Attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is a proud tradition for many students seeking a quality education and a strong sense of community. However, the cost of tuition and other expenses can be a barrier for some students. That’s where scholarships come in. In this article, we’ll highlight 13 scholarships specifically designed for HBCU students. These scholarships provide financial support and opportunities for academic and personal growth. So, if you’re considering attending an HBCU or currently enrolled in one, be sure to check out these 13 scholarships that can help make your educational dreams a reality.
Gucci Changemakers North America Scholarship Program – Up to $20,000
Gucci, the luxury fashion brand, offers annual scholarships to diverse students interested in fashion who need extra money to pay for college. The scholarships awards are based on unmet financial need, and are open to students interested in design, marketing, art, film, communications, fashion law, merchandising, and other fashion-related fields. Special consideration will go to students who are currently attending or plan to attend a HBCU and those who currently live in or go to school in one of Gucci’s 12 Changemaker cities.
NSCS HBCU Student of the Year: Changemaker Award – $10,000
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) HBCU Student of the Year: Changemaker Award is annually awarded to an HBCU student who is actively facilitating change on their campus or in their community. Applicants must be NSCS members and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Chevron/SWE Scholarship – $5,000
The Chevron Corporation, a multinational energy company, and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), an organization promoting the interests of women in engineering professions, partner to offer a scholarship for female students in various engineering majors. Students at all schools are eligible but preference is given to students at Hispanic-serving institutions and historically black colleges and universities, with an emphasis on: Florida International University (FIU), Prairie View A&M, Tuskegee, North Carolina A&T, and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez.
Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program – $10,000
The Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program was established by Tony Signore to honor one of the most important African American figures in our country’s history. The program awards two $10,000 scholarships each year to exceptional HBCU seniors (one female and one male student), who have demonstrated high academic achievement, strong leadership skills, commitment to community service and unmet financial need. Applicants must be enrolled full-time as a rising senior at any accredited public or private four-year HBCU, meet a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, show a commitment to community service, have a demonstrated unmet financial need, and complete the FAFSA.
Target Scholarship – Up to $5,000
Created in 2021 by Target in partnership with UNCF, the Target Scholars Program provides 1,000 need-based scholarships of up to $5,000 to first-year Black students enrolled at select HBCUs with a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in technology, leadership or design. In addition to four years of academic support, the program provides mentoring, internship opportunities, networking and more throughout the winners’ college career. To qualify, applicants must identify as Black, meet a minimum GPA of 2.75, be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident, be an incoming freshman, plan on enrolling full-time at one of the selected HBCUs, demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in technology, leadership, or design, and have an unmet financial need.
UNCF General Scholarship – Varies
The UNCF General Application is not one specific scholarship but an application that enables students to apply for several UNCF scholarships at one time. The General Application is used to establish a pool of eligible candidates for scholarships that are unpublished and do not require an additional application. In order to qualify, students must be enrolled full-time at a UNCF Member College or University, complete the FAFSA, have a demonstrated financial need, and have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA.
5 Strong Scholarship – Full Tuition
The 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation partners with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to provide full-tuition scholarships and non-monetary support to student leaders. To be considered for scholarships, applicants must reside in the metropolitan area of Atlanta or Houston.
AFCEA Undergraduate Diversity Scholarship – $3,000
The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) annually offers the AFCEA Undergraduate Diversity Scholarship. Applicants must be women or minority students, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be at least second-year college students enrolled full-time in a four-year college or university, be majoring in STEM fields, and meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. Students attending HBCUs are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted starting mid-January.
HBCU NREI Scholarship – $10,000
Administered by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), the HBCU NREI Social Justice Scholarship is a one-time $10,000 award created “to encourage and recognize necessary student exposure, experience and engagement in organizing, political mobilization, and civic participation aimed at advancing equity, freedom, and justice for all, especially the Black community and racial minorities.” Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; be African American or Black; attend an accredited HBCU during the academic year of scholarship award; have a GPA minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; demonstrate a commitment to social justice; and exhibit leadership and be active in community.
Better Together STEM Scholarship Program – $2,500, $10,000
Each year, the PG&E Corporation Foundation offers the Better Together STEM Scholarships of $2,500 or $10,000 to students pursuing STEM-related studies at universities in California and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the United States. Students must be California residents and PG&E customers at the time of application. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, current college students, veterans and adults returning to school who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study in an eligible STEM field at an accredited four-year college or university in California or an HBCU in the United States.
Luther and Mary Ida Vandross Scholarship – $500-$6,000
Offered by the Philadelphia Foundation, the Luther and Mary Ida Vandross Scholarship is annually awarded to upperclassmen undergraduate students attending Historically Black College or Universities (HBCUs). Applicants must be enrolled in a 4-year HBCU in their 3rd, 4th, or 5th year of study leading to an undergraduate degree. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund – Varies
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is a nonprofit organization that exclusively supports the Black college community, with 98 percent of its awards going to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Each year, the organization awards nearly 500 scholarships to high-achieving students who plan to earn a baccalaureate, graduate or law degree from an accredited college or university. TMCF offers three types of scholarships: the Gap Completion Scholarship is meant to close the financial gap for students with urgent financial need, while the Access Scholarship and the Programmatic Scholarship covers tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board for all “classifications” of students. Applicants need to complete just one TMCF profile, which they can use to apply for numerous awards. The eligibility criteria varies based on the scholarship.
USDA 1890 National Scholars Program – Full tuition, room and board
The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a full-tuition and employment track program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 1890 Land-Grant Universities. The scholarship provides full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board of each year for up to 4 years to students pursuing agriculture-related bachelor’s degrees. Applicants must be attending one of the nineteen 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities, study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related academic disciplines, be a U.S. citizen, and have above a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
In conclusion, the journey to finding the perfect scholarship doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you’re just beginning your search or looking to expand your options, our comprehensive scholarship directory offers a wide range of opportunities catering to diverse academic interests and backgrounds. For a more personalized approach, consider leveraging the power of TUN AI, our innovative tool designed to match you with scholarships uniquely suited to your profile. Start exploring today and take a step closer to securing the financial support you need for your educational journey.