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Scholarships and Resources for Minority Students

Discover 40 scholarship opportunities and additional student support that can help make your college and career dreams a reality.

Updated

08/14/2020

Everyone deserves the opportunity to go to college. But it doesn’t come cheap, and even after getting in, it can be tough to find academic and career support without knowing where to look. As a minority student, there are countless financial, educational and professional resources designed to help you afford college and prepare for your chosen career. On this page, we’ve highlighted more than 40 minority-focused scholarships and resources that help make higher education more diverse and accessible – including those for students who plan to pursue degrees and careers in public service fields like environmental conservation, law enforcement, and public policy. Read on to find the help you need paying for and succeeding in college.

Scholarships & Grants for Minority Students

Many general and public-service-oriented scholarships exist for minority students. This gift aid can help offset the cost of college dramatically, making it easier to earn a degree without breaking the bank. Browse the list below to see which awards you may qualify for.

General Scholarships & Grants

Organization

BLM² Scholarship Foundation

Amount

$1,000

Deadline

7/3/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

This biblically-based program serves minority students of all ethnic/racial backgrounds who demonstrate commitment to high achievement. They must also plan to attend a four-year college.

How to Apply

Applicants must live in Illinois and provide official transcripts demonstrating a 3.0 or higher GPA. They must also supply official ACT/SAT scores and answers to essay questions.

Organization

Burger Kind McLamore Foundation

Amount

Up to $50,000

Deadline

12/15/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Students from any minority group can apply to this award if they work at Burger King or have a relative who does. They must have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher and be starting a degree at a two-year, four-year, or vocational school.

How to Apply

Applicants must provide a completed form, evidence of BK employment, official transcripts, resume, community service information, and financial details.

Organization

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Amount

Up to $900

Deadline

3/5/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

Individuals of a racial/minority group who have been members of the United Methodist Church for at least one year can apply, provided they are pursuing an undergraduate degree.

How to Apply

Students must supply a completed application, official transcripts demonstrating a 2.5 GPA or higher, and a letter from their church showing at least one year of membership at the time of applying.

Organization

Gates Millennium Scholars Program

Amount

Varies

Deadline

9/15/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Students of any ethnic or racial minority group can apply to this award if enrolling full-time as a first-time student and possessing a 3.3 or higher GPA.

How to Apply

Required materials include an application, nominator form, recommender form, and financial need documentation.

Organization

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Amount

Varies

Deadline

12/1/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation provides a variety of scholarships open to all minority students provided they live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

How to Apply

Completing one general application qualifies students to apply for more than 70 different scholarships. They should supply a list of awards, academic transcripts, an essay, and information about financial need.

Organization

Asian Pacific Fund

Amount

$2,000 (renewable)

Deadline

4/24/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Farm workers or children of farm or migrant farm workers can apply to this award, regardless of ethnic or racial background. They must demonstrate financial need.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a completed form, essays, recent transcripts demonstrating a 3.0 or higher GPA, and two letters of recommendation.

Organization

The LaGrant Foundation

Amount

$2,500

Deadline

2/28/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

Students belonging to a minority ethnic group can apply if they’re enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree and possess a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a typed application, one reference letter, current resume, unofficial transcripts, and a headshot.

Arab Americans and Other Middle Eastern Americans

Organization

American Federation of Ramalla Palestine

Amount

Varies

Deadline

5/1/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

This award supports Palestinian and Palestinian American students from low-income backgrounds who want to attend a college or university.

How to Apply

Applicants should email [email protected] and ask for a scholarship application.

Organization

Lebanese American Heritage Center

Amount

Varies

Deadline

9/15/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Lebanese Americans living in Michigan can apply to this award if in their final year of high school. They must also possess a 3.5 GPA or higher, show financial need, and be available to attend two mandatory meetings.

How to Apply

Applicants should supply a competed form, most recent academic transcript, two letters of recommendation, a Student Aid Report (SAR), ACT/SAT scores, and a 500-word essay.

Asian Americans & Pacific Islander Americans

Organization

Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship

Amount

Up to $20,000

Deadline

1/20/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

Students of Asian or Pacific Islander descent can apply to this award if they are the first in their family to attend college and live at or below the poverty level.

How to Apply

Applicants must supply a completed application, financial information, evidence of community service and leadership potential, and official transcripts.

Organization

Central California Asian Pacific Women

Amount

Varies

Deadline

6/30/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Asian and Pacific Islander women working towards a higher education degree can apply to this award if from California. Priority is given to first generation students who demonstrate academic achievement and/or leadership potential.

How to Apply

Applicants must supply a Student Aid Report, one letter of recommendation, official or unofficial transcripts, evidence of acceptance, and a photograph.

Organization

U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce

Amount

Up to $5,000

Deadline

5/15/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Asian or Pacific Islander students starting a full-time degree at an accredited college can apply if they possess a 3.3 GPA or higher, act as a leader in extracurricular activities, and have financial need.

How to Apply

Required materials include a photo, 350- to 400-word essay, high school transcripts, most recent household tax returns, and two letters of recommendation.

Black / African Americans

Organization

Poise Foundation

Amount

$2,000

Deadline

Spring 2021 (Annual)

Eligibility

NAACP members who can demonstrate financial need and are enrolled on a full-time basis can apply if they possess a 2.5 GPA in undergrad or 3.0 GPA in graduate school.

How to Apply

Required materials include a completed application, recent academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and financial need documentation.

Organization

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Amount

$7,500

Deadline

4/27/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Full-time students attending an HBCU with a 3.0 or higher GPA can apply if currently working on a professor-led research project and able to demonstrate leadership qualities.

How to Apply

Students must supply their most recent Student Aid Report, most recent transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and answers to three essay questions.

Organization

Institute for the International Education of Students Abroad

Amount

$5,000

Deadline

5/1/20 & 11/1/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Minority students who want to study abroad but lack the funding to do so can apply to this award. They must attend a member school of the IES Abroad Consortium.

How to Apply

Applicants must demonstrate financial need, present a brief written bio statement, and provide a one-page statement about the study abroad experience after returning.

Hispanic / Latinx Americans

Organization

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Amount

Up to $5,000

Deadline

2/15/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

Students of Hispanic heritage working towards a degree at any level can receive this award if studying on a full-time basis.

How to Apply

Students must demonstrate a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 or minimum college GPA of 2.5. They must also provide a FAFSA application and participate in an interview if they move to the finalist phase.

Organization

TheDream.US

Amount

$14,000 for an associate degree and $29,000 for a bachelor’s degree, renewable

Deadline

2/27/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

Students with DACA or TPS authorization who qualify for in-state tuition at a partner college can complete for this award if they arrived in America prior to age 16.

How to Apply

Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a 2.5 or higher GPA. They must supply official transcripts, letter of acceptance, personal essay, and letters of recommendation.

Native Americans & Alaska Natives

Organization

Daughters of the American Revolution

Amount

$4,000

Deadline

2/15/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

Native American students belonging to any recognized tribe can apply regardless of location. They can pursue undergraduate or graduate study, though undergraduates receive preference.

How to Apply

Applicants should demonstrate financial need and academic achievement, proof of American Indian heritage, and transcripts showing a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

Organization

American Indian College Fund

Amount

Varies

Deadline

5/31/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Applicants should be affiliated with a tribe and provide proof of enrollment via their parents or grandparents. Students can be seeking education at the associate, bachelor’s, or graduate level.

How to Apply

Applicants need to apply a completed application, academic transcripts, evidence of a 2.0 or higher GPA, and a digital photo

Organization

American Indian Education Fund

Amount

$2,000 per year

Deadline

4/4/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

Native American and Alaska Native students enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program can apply to this scholarship if they possess a GPA of 2.0 or higher and can submit ACT scores and evidence of full-time enrollment.

How to Apply

Students must submit an application, community involvement form, essay, tribal enrollment document/card, recent transcripts, and a photo of themselves.

Scholarships & Grants in Public Service

Organization

American College of Healthcare Executives

Amount

$5,000

Deadline

4/30/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Minority students currently enrolled full-time in an MHA, MPH, or MBA in healthcare administration or a similar topic can apply if in their final year of studies.

How to Apply

Scholarship requirements include demonstrated financial need, current resume, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, three reference letters, and an application essay.

Organization

American Political Science Association

Amount

Up to $4,000

Deadline

4/17/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

Students of African American, Asian Pacific, Latino, or Native American heritage can receive APSA funding if working towards a doctorate in political science or public administration.

How to Apply

Application checklist includes an online application form, letter of enrollment verification, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.

Organization

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Amount

$15,000 plus tuition remission

Deadline

Due with program application

Eligibility

Exceptional students from underrepresented minority populations can apply for this graduate scholarship if attending Rutgers and studying public policy.

How to Apply

Students receive consideration for this award when submitting their application to the Blouistein School of Planning and Public Policy.

Organization

Sutliff & Stout Law Firm

Amount

$1,500

Deadline

7/31/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Minority students working towards a legal career can apply to this award, regardless of where they live or attend law school.

How to Apply

Applicants must provide evidence of acceptance to or current enrollment in an accredited paralegal or law school program alongside answers to an essay question.

Organization

United States Institute of Peace

Amount

Up to $20,000 per year

Deadline

10/15/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

This scholarship provides funding for a non-residential fellowship to help doctoral students complete research on topics related to conflict management, peacebuilding, and/or public policy.

How to Apply

Students must submit an application, outline of proposal topic, three letters of recommendation, personal statement, and transcripts.

Organization

NAACP

Amount

$2,000 (renewable)

Deadline

4/24/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Outstanding undergraduate students from a minority background can apply to this award if they plan to work on advancing civil rights causes.

How to Apply

Applicants must supply evidence of financial need, college acceptance letter, two recommendation letters, resume, transcripts, personal statement, essay, and SAT/ACT scores.

Organization

American Bar Association

Amount

$15,000

Deadline

5/2/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Students of ethnic or racial minority currently attending an accredited law school can receive this award, which is disbursed over three years.

How to Apply

Required materials include an application form, personal statement, academic transcripts, 2-4 letters of recommendation, and a release form.

Arab Americans and Other Middle Eastern Americans

Organization

Qalam Center

Amount

Full tuition and housing for program

Deadline

Varies by semester

Eligibility

Students of Middle Eastern heritage can apply to this program, which covers one semester worth of programming to study Arabic at the Qalam Center in Rabat, Morocco.

How to Apply

Applicants must write a 600-1,000-word essay, complete at least four semesters of Arabic at university, and provide three letters of recommendation.

Asian Americans & Pacific Islander Americans

Organization

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution Scholars

Amount

Up to $5,000

Deadline

11/6/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Students of Native American, Pacific Islander, or Asian American heritage who plan to work in a role focused on community service can apply to this award if they live at or below the poverty level and are first-generation college students.

How to Apply

Students should submit an online application, financial information, high school or college transcripts, and information on community service activities.

Organization

Asian Pacific Fund

Amount

$1,000

Deadline

5/11/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Graduate students of Asian and Asian American heritage who are working on a research project focused on social/economic need can apply for this award if they demonstrate financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

How to Apply

Applicants must provide a completed student form, essays, most recent transcripts, a resume, and two letters of recommendation.

Organization

Japanese American Citizens League

Amount

Varies

Deadline

5/1/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

The JACL offers several scholarships to Japanese American students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas of law and the creative/performing arts. They must be enrolled full-time.

How to Apply

Required materials include completed application, JACL membership documentation, personal statement, letter of recommendation, ACT/SAT scores, transcripts, and information about work experience and community involvement.

Black / African Americans

Organization

National Black Police Association

Amount

$500

Deadline

5/17/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

African American and Black high school seniors of good character can apply to this award if working towards a degree in law enforcement or a related area.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit current high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation, a current high school senior picture, and an essay.

Organization

NOBLE National

Amount

$2,000

Deadline

4/15/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

High school seniors of African or Black heritage can apply to this award if studying forensic investigation, law enforcement, or a related topic. They must possess a 3.8 GPA or higher.

How to Apply

Required materials include an application form, school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a typed, one-page essay on career goals.

Organization

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Amount

$40,000 over four years

Deadline

1/9/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

Black and African American high school students interested in working in a community service-focused role can apply to this award if they demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need.

How to Apply

Applicants must provide a program application, list of extracurricular and community activities, resume, awards/honors received, essay answers, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.

Hispanic / Latinx Americans

Organization

Association of Latino Professionals for America

Amount

Up to $10,000

Deadline

6/8/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Students of Hispanic origin can apply if working towards a two- or four-year degree in education, business, accounting, finance, or STEM topics.

How to Apply

Required materials include transcripts demonstrating a 3.0 or higher GPA, answers to an essay question, and demonstration of financial need. Priority is given to first- or second-generation students.

Organization

National Association of Hispanic Nurses

Amount

Up to $5,000

Deadline

5/27/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

Students attending an accredited full-time nursing program who can demonstrate Hispanic heritage can apply for one of several scholarship offered by NAHN.

How to Apply

Requirements include NAHN membership, transcripts, demonstration of financial need, resume, two letters of recommendation, and an essay.

Native Americans & Alaska Natives

Organization

American Indian Graduate Studies

Amount

Varies

Deadline

5/1/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

American Indian Tribal Members and Alaska Natives can apply to this award if they possess a 3.25 GPA and demonstrate a spirit of public service towards their tribal community.

How to Apply

Applicants must provide a completed application, ancestry documentation, letter of college acceptance, high school transcripts, and a community service and leadership resume.

Organization

Indian Health Service

Amount

Deadline

5/15/20 (Annual)

Eligibility

American Indian and Alaskan Native students looking to study a health service-related topic at an accredited university at the bachelor’s level can apply.

How to Apply

Applicants must supply a high school diploma/GED, transcripts demonstrating a 2.0 GPA or higher, and evidence of financial need.

Organization

Intertribal Timber Council

Amount

Up to $2,500

Deadline

3/13/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

Native American and Alaskan Natives can compete for this award if they plan to work in a field related to conservation, environmentalism, and/or natural resources upon graduating.

How to Apply

Students must submit a letter of application, resume, three reference letters, evidence of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe, and school transcripts.

Organization

Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation

Amount

Up to $7,000

Deadline

3/5/21 (Annual)

Eligibility

Native American and Alaska Native students enrolled in undergraduate programs focused on tribal public policy, native healthcare, or conservation and environmental issues can apply to this award.

How to Apply

Required materials include confirmation of membership in an Indian tribe, answers to educational questions, official transcripts, list of activities, and an essay on a significant public speech, legislative act, or public policy statement.

Academic and Career Resources for Minority Students

Many no-cost resources exist to help minority students find information on financial aid, professional development and networking opportunities, advocacy programs, and educational support. We highlight a few top options in the following sections, but students are encouraged to do additional research to find resources fitting their professional goals and personal background.

Financial Aid

30 Top Scholarships for Public Service StudentsUse this handy resource to find additional scholarships tailored specifically towards public service degrees and careers at every level.

Getting Financial Aid for Your Public Service DegreeMany other types of financial aid exist beyond scholarships and grants for students who agree to use their educations to serve others for a time after graduating.

Reducing Your Student Loans Through Acts of Public ServiceState and federal governments provide several student loan forgiveness programs to professionals who use their talents to make the world a better place. Learn about some of the opportunities in this helpful guide.

Professional Development and Networking

The National Alliance of Black School EducatorsNASBE serves African American and Black educators throughout the country by providing access to an annual conference, networking opportunities, continuing education programming, professional development services, and a regularly updated career center.

Transcultural Nursing SocietyThe TNS brings together nursing professionals of all racial and ethnic backgrounds from across the world. The group provides a trade journal, access to local chapters, networking programs, conferences, and opportunities for certification.

Hispanic American Police Command Officers AssociationMembers of HAPCOA gain access to an annual symposium, career awards, job information, local and national events, and information on industry news.

Advocacy Groups

Asian American Legal Defense and Education FundThe AALDEF advocates on behalf of Asian Americans throughout the country by protecting and promoting civil rights. The group also offers information on economic justice, educational equity, immigrant rights, and environmental justice.

Native Indian Education AssociationAdvocating at the federal and state levels, the NIEA supports Native American and Alaska Native individuals by providing advocacy resources, resolutions, and a presence at Capitol Hill.

The Association of Black PsychologistsABPSI works to advance and promote the work of black psychologists through advocacy programming, publications, and programs focused on bringing greater awareness to their research and clinical work.

Public Service Education

The State of Change: An Analysis of Women and People of Color in the Philanthropic SectorThe Council on Foundations conducted a study to examine how the demographic makeup of the philanthropic sector has changed over time, with specific emphasis on building parity in the hiring and promoting of minority professionals.

Minority Teacher RecruitmentThe National Education Association developed a policy resolution on increasing the number of minority educators. The group provides a breakdown on issues around creating equity between minority and majority teaching populations.

National Environmental Professionals of ColorOrganized by the Center for Diversity & the Environment, this group champions educational and professional opportunities for minority individuals looking to work in environmental and conservation positions.