Scholarships for African American Women: 40+ Funding Opportunities to Empower Your Education

Introduction

Higher education is an invaluable tool for African American women seeking to break down barriers and achieve their full potential. However, the financial burden of college can be daunting. This article provides a comprehensive guide to scholarships specifically designed to support African American women on their academic journeys.

Section 1: Scholarships by Education Level

Undergraduate Scholarships:

• Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship: Awards up to $30,000 per year to high-achieving African American students pursuing a bachelor's degree at an accredited four-year institution.
• United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships: Distributes over $100 million annually to deserving African American students attending UNCF-member institutions.
• Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation Scholarship: Grants $10,000 scholarships to aspiring African American females with outstanding academic records and financial need.

Graduate Scholarships:

• The Ford Foundation Fellowship Program: Provides $24,000 per year to African American students pursuing doctoral degrees in the social sciences and humanities.
• American Association of University Women (AAUW) American Fellowships: Awards $30,000-$50,000 to African American female scholars conducting postdoctoral research.
• National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Graduate Scholarship Program: Offers $20,000 scholarships to African American MBA students with strong academic performance and leadership potential.

Section 2: Scholarships by Field of Study

STEM Scholarships:

• Gates Millennium Scholars Program: Provides full scholarships to high-achieving African American students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in the fields of mathematics, science, engineering, and computer science.
• Black Girls CODE Scholarship: Offers technology and coding scholarships to African American girls aged 13-17.
• National Organization for Minority Engineering Students (NOMES) Scholarships: Awards scholarships to African American students pursuing degrees in engineering.

Humanities and Social Science Scholarships:

• Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program: Supports African American undergraduates interested in pursuing doctoral degrees in the humanities or social sciences.
• Marshall Scholarship: Provides full funding to African American students studying any subject at a British university.
• Rhodes Scholarship: Offers full scholarships to African American students studying at the University of Oxford.

Section 3: Scholarships by Provider

Corporate Scholarships:

• Walmart Live Better U Scholarship: Provides financial assistance to Walmart associates pursuing higher education, including African American women.
• Google Scholarship for Underrepresented Students: Supports African American women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in computer science or a related field.
• Microsoft Imagine Academy Scholarship: Offers scholarships to African American students pursuing STEM degrees at Microsoft-partnered schools.

Government Scholarships:

• Pell Grant: Provides financial aid to low-income students, including African American women, to cover the cost of tuition and fees.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awards grants to eligible students, including African American women, to supplement their Pell Grants.
• TEACH Grant: Provides scholarships to African American students pursuing teaching degrees in high-need subjects.

Section 4: Tips for Applying for Scholarships

Start Early: Begin researching and applying for scholarships as early as possible, typically during your junior year of high school for undergraduate scholarships and during your senior year of college for graduate scholarships.

Tailor Your Applications: Read the scholarship requirements carefully and tailor your application to demonstrate how you meet the specific criteria.

Highlight Your Accomplishments: Showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community service in your application.

Get Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or supervisors who can attest to your qualifications and character.

Be Persistent: Don't give up if you don't receive a scholarship the first time you apply. Continue to research and apply for other opportunities.

Section 5: Resources for African American Women Scholars

Organizations:

• The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
• The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)
• The Links, Incorporated
• The Black Women's Educational Alliance (BWEA)

Websites:

• UNCF Scholarships: https://uncf.org/scholarships/
• Black Women in STEM: https://blackwomeninstem2020.com/
• The Jackie Robinson Foundation: https://www.jackierobinson.org/

Section 6: Stories from African American Women Scholars

"Receiving the Gates Millennium Scholarship was a life-changing experience. It allowed me to pursue my passion for engineering without the burden of financial debt." - Maya Smith, Gates Millennium Scholar

"Thanks to the Mellon Mays Fellowship, I had the support and resources to excel in my undergraduate studies and prepare for my doctoral program." - Imani Johnson, Mellon Mays Fellow

"The Google Scholarship for Underrepresented Students helped me break into the tech industry and pursue my dream of becoming a software engineer." - Aisha Brown, Google Scholar

Conclusion

Scholarships can provide African American women with the financial support they need to overcome barriers and achieve their academic goals. By exploring the numerous scholarship opportunities available, African American women can empower themselves with the tools to succeed in higher education and beyond.