Scholarships and Resources for Minority Students
College can be an amazing experience, yet financial stressors can put a damper on your experience. But financial aid opportunities are abundant, including those designed exclusively for minority students. This guide reveals 40 of the most lucrative, as well as tips to maximize your chances of earning them.
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.