There are many scholarships and grants designed specifically for minority applicants. Below, we’ve compiled a list of six of these scholarships. Some of these awards also focus on certain characteristics, such as an interest in cyber security, studying abroad, or chemistry. Read the descriptions below and set aside some time to submit your applications before the corresponding deadlines. Remember, every scholarship awarded will reduce your out-of-pocket cost and help ease your mind as you plan for college.
The Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit a personal statement on why you are interested in Hispanic health issues and your career goals, along with a curriculum vitae, letter of recommendation, and transcript
Eligibility: Open to full-time students with at least a 3.0 GPA in one of the following graduate programs: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, Nursing (including BSN degree), or Master of Public Health. Applicants are not required to be Hispanic, however, an affinity for the health of Hispanic communities and an interest in participating in NHHF Scholars Alumni activities is required.
Amount: Between $2,000 and $5,000
Deadline: September 13, 2024
Website: https://www.nhmafoundation.org/the-hispanic-health-professional-student-scholarship
AIFS Diversity Achievement Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit a 1,000-word essay addressing how study abroad fits into your academic and career goals, and what you will do to promote study abroad on your campus upon your return
Eligibility: Must be a high-achieving student from a background historically underrepresented in education abroad studying through AIFS
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: October 1, 2024
Website: https://www.aifsabroad.com/financial-aid/aifs-financial-aid.asp#diversity-abroad-achievement-scholarship
Cybersecurity & the Latinx Community Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit an essay between 400 and 600 words on what made you choose to pursue a degree in cybersecurity and where you see yourself taking your education post-graduation
Eligibility: Open to low-income, Latinx undergraduate students studying cybersecurity
Amount: Five winners of $1,000 each
Deadline: November 25, 2024
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/cybersecurity-and-the-latinx-community-scholarship/
Bright Lights Scholarship
How to Apply: Write an essay between 400 and 600 words on your plans for the future and how this scholarship will help you
Eligibility: Open to underrepresented minority and/or first-generation high school or undergraduate students
Amount: Two winners of $500 each
Deadline: December 25, 2024
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/bright-lights-scholarship/
APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit a personal statement along with a letter of recommendation, cover letter, and academic transcript
Eligibility: Must be a minority graduate student enrolled in an accredited psychology master’s or doctoral program and be committed to improving the disparities in societal structures and issues that negatively impact communities of color
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Website: https://apf.apa.org/funding/queen-nellie-evans/
American Chemical Society Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit your transcript and two letters of recommendation
Eligibility: Must be an African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or Indigenous high school senior or college student with at least a 3.0 GPA majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, or another chemistry-related science and planning to pursue a career in a chemistry-related science
Amount: Between $1,000 and $5,000
Deadline: March 1, 2025
Website: https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding-and-awards/scholarships/acsscholars/apply.html
Scholarships should be considered a small—yet still important—source of revenue for college. Data shows that most families pay for college using parent and student income, savings, and loans. Most scholarship recipients receive $2,500 or less, and only 0.1% of undergraduate students receive $25,000 or more in scholarship funds. In addition to looking for scholarships to help pay for college, families should apply for financial aid and consider saving in a dedicated college savings account.
