of the ways we’re celebrating this 125th anniversary is by making a significant investment in our research students. Birmingham is an outstanding place to live and carry out your research. Join us as we celebrate our 125th anniversary, and be part of our ambitious, exciting future. You will play an important part in driving the excellence of our research to make an even greater difference to the world around us.

Find out more

For more information about the scholarship programme, including announcements of available projects and the application process, please register your interest using the form below.

• Search postgraduate courses
• Chat with our postgraduates
• Postgraduate Open Events
• Postgraduate scholarships and funding
• Postgraduate Masters Loan
• Private postgraduate student loans

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses

How to apply

• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Black Advisory Hub
• Our Aims and Values
• Creation of the Hub
• Launch of the Hub
• Terms of Reference
• Frequently-asked questions
• Applying to Cambridge
• Cambridge's structure
• Undergraduate funding
• Postgraduate funding
• Other funding
• Cost of living
• First-Year Induction Programme
• Academic support overview
• Top study tips
• University-wide support overview
• The George Bridgetower Essay Competition: Deadline for submissions 3rd April 2023
• College-based support
• Department-based support
• Undergraduate supervision
• Postgraduate supervision
• Student-led support
• Welfare support overview
• Social networks and peer support
• Dealing with racism & discrimination
• Navigating the city
• Financial support
• Career support overview
• Using the Careers Service
• Black Career Journeys at Cambridge
• Career support for Black students: General
• Career support for Black students: Sector-specific
• Black student societies
• Decolonising networks
• Seed funding
• Current Black Advisory Hub projects
• University projects
• Black at Fitz
• Black alumni trailblazers overview
• Interview with Christabel Okongwu
• Interview with Maya McFarlane
• Interview with Mojola Akinyemi
• Interview with Niche Bernard
• Useful resources
• Staff engagement opportunities
• Forum: Black awarding gaps & decolonisation 2023 overview
• Book cover exhibition: Jordan and Jenni interview
• Outline of the Day: Black Awarding Gaps & Decolonisation Forum 2023
• Keynote speaker: Dr Paul Ian Campbell
• Roundtable Discussion
• Student & Staff Panels
• Student-led Workshops
• Christabel's spoken word poem on Black awarding gaps

Applications Open! Alexander Crummell fully-funded PhD Scholarships for students with Black or Black-Mixed Ethnicity

• Future students
• Current students
• Student networks
• Student projects
• Staff engagement

Submitted by Zeena Elhassan on Wed, 23/11/2022 - 13:47

The Alexander Crummell  fully funded  Scholarships for PhD students and MPhil students (flyers attached) are  aimed at home (UK fee rate) students with  Black or Black-Mixed ethnicity , applying for a degree in a science-based subject at the University of Cambridge starting in October 2023.  Further information is at:

• AC PhD studentship(s):  Alexander Crummell PhD Scholarships | Postgraduate School of Life Sciences (cam.ac.uk)
• AC MPhil studentships:  Alexander Crummell MPhil Scholarships | Postgraduate School of Life Sciences (cam.ac.uk)

In collaboration with Queens’ College, Cambridge, the School of Biological Sciences is inviting applications for the Alexander Crummell PhD Scholarships.

Eligibility

These scholarships are aimed at Home (UK fee rate) students with Black or Black-Mixed ethnicity, applying for a PhD degree in a science-based subject at the University of Cambridge. The terms of the award include that you will become a member of Queens’ College, Cambridge. 

A maintenance award for 4 years at the UKRI level (£17,668 in 2022); university fees at the home rate; research consumables for 4 years (£18,000 in total).

You will also undertake a 3- month long Professional Internship for PhD students (PIPS) at some stage during your study, and will participate in training and cohort-building events alongside other funded students.  

Contact (by email) labs working in the areas you are interested in to discuss possibilities of your applying to carry out PhD research under their supervision. Potential supervisors will help you with formulating a suitable research project proposal for your application. Potential supervisors are listed under these 6 Research Themes on the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences website:

1.     Reproduction, Development and Lifelong Health 2.     Organisms, Evolution and Ecology (including Plant Biology) 3.     Functional and Evolutionary Genomics 4.     Infection and Immunity   5.     Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour 6.     Molecules and Cells

When you are ready to apply, go to the Postgraduate Admissions website in order to find out more about your chosen course and access the Applicant Portal. 

The application deadline is: 5 January 2023.

Enquiries:  [email protected]

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Featured Topics

Featured series.

A series of random questions answered by Harvard experts.

Explore the Gazette

Read the latest.

FAS receives gift to bolster arts, humanities, and strengthen financial aid

Harvard-led study IDs statin that may block pathway to some cancers

Dean’s legacy honored

Harvard launches hbcu scholars program named after its first black ph.d. graduate.

Harvard University will soon welcome 20 students from more than 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to spend the summer as Fellows in the Du Bois Scholars Program.   The program is part of the Harvard College Summer Undergraduate Research Village (HSURV), which provides students with opportunities to conduct rigorous research, participate in professional development workshops, and showcase their work. 

This first cohort of Du Bois Scholars includes rising college juniors and seniors who will explore topics ranging from environmental health to immunology and infectious diseases. They will participate in a nine-week residential program, each working closely with a faculty mentor. Throughout the summer, the Du Bois Scholars will also have opportunities to engage with other students in the HSURV.  At the end of the program, the Du Bois Scholars will present their research achievements. 

Named after W.E.B. Du Bois — the first Black Ph.D. student at Harvard who also studied and taught at HBCUs — the program embodies his commitment to Black scholarship. The Du Bois Scholars Program is funded jointly by Harvard College and the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery (H&LS) Initiative, which seeks to address systemic inequities by developing and advancing visible, lasting, and effective actions through partnerships and by leveraging Harvard’s educational and research resources. Established in January 2023 to implement the recommendations in the Report of the Presidential Committee on Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery , H&LS is launching the Du Bois Scholars program as a part of its commitment to developing enduring partnerships with HBCUs.  

“The Du Bois Scholars Program is an exciting opportunity for Harvard to strengthen its partnerships with HBCUs by fostering rigorous research opportunities,” said Sara Bleich , vice provost for special projects at Harvard University. “We look forward to welcoming our first cohort this summer and learning from their innovative research.” 

HBCUs were established to educate Black students during a time when segregation was legal and have been crucial in producing Black professionals, leaders, and changemakers who have made significant contributions to many aspects of American society, despite insufficient funding. “Since 1837, HBCUs have been pillars of empowerment and progress, fostering excellence and a legacy which fuels innovation and transforms society,” said Shahara C. Jackson , program director of HBCU Strategic Initiatives at H&LS. “I am proud to work alongside insightful leaders who are shaping a brighter future for the Du Bois Scholars.”  

For more information, contact Senior Associate Director of Communications, H&LS, Julita Bailey-Vasco at [email protected]  

Share this article

You might like.

Business leader Joseph Y. Bae ’94 and novelist Janice Y. K. Lee ’94 expand upon three decades of supporting academic excellence, opportunity at Harvard

Cholesterol-lowering drug suppresses chronic inflammation that creates dangerous cascade

Hoekstra, Faust, colleagues laud Robin Kelsey, who will step down from his arts and humanities deanship

Six receive honorary degrees

Harvard recognizes educator, conductor, theoretical physicist, advocate for elderly, writer, and Nobel laureate

When should Harvard speak out?

Institutional Voice Working Group provides a roadmap in new report

Day to remember

One journey behind them, grads pause to reflect before starting the next

HBCUs get historic funding from Biden administration. How has $16 billion been spent?

Usa today looked at where the $16 billion in funding for historically black college and universities has gone, and how the funding compares to predominantly white universities.

The Biden administration recently announced that it has invested a record $16 billion in historically Black colleges and universities over the past three years.

The administration announced the record investment on Thursday ahead of Biden's commencement speech on Sunday at Morehouse College, one of the country's  most revered African American academic institutions.

"These historic funding levels demonstrate the Administration's ongoing commitment to HBCUs, which serve as an engine for upward economic mobility in our country," the White House said in a news release.

USA TODAY looked at how that money has been spent and how the record investment compares to predominantly white universities. Here's what we found out.

Where was the money invested?

Over the past three years, the federal government has invested money in the following places:

• Nearly $4 billion invested in HBCUs through the American Rescue Plan and other COVID relief legislation.
• $2.6 billion  invested from the Department of Education to build institutional capacity at HBCUs. According to the Biden administration, "these efforts support the growth and sustainability of HBCU degree programs; increase and enhance human, technological, and physical infrastructure for research; strengthen positioning to secure direct partnership opportunities; and create sustainable fund development."
• Over $1.6 billion  invested through Federal grants, cooperative agreements, and "other competitive funding opportunities"
• Almost $950 million  to support HBCUs in growing research capacity and related infrastructure
• Nearly $719 million  in grant funding to expand STEM academic capacity and educational programs
• Over $150 million  in federal contracting opportunities awarded to HBCUs, including for research and expansion of STEM education programs at the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, and the U.S. Agency for International Development
• $1.6 billion  in capital finance debt relief for 45 public and private HBCUs
• Over $2.4 million  in Project SERV funds to support HBCUs affected by more than a dozen bomb threats in 2022
• $2.8 billion  in need-based grants and other federal programs, including Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
• Nearly $1.3 billion  to support veterans attending HBCUs through the GI bill and other college, graduate school, and training programs

The impact of historically Black colleges and universities

There are more than 100 HBCUs around the country, according to Leslie Jones , founder and director of  The Hundred-Seven , an organization that promotes the higher education institutions for Black students.

HBCUs represent 3% of all colleges and universities but account for 8% of all undergraduate enrollment of Black students and 13% of all bachelor's degrees earned by Black students.

Research suggests that HBCUs provide opportunities for upward mobility compared to other colleges in the country. Nearly a third of students who graduate from HBCUs will move up at least two income quintiles from their parents by the age of 30.

About 40% of all Black engineers, half of all Black teachers and 70% of all Black doctors and dentists earned their degrees from HBCUs, the Biden administration shared in their news release.

According to  social mobility research  by the United Negro College Fund, HBCUs support almost five times more students than Ivy League schools in helping community members transition from the bottom 40% in U.S. household income to the top 60%.

Where are HBCUs located in the country?

Hbcus have a history of being underfunded.

Under federal law, historically Black land-grant universities are to receive equitable funding with land-grant universities that are predominantly white.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack s ent joint letters  to 16 state governors, addressing funding disparities that totaled $13 billion for 16 historically Black land grant universities.

According to Inside Higher Ed, between 1987 and 2020, 16 state funded institutions had funding gaps ranging from $172 million to $2.14 billion, in comparison with predominantly white land grant universities. Tennessee underfunded its HBCU land grant college by $2.14 billion during this time period, the federal analysis found.

The following states underfunded their historically black land grant colleges:

• North Carolina
• West Virginia
• South Carolina
• Mississsippi

A separate study from philanthropic research group Candid and ABFE, a nonprofit pushing for investment in Black communities, found funding to HBCUs from large U.S. foundations fell 30% between 2002 to 2019.

As previously reported by USA TODAY , the average Ivy League institution received 178 times more foundation funding than the average HBCU, according to the study.

Funding to HBCUs dropped from $65 million in 2002 to $45 million in 2019. Between 2015 to 2019, the nation’s 99 HBCUs received $303 million – compared to a combined $5.5 billion given to the eight Ivy League schools in that same period.

Contributing: Marc Ramirez , Saleen Martin

The College Fix

• Abortion/Pro-life
• Anti-Semitism
• Climate Change
• Common Core
• Free Speech
• Higher Ed Bubble
• Higher Education
• K-12 Education
• Political Correctness
• Racial issues
• Second Amendment
• Sexual Assault
• White Privilege
• Student Reporters
• Merchandise
• About The Fix
• Write For Us

Plan also includes added funds for students with low GPA, adult learners

Illinois soon could give bonuses to universities for enrolling African American and Hispanic students under a proposal by a state government commission.

The recommendation by the Illinois Commission on Equitable Public University Funding aims to address “the historic inequities” in education “especially among students from low-income households, students of color, students from rural communities, and working adults,” according to a news release.

But some higher education advocates say the proposal, if adopted, may be unconstitutional.

As part of a new education funding formula, the commission report recommends the Illinois Legislature give bonuses, or “equity adjustment amounts,” to universities to “incentivize and support activities that increase the retention and completion of historically underserved student groups.”

Commission co-chair Pranav Kothari stated in the news release the funding model is “grounded in equity” to ensure “institutions receive funds needed to support the diverse needs of their student bodies and remove barriers to student access and success.”

The proposal recommends universities receive an extra $6,000 for each African American and American Indian student, $4,000 for each Hispanic student and each student of two or more races, and $2,000 for each rural student.

IMAGE: Illinois Commission on Equitable Public University Funding report

It also includes additional money for students of low income, adult learners, and those with low high school GPAs.

“The Commission worked deliberately and collaboratively to submit recommendations aligned with the statutory charge on a new funding formula to the Illinois General Assembly,” the Illinois Board of Higher Education stated in an emailed statement provided to The College Fix by spokesperson José García.

Commission leaders “look forward to working with legislators as they evaluate the Commission’s report and advance efforts that adequately, equitably and stably funds the state’s public universities,” the board stated.

The commission is made up of 33 members, including state lawmakers, public university employees, students, and representatives of education advocacy organizations.

García did not answer The Fix ’s questions about what the commission believes will be gained from instituting the new funding formula and how it would respond to the legal concerns about funding based on race.

MORE: Western Illinois U. ‘Day of Racial Healing’ includes ‘Racism for White People’ event

Paul Vallas, policy adviser at the Illinois Policy Institute, a nonpartisan research organization, told The Fix in a recent email the proposal may be unconstitutional. Vallas, a Democrat, is a former CEO of Chicago Public Schools and former budget director for Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.

“Given the Supreme Court issued a decision declaring university enrollment based on race is unconstitutional, I would believe that providing supplemental public support to universities based on race may also be unconstitutional,” he said.

Vallas told The Fix : “The Supreme Court was clear, though, that socio-economic factors such as income can be considered in deciding enrollment, which would help achieve a similar objective for those most in need.”

Jonathan Butcher, a senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, expressed similar concerns in an email to The Fix last week.

“These changes appear to be in clear violation of state and federal civil rights laws,” Butcher said. “The U.S. Supreme Court decided last year in the Students for Fair Admissions cases that the use of racial preferences in college admissions was unconstitutional. Yet this proposal from Illinois seems to be based on racial preferences.”

Butcher said the funding proposal is counter to federal laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“Students, parents, taxpayers, and lawmakers should be furious that these officials are planning to treat students differently based on race,” he told The Fix .

Vallas at the Illinois Policy Institute said the commission’s proposal does not solve the real problem in higher education: “the lack of quality school choices at the K-12 level.”

As a result, he told The Fix students are “unprepared for higher education and more likely to drop out. Those most at risk are poor families, which are disproportionately Black and Latino.”

The Fix also contacted Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie and Senate Republican Leader John Curran twice within the past two weeks, asking for their opinions of the proposal and higher education reform in the state. Neither responded.

Illinois public colleges and universities are required to develop and implement equity plans and practices under House Bill 5464 , signed by Gov. J. B. Pritzker in 2022.

MORE: University of Illinois grant funds DEI virtual reality training for nurses

IMAGE: Raw Pixel/Shutterstock

Like The College Fix on Facebook / Follow us on Twitter

Please join the conversation about our stories on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , Reddit , MeWe , Rumble , Gab , Minds and Gettr .

More Articles from The College Fix

Please join the conversation about our stories on Facebook , Twitter , Reddit , MeWe , Rumble , Parler , Gab , and Telegram .

Don’t Miss A Thing

Most popular from the college fix, something we should know.

No thanks, I’m not interested!

Staffing shortages undermine transitional kindergarten rollout

Student journalists on the frontlines of protest coverage

How can California teach more adults to read in English?

How earning a college degree put four California men on a path from prison to new lives | Documentary 

Patrick Acuña’s journey from prison to UC Irvine | Video

Family reunited after four years separated by Trump-era immigration policy

Black teachers: How to recruit them and make them stay

Lessons in higher education: California and beyond

Keeping California public university options open

Superintendents: Well-paid and walking away

The debt to degree connection

College in prison: How earning a degree can lead to a new life

May 14, 2024

Getting California kids to read: What will it take?

April 24, 2024

Is dual admission a solution to California’s broken transfer system?

Black Student Success

As Black college enrollment lags, study suggests strengthening communities

Mallika Seshadri

May 21, 2024.

Across the nation, more Black students are graduating from high school — but fewer are attending college, according to a report released by the Schott Foundation for Public Education . 

A study released Tuesday by the organization examined 15 districts throughout the country that collectively educate more than 250,000 Black male students, two of which are in California: the Los Angeles Unified School District, the largest school district in the state, where 7% of students are Black, and the Oakland Unified School District, which has an enrollment of about 45,000, 21% of students being Black. 

With a 71% graduation rate, Black males at Oakland Unified were among the five lowest in the country — hovering above Detroit, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Minneapolis. At 75%, Los Angeles Unified’s wasn’t much higher. 

“It’s clear that there is something that has to happen across California,” said John Jackson, the CEO and president of the Schott Foundation. 

“If you take L.A. Unified and Oakland Unified as two of the largest districts in the state — and two districts that have the largest Black male population — there is something that has to happen.” 

Jackson added that any efforts by LAUSD are especially critical and could “potentially catalyze progress across the country.” 

Graduating from high school

As of the 2019-20 academic year, roughly 86% of students across the country graduated from high school in four years, according to the report. 

And between 2012 and 2020, Black students’ graduation rates improved the most of any group — slicing the gap between Black and white students by almost half. Black male students, however, did not perform as well as their female peers. 

“The fact that between 2012-2020, the graduation rate increased for all students (4%) and more significantly for Black students (14%) supports the need for states and localities to focus on resourcing the strategies and supports that improve the academic outcomes for the lowest performing group as a pathway to elevate the outcomes for all students,” the report noted. 

Still, at 81%, the rate for all Black students remains below the national average — along with Latino and Native American students. 

Only three states had graduation rates that were higher than the national average: Alabama (88%), Delaware (87%) and Florida (87%). On the other hand, Wyoming (66%), Minnesota (69%) and Idaho (69%) had the lowest rates. 

In California, Black students sustained a graduation rate of 76.9%. 

Graduating from high school, according to the report, is also connected to a lower likelihood of becoming homeless or incarcerated.

Specifically, the report notes that a young person who has not graduated from high school is 350% more likely to experience homelessness and 63% more likely to face incarceration. 

High school graduation can also be linked with a longer life expectancy. 

“To change this trajectory impacting the very lives of Black males, we must broaden our lens beyond the classrooms and hallways because students do not live within school walls,” Andre Perry, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution , wrote in the report.

“They reside with families and are part of neighborhoods where the prevailing conditions directly impact not only their educational outcomes but also their life expectancy.”

Going to college 

Nationally, in the past decade, more than 600,000 Black male students who were projected to participate in post-secondary education have been missing, according to the report. 

Community college enrollment among Black students across the board fell by 26%, and Black student enrollment in historically Black colleges and universities fell by 16%. Meanwhile, in four-year colleges and universities, there was no increase. 

And among Black men, college enrollment dropped by 39% between 2011 and 2020. 

The fall in enrollment comes amid an increase in the number of Black people between the ages of 18 to 34 — whose population rose from 9 million in 2000 to almost 11.5 million a decade later. 

Last year, in the Cal State system, graduation equity gaps also increased between Black, Latino and Indigenous students. But some campuses have made targeted efforts to bridge them . 

CSU’s Young Males of Color Consortium received $3.2 million dedicated to creating programs that will be available at 16 CSU campuses and nearby community colleges — and has been “laser-focused on collaborating with higher education professionals to improve the retention, success, and college completion of young men of color enrolled at our partner colleges and universities,” according to a statement provided to EdSource.

“In the future, we hope to work with our K-12 partners to strengthen the college access pipeline for young men of color, including Black men,” the consortium added.

‘Loving systems’ 

The report emphasized the need to cultivate “loving systems” — which it defines as “a system of core supports that you would provide the children you love” — in order to foster equity and improve student outcomes.

“When we talk about loving systems, we talk about giving young people and, in this particular case, Black males, access to the supports that are indicative of what you know the average parent would give their young person to succeed,” Jackson said. 

“Access to healthy food is an education issue. Access to affordable housing is an education issue.”

In LAUSD, the Black poverty rate was 20% in 2022, and the Black unemployment rate remained at 14%. Meanwhile, in Oakland, the poverty rate was similar to LAUSD — and the Black unemployment rate was about 10%. 

Both regions also deal with high costs of living and are highly segregated. According to the study, LAUSD had a Residential Segregation Dissimilarity Index of 60%, and Oakland’s was 52%. The index measures the distribution of Black and white residents, ranging from complete integration at zero, to complete segregation at 100.  

“At the end of the day, racism is nothing more than institutionalized lovelessness. And with that frame, our goal here has to be — and as we recommend the North Star for California, for LA for Oakland, and many other cities — creating … the types of loving communities where all students have an opportunity to learn and to thrive,” Jackson said. 

“When we do that, we will also see the type of progress in a multiracial democracy that we desire.”

Related Reading

March 6, 2024

January 24, 2023

October 12, 2023

To get more reports like this one, click here to sign up for EdSource’s no-cost daily email on latest developments in education.

Share Article

Comments (6)

Leave a comment, your email address will not be published. required fields are marked * *.

Click here to cancel reply.

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Comments Policy

We welcome your comments. All comments are moderated for civility, relevance and other considerations. Click here for EdSource's Comments Policy .

Debbie 1 week ago 1 week ago

The word “loveless” is the perfect word for what we are seeing when it comes to African Americans and their experiences in US schools. Yes, there is poverty many must face but when we look at the care and study of the migrant children and how Dual-language learners are focused on in our schools. Along with making sure teachers and principals along with paraprofessionals are of Hispanic descent to ensure the migrant child feels “loved,” … Read More

The word “loveless” is the perfect word for what we are seeing when it comes to African Americans and their experiences in US schools. Yes, there is poverty many must face but when we look at the care and study of the migrant children and how Dual-language learners are focused on in our schools. Along with making sure teachers and principals along with paraprofessionals are of Hispanic descent to ensure the migrant child feels “loved,” welcomed and supported if these same efforts and focus were placed on the African American students they too would see increased attendance in school and college admissions. I see it first-hand and AA students feel ignored and not supported in our schools. They’ve taken a backseat to all immigrants from any nation. They’re not a priority but looked at as a statistic. “No Child Left Behind” has failed the African American student in U.S. schools. There is no effort to ensure teachers, supporting staff etc include the support of AA students. But great care and attention is given to dual-language learners over US students. AAVE should be viewed and treated like that of the dual-language learner. Every child’s culture should be accepted, celebrated and cared for like new students to this nation who speak another language and have a different culture. When students feel ignored they will disappear because they view themselves as a problem or nuisance. We must do better for all students. This article was spot on. Thank you.

Suraiya Mosley 6 days ago 6 days ago

Thanks Debbie! Your comments are absolutely on track and are the true reality!

Dan Plonsey 1 week ago 1 week ago

I'm not sure what to think about the use of "loveless" as a euphemism for "low income." The author, for once in EdSource, does not shy away entirely from making it clear that children in low income families are at a huge disadvantage. But "loveless?" Let's be clear: these kids are loved as kids all are by their family and immediate community, and their teachers (to judge from my colleagues), but the love that's lacking … Read More

I’m not sure what to think about the use of “loveless” as a euphemism for “low income.” The author, for once in EdSource, does not shy away entirely from making it clear that children in low income families are at a huge disadvantage. But “loveless?” Let’s be clear: these kids are loved as kids all are by their family and immediate community, and their teachers (to judge from my colleagues), but the love that’s lacking is the collective love of all who resist policies which would reduce economic inequality. How do we reconcile increasing high school graduation rates with decreasing rates of college enrollments? I would guess it’s “credit recovery,” whereby high schools have boosted their graduation rates by having seniors who lack credits sit in front of computers and pretend to learn.

It’s good that graduation rates are up, but credit recovery doesn’t help students actually learn how to learn, nor does it impart any social skills, so they’re unprepared for college. Still, at least they’ve got a diploma, and to the uninformed, it looks like schools are making progress. In reality, it’s a tradeoff: more diplomas, but in the past, some of these kids would have gained skills, knowledge, and motivation at a continuation school.

Lisa Huggins 1 week ago 1 week ago

This article makes no mention of the long-term effects of school integration. African American teachers were systematically not hired in integrated schools that taught African American children. Once that was done you had large numbers of educators who did not see potential in African American children and other children of color. This attitude continues today along with a lack of significant numbers of African American educators and other people of color. Until you have educators … Read More

This article makes no mention of the long-term effects of school integration. African American teachers were systematically not hired in integrated schools that taught African American children. Once that was done you had large numbers of educators who did not see potential in African American children and other children of color. This attitude continues today along with a lack of significant numbers of African American educators and other people of color.

Until you have educators from the community who look like the community in larger numbers this trend will continue. Additionally, the curriculum available in many schools provides minimal content that many disengaged students find relevant.

Elizabeth Silva 1 week ago 1 week ago

The fact this needed a study blows my mind. When families are broken, communities are broken. There is no community that has been decimated as much as the Black community by fatherlessness, which leads to poverty and crime. What child can possibly concentrate on school in circumstances like that? We need to be doing so much more to strengthen and encourage men in our society.

Greg L 1 week ago 1 week ago

It was simply a good chance to repeat a long list of bromides and nonsense assertions in a one source story from a preferred source. A stenography exercise more than reporting

EdSource Special Reports

Texas-style career ed: Ties to industry and wages

State funding for Texas State Technical College depends on graduates’ pay. Majors include robotics, welding, cybersecurity and cooking.

California eyes master plan to transform career ed

The goal is to support life-long learning at schools and workplaces.

Fewer than half of California students are reading by third grade, experts say. Worse still, far fewer Black and Latino students meet that standard. What needs to change?

For the four men whose stories are told in this documentary, just the chance to earn the degree made it possible for them to see themselves living a different life outside of prison.

EdSource in your inbox!

Stay ahead of the latest developments on education in California and nationally from early childhood to college and beyond. Sign up for EdSource’s no-cost daily email.

Stay informed with our daily newsletter

Black Thriving Initiative to Receive $250,000 in CSU Funding

• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Campus Life/Culture of Care

May 23, 2024 | cpp news editor

Cal Poly Pomona’s Black Thriving Initiative will get a boost in funding thanks to a one-time grant from the California State University system .

The CSU recently announced plans to allocate $4.6 million to the 23 campuses to advance Black student success and elevate Black excellence systemwide. Cal Poly Pomona has been awarded $250,000, with $125,000 available immediately and the other half coming in November.

The funds will support these efforts at Cal Poly Pomona:

• High-impact programs that support Black student persistence and retention.
• A new faculty development program in partnership with the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence (CAFÉ) to increase the awareness of Black students’ experience in the classroom and provide faculty with tools and resources to improve the classroom experience for Black students.
• Specialized training for managers to raise the awareness and visibility of the professional challenges and obstacles that Black staff and faculty experience.
• Support for the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) to foster and expand community and professional development opportunities for Black faculty and staff.

The university is in the process of allocating funds to targeted projects, according to Cindy Pickett, presidential associate for inclusion and chief diversity officer.

“With this funding from the CSU, we will be able to demonstrate immediate impact in these high priority areas,” Pickett said. “This is a first step in a broader, sustained effort to support the well-being and success of our Black students, faculty and staff. “

The awards are the result of a pledge the CSU has made to allocate $10 million from 2024 to 2027 or programs and projects to advance Black student success. The “ Black Student Success Report ,” released last June, articulated 13 recommendations for the CSU to support Black students and addressing issues such as Black student enrollment, retention and graduation rates. 

“Leaders — at the system level and across the CSU’s 23 universities — are thinking broadly and acting boldly to advance institutional change and further the momentum of the Black Student Success report,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia. “With a primary focus on ensuring that Black students attain their academic goals and are positioned for a lifetime of success, we also intend this funding the strengthen enrollment and retention efforts, improve classroom experiences, and bolster staff and faculty development across the system.”

Cal Poly Pomona launched its Black Thriving Initiative in December 2022, the first of its kind in the CSU. The initiative was developed after listening sessions and data from a recent Black student, staff, and faculty wellbeing assessment  revealed deeply troubling statistics — including that 87 percent of Black students indicated they feel they cannot be their authentic selves at the institution without fear of repercussion.

The results of that assessment prompted the university to plan a series of events, including a symposium, listening sessions and workshops to raise awareness of the issues facing CPP’s Black community and design strategies for addressing them.

As part of those ongoing efforts, all students, faculty and staff are invited to join the Office of Inclusive Excellence and the CSU in celebrating Juneteenth this year!

• June 13-14 : Watch the livestream of the CSU’s second biennial Juneteenth symposium “ Let Freedom Ring: Breaking Chains and Elevating to New Heights ,” featuring speakers, performances and panel discussions to inspire the continued pursuit of a just and equitable world. Learn more and register on the CSU website . 
• June 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. : Attend CPP’s in-person Juneteenth Block Party & Celebration , including speakers, lunch, live entertainment and more. Get details and register for the lunch by June 10 on the Inclusive Excellence website .  
• Black Thriving Initiative
• California State University
• black student success

HSC College of Nursing announces innovative awards to increase affordability for inaugural 2024 class

• May 28, 2024
• By: Paula Cobler

Related Links

Applications for the inaugural classes of nursing students close July 1.

“Research has shown that those supported and provided with mentorship are more likely to stay in the nursing profession,” said Cindy Weston, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, founding dean of the college. “Launching these programs with special financing opportunities will enable more nursing professionals to pursue rigorous education to advance their careers.”

Nursing Innovation Fellow Program

The new Nursing Innovation Fellow Program is a unique opportunity to provide affordable nursing education for HSC students earning the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Practice Innovation.

Nurse Innovation Fellows will receive up to $5,000 in financial support each semester (fall, spring and summer) for their first year of the program. This will cover up to $13,500 in total tuition costs for full-time students and a prorated amount for part-time students. The funding will support approximately 30 fellows during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Embedded into the MSN curriculum, students will serve as peer nurse mentors to inspire innovation in the profession and strengthen incoming nurses by coaching them toward a career as nurse innovators. The program will establish a pipeline of mentors who can continue to foster and grow in their profession.

  The MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation is for nursing professionals with a BSN who want to continue and expand their education. It will incorporate five, 16-week semesters and condensed 12-week summer semesters. A part-time option is also available, extending the program into seven semesters. In addition, students will have the flexibility to choose one of nine specialized elective tracks.

RN to BSN Awards & Scholarships

All nursing students in HSC’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program will receive a $2,000 admission award, and applicants may have the opportunity to receive one or more of the following awards and scholarships:

• Academic Excellence Award: $2,000 one-time award for selected applicants with a 3.5 GPA or higher
• Career Advancement Award: $3,000 one-time award for professional nurses to advance their education
• RN to BSN Premier Award: $6,000 split between two semesters
• Dean’s Award: Covers tuition and fees for the duration of a full-time student’s enrollment

The RN to BSN is for registered nurses with an associate degree whose next step is to earn a BSN. Students can earn their degree in two, three or four semesters after completing 30 credit hours. Coursework will be delivered primarily online with some clinical experiences provided at HSC’s on-campus Regional Simulation Center.

Both the RN to BSN and MSN in Nurse Practice Innovation degrees at HSC are pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Future Degree Programs

The HSC College of Nursing also is expected to offer two additional degrees starting in fall 2025 These are atraditional BSN and an MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, which was recently approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The two degree programs are pending approval from the Texas Board of Nursing and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

To apply or learn more about HSC’s College of Nursing and its new scholarships and awards, please visit www.unthsc.edu/nursing .

Recent News

A passion to help others guides SBS grad to PhD

Board of Regents approves tenure of four distinguished faculty members

Empathy-driven leadership: Rylee Miller embarks on her journey to transform rural health care

Keeping Black mamas alive: TaKasha Davis Ehiogu is on a mission

Quick links

• Alumni Relations
• Media Contact
• Accessibility Statement
• Accreditation Summary
• Bondholder Information
• Careers at HSC
• HSC Trust Line
• Mental Health Services
• Minors on Campus
• Notice of Nondiscrimination
• Privacy Notice
• Report Behavioral Misconduct
• Report Fraud, Waste or Abuse
• Report Sexual Misconduct, Intimate Partner Violence and Stalking
• Texas Veterans Portal

Connect with us

• 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd.
• Fort Worth, Texas, 76107
• (817) 735-2000

Social media

• Student Life
• Patient Care
• After-Action Review
• Continuing studies
• COVID-19 information
• Student services