Starting your college journey is an exciting milestone, but figuring out how to cover the costs can be overwhelming. For black students, there are scholarships designed not only to help with financial needs but also to recognize the unique experiences they face. This guide is all about connecting you with scholarships specifically for black students so you can find the support you need to thrive in college and beyond.

After extensive research analyzing hundreds of scholarship opportunities across platforms, we discovered that Bold.org offers some of the best scholarships specifically designed for black students. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or looking for extra funding, these scholarships can help you take your next big step. From scholarships that recognize academic excellence to those that support specific career goals or community involvement, there are plenty of options to explore.

With the right resources and support, you can turn your educational dreams into reality. So, let’s dive in and discover scholarships that can help you take the next step toward your future.

Apply for scholarships today to help you pay for college!

Top Scholarships for Black students with Upcoming Deadlines in July 2025

Climb the corporate ladder with a college degree, funded by scholarships for Black students. Exclusive opportunities on Bold.org. No outside listings or fees.

Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship

Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship

This scholarship will provide for college students or adults currently in a career, who have student debt. Students must be African American or Hispanic/Latino and first-generation students in order to apply.

Award Amount: $10,240
Deadline: November 30, 2025
Winners Announced: December 31, 2025
Hines Scholarship

Hines Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support underrepresented students who are pursuing higher education so they can overcome the obstacles they face and succeed.

Award Amount: $1,500
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Winners Announced: December 15, 2025
Dr. Jade Education Scholarship

Dr. Jade Education Scholarship

This scholarship will help support African American women attending graduate school.

Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: January 1, 2026
Winners Announced: February 1, 2026
Dr. Monique Dupree Scholarship for BIPOC Students

Dr. Monique Dupree Scholarship for BIPOC Students

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Dr. Monique Dupree by supporting and inspiring future physical therapists.

Award Amount: $4,300
Deadline: August 31, 2025
Winners Announced: September 30, 2025
Mark A. Jefferson Teaching Scholarship

Mark A. Jefferson Teaching Scholarship

This scholarship will support one extremely ambitious African-American in their studies to become an educator for the future.

Award Amount: $2,080
Deadline: January 14, 2026
Winners Announced: February 14, 2026
$25,000 "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship

$25,000 "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship

The world will be shaped by the bold—the fighters, the risk-takers, the earnest overachievers who won’t take no for an answer. The $10,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile.

Award Amount: $25,030
Deadline: August 1, 2025
Winners Announced: December 1, 2025
Future Women In STEM Scholarship

Future Women In STEM Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to foster gender equity in male-dominated fields by supporting women who are pursuing STEM disciplines.

Award Amount: $1,040
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Winners Announced: December 30, 2025
Servela Theodore Memorial Scholarship

Servela Theodore Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Servela Theodore by supporting students who are pursuing careers in human services.

Award Amount: $900
Deadline: November 1, 2025
Winners Announced: December 1, 2025
HCCP Mentoring Program Scholarship

HCCP Mentoring Program Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support students from underserved communities who are entering health leadership careers across clinical care, health administration, research, and public health.

Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: October 7, 2025
Winners Announced: November 7, 2025
Hue Ta Asian American Scholarship

Hue Ta Asian American Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to celebrate and empower young leaders who are championing mental health and disability rights within the Asian American community and beyond.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: August 11, 2025
Winners Announced: September 11, 2025
Willie Mae Rawls Scholarship

Willie Mae Rawls Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Willie Mae Rawls by supporting students pursuing an education at an HBCU who plan to make a positive impact on the world through their studies and future career goals.

Award Amount: $1,500
Deadline: September 16, 2025
Winners Announced: October 16, 2025
Charles E. Nettles Continued Education Scholarship

Charles E. Nettles Continued Education Scholarship

This scholarship aims to make higher education more accessible by supporting students who are passionate about expanding their minds.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: July 22, 2025
Winners Announced: August 22, 2025
Byron and Michelle Johnson Scholarship

Byron and Michelle Johnson Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support underserved students as they navigate the world of higher education so they can afford to complete their degrees.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: July 22, 2025
Winners Announced: August 22, 2025
GKD Advancement in STEM Scholarship

GKD Advancement in STEM Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about pursuing education in STEM and making an impact through their work.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July 24, 2025
Winners Announced: August 24, 2025
Shullman Legal Scholarship

Shullman Legal Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support students who are interested in pursuing legal studies but need financial students in order to succeed.

Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: July 25, 2025
Winners Announced: August 25, 2025
Compassion in Action Future Medical Leaders Scholarship

Compassion in Action Future Medical Leaders Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support Christian students who are of mixed Asian and white descent and pursuing the medical field.

Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: July 25, 2025
Winners Announced: August 25, 2025
Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw & Sharon Harshaw Legacy Scholarship

Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw & Sharon Harshaw Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the lives of Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr. and Mrs. Sharon Harshaw by supporting African American students in the Wake County Public School System.

Award Amount: $18,000
Deadline: July 25, 2025
Winners Announced: August 25, 2025
Charles Brown Culinary Scholarship

Charles Brown Culinary Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Charles Brown by supporting the dreams of students who share his passion for cooking.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: July 25, 2025
Winners Announced: August 25, 2025
CEW IV Foundation Scholarship Program

CEW IV Foundation Scholarship Program

This scholarship aims to support underrepresented students so they can pursue higher education, regardless of financial status.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: July 29, 2025
Winners Announced: August 29, 2025
Kenyada Me'Chon Thomas Legacy Scholarship

Kenyada Me'Chon Thomas Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship will support BIPOC high school seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: July 30, 2025
Winners Announced: August 30, 2025
Marie Jean Baptiste Memorial Scholarship

Marie Jean Baptiste Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support students who embody Marie's commitment to education and community service.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July 30, 2025
Winners Announced: August 30, 2025
AROC AI/ML Scholarship

AROC AI/ML Scholarship

This scholarship aims to narrow the gap in access to STEM education so that all students can pursue the careers of their dreams.

Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: July 31, 2025
Winners Announced: August 31, 2025
Henry Respert Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness Scholarship

Henry Respert Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support students who are pursuing majors in healthcare or medical research so they can complete their degrees and make the world a better place.

Award Amount: $7,500
Deadline: August 1, 2025
Winners Announced: September 1, 2025
ESOF Academic Scholarship

ESOF Academic Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support minority students who need monetary support to pursue higher education at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: August 1, 2025
Winners Announced: September 1, 2025
Richard Turner Jr. Musical Gifts Scholarship

Richard Turner Jr. Musical Gifts Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor Richard Turner, Jr. by supporting African American musicians in their pursuit of education.

Award Amount: $2,100
Deadline: August 2, 2025
Winners Announced: September 2, 2025
Walter and Linnie Francis Memorial Scholarship

Walter and Linnie Francis Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the lives of Walter and Linnie Francis by supporting students who are preparing to pursue higher education.

Award Amount: $750
Deadline: August 8, 2025
Winners Announced: September 8, 2025
Christian ‘Myles’ Pratt Foundation Fine Arts Scholarship

Christian ‘Myles’ Pratt Foundation Fine Arts Scholarship

To honor the life and legacy of Christian ‘Myles’ Pratt, this scholarship will be awarded to one student from a minority background who has big aspirations for their artistic career.

Award Amount: $1,100
Deadline: August 12, 2025
Winners Announced: September 12, 2025
Drs. Julieto and Marlyn Eltanal Scholarship

Drs. Julieto and Marlyn Eltanal Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor Julieto and Marlyn Eltanal by supporting the next generation of doctors as they finish their education.

Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: August 12, 2025
Winners Announced: September 12, 2025
Gregory Flowers Memorial Scholarship

Gregory Flowers Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Gregory Flowers by supporting underrepresented students who are pursuing higher education.

Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: August 12, 2025
Winners Announced: September 12, 2025
Concrete Rose Scholarship Award

Concrete Rose Scholarship Award

This scholarship's mission is to help women of color reach their potential to achieve their dreams, making a significant contribution to a more inclusive and prosperous world for all.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: August 16, 2025
Winners Announced: September 16, 2025
black scholarships

About Scholarships for Black Students

Scholarships for black students are designed for individuals who identify as African American or have black ancestry. These scholarships help address the financial challenges that black students often face.

Historically, African American students have been underrepresented in higher education, and the high cost of college continues to be a significant barrier. There are numerous scholarships specifically for black students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, to make college more accessible.

Scholarships help African American undergraduate and graduate students pay for a college education. These scholarships can help cover tuition and other expenses, reducing the need for student loans and allowing you to focus more on your studies. They also aim to boost African American representation in various fields and throughout higher education.

Types of Scholarships Available for Black Students

There are tons of scholarships out there, and it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones you might qualify for. Scholarships come in different types, each tailored to specific criteria like financial need or academic performance. Knowing what type you’re applying for can help you understand your chances of winning. Here are five main types of scholarships available for black students:

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who excel academically. These scholarships focus on your achievements and talents, not your financial situation. While many people think merit-based scholarships are only about grades, some also consider other talents like sports or music. These scholarships are primarily used to cover tuition fees.

University Scholarships

University scholarships, or institutional scholarships, come directly from colleges or universities to help fund your education. Many of these are automatically awarded when you’re admitted, so you don’t need to apply separately. Your admission to the school often makes you eligible for these awards. However, some may require specific applications or timely submission of the FAFSA.

Government Scholarships

Government scholarships are offered by various government agencies and can be based on different criteria like financial need or your chosen major. Federal scholarships are awarded based on various criteria, ranging from financial need (usually determined by completing the FAFSA) to a student’s chosen major. These awards can vary widely, sometimes covering full tuition and fees.

Private Scholarships

Private scholarships are funded by individual donors or businesses. Individual donors set up a private fund for students who need financial aid. Depending on the donor, these scholarships are awarded based on academic merit or financial need. However, most private scholarships have strict eligibility requirements.

scholarships for black students

How to Find Black Scholarships to Apply For

There are many ways to find additional scholarship opportunities. A quick Google search for “black scholarships” or checking out websites like Bold.org can help you discover more options. Make sure to do your homework on any website or scholarship to ensure it’s legitimate and accepted by your school. Don’t forget to also reach out to your school’s financial aid office to find out about any institutional scholarships you might be eligible for.

Are you a high school senior looking for financial support outside of federal student aid? Browse these scholarships for high school seniors!

Tips For Winning Scholarships

Starting your search early for African American scholarships is important. Begin looking for opportunities well before the deadlines so you have enough time to find the right scholarships and prepare your applications. Focus on ones that match your background, interests, academic achievement, and career goals. Use online resources, websites like Bold.org, and your school’s financial aid office to find helpful information.

Make sure to carefully read the requirements and instructions for each scholarship. Verify that you meet all the criteria before applying to avoid wasting time. For example, a scholarship may require a student to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science, or they may require only graduating high school seniors.

It’s also important to personalize your application. Tailor your essays and other materials to highlight your unique experiences and achievements, showing how they connect to what the scholarship is about. Writing a strong personal statement can help your application stand out. Share your story and talk about your goals and motivations honestly.

When asking for letters of recommendation, choose people who know you well and can speak positively about your strengths. Giving them information about the scholarship and your goals can help them write better letters for you.

Keeping your grades up is crucial since many scholarships look for students with good academic records. Highlight any honors or advanced classes you’ve taken to show your dedication. Being active in extracurricular activities is also beneficial.

Stay organized by keeping track of deadlines and requirements for each scholarship. Consider creating a calendar or a simple list to manage your applications.

Some scholarships may require interviews, so practice answering common questions and be ready to discuss your goals and interests confidently. After submitting your application, sending a thank-you note to the scholarship committee can show your appreciation for their consideration.

Finally, don’t get discouraged by rejections. Keep applying for scholarships and be on the lookout for new opportunities. By following these tips and being proactive in your search, you can improve your chances of getting financial support for your education.

black student scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Scholarships

How Can I Improve My Chances of Winning Black Scholarships?

As mentioned previously, the best way to improve your chances of winning black or any scholarship is to be prepared and confident. Conducting plenty of research on the scholarship to ensure it’s valid and that you match all of the qualifications the scholarship asks for. Additionally, it’s essential to put total effort into the essay or any tasks you need to complete to be considered. Lastly, being confident and not letting the potential rejection get to you is also crucial. There are so many scholarships out there, and while applying may be exhausting, it can be well worth it in the long run.

How Many Black Scholarships Can You Get?

You can receive as many Black scholarships as you’re rewarded! It is possible to get a full-ride into any college or university. That’s why applying to as many scholarships as possible is beneficial; there is no limit to how many scholarships you can have. After all, it’s money you earned.

Are Black Scholarships Taxable Income?

Any scholarships, including black scholarships, are not taxable income. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), scholarships are not taxable as long as they are only used for educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, or other supplies. Scholarships only become taxable when they are used for non-educational expenses, such as vacations or shopping.

What’s the Best Way to Apply For Black Scholarships?

The best way to apply for black scholarships is to be vigilant online or by contacting the school you currently attend or the school you plan on attending. While there are many resources on black scholarships, this guide provided lots of helpful information that we hope will bring you lots of success in your scholarship hunt. Remember, patience and perseverance can go a long way, and we wish you the best of luck in your academic career.

What Is the United Negro College Fund?

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance for students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other institutions of higher education. Founded in 1944, UNCF aims to increase access to higher education for African American students by offering college scholarships, fellowships, and support for member institutions.

What Is the Thurgood Marshall College Fund?

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting college students attending the nation’s publicly supported historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Established in 1987, TMCF is named after the late Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, who was a prominent advocate for civil rights and education.

Apply for scholarships today to help you save on college costs!

Lucy Maddox
Lucy Maddox
Editor

Lucy’s international upbringing in Hong Kong and love for literature have shaped her multifaceted background. She attended university in Middlebury, Vermont, before settling in Arlington, Virginia. In her free time, Lucy enjoys True Crime podcasts, thrillers, literary fiction, running, hiking, exploring Washington, D.C.'s newest restaurants, and blogging about her latest travels.

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