27 Scholarships for Black Women to Apply For in 2024

Opportunities in higher education should be accessible to everyone, but historically, black women have been underrepresented at colleges and universities. Although this is rapidly changing, many factors can still stand in the way of African-American women pursuing the undergraduate and graduate degrees – and career paths – they desire.

We’ve put together a list of scholarships for black women accepting applications this year. You’ll find a wide range of opportunities here (including several no-essay options!) – from awards funded by philanthropists seeking to level the college education playing field to corporate-funded awards to scholarships honoring the memory of a humanitarian-minded loved one. Although all these scholarships aren’t exclusively intended for African-American women, many focus on female or minority students.

At A Glance:

• Best Scholarships for Black Women to Apply to 

These 27 scholarships have been carefully curated for relevance and ease of application. If you are an African-American woman pursuing higher education, you’ll find numerous excellent funding opportunities on our list.

• Types of Scholarships Available for Black Women

Depending on your personal and academic background, you’ll likely be eligible for various scholarship opportunities, including merit-based awards, need-based funding, and specific scholarships for certain majors or school years.

• How to Find Scholarships for Black Women to Apply for

Contacting your guidance counselor or financial aid office is an excellent way to find scholarships. You can also use a scholarship platform like Bold.org to streamline your search criteria, find unique opportunities, and easily submit applications for multiple scholarships.

• Tips For Winning Scholarships for Black Women

Applying for scholarships can be daunting, but don’t be afraid to apply for as many opportunities as you can. This will give you the best shot at success, especially if you don’t shy away from discussing your accomplishments or the adversity you’ve overcome.

Best 27 Scholarships for Black Women to Apply to 

Let’s get started! Here’s our list of 27 scholarships for female African-American students to apply for in 2023.

WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship

WayUp is a platform that helps college students and recent graduates find career opportunities, and this recurring scholarship automatically gives applicants access. Those who get the most out of the platform, have a noteworthy profile, and apply to several opportunities have better chances of winning. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline (rolling): August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: August 1, 2023

Goodnewsletter Scholarship

This scholarship is open to all students, and applicants will receive the Goodnewsletter after applying. Finalists who engage with the newsletter the most will be interviewed about what they learned. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2024
• Winner Announced: February 29, 2024

VNutrition and Wellness’ Annual LGBTQ+ Vitality Scholarship

This scholarship is open to LGBTQ+ students, regardless of education level or background, who want a more inclusive and fair society. Offered annually, applicants must submit a brief essay explaining how they plan on using their education to make a positive impact. 

• Amount: $500
• Application Deadline: July 1, 2024
• Winner Announced: July 31, 2024

“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

This recurring scholarship is for students who have the “boldest” Bold.org profiles. Black women and students of all education levels can increase their chances of winning by making their profiles earnest, determined, and moving. 

• Amount: $25,046
• Application Deadline (rolling): August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

1000 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship

This is another recurring scholarship for students and black women with exceptional Bold.org profiles. In addition to optimizing your profile to meet the application’s criteria, you must have accumulated at least 1000 Bold points to apply. 

• Amount: $10,000
• Application Deadline (rolling): August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

focusIT’s Women in IT Scholarship

This scholarship is for undergraduate or trade school students pursuing STEM-related careers. It’s open to female students in Arizona, including black women, and requires an essay detailing what working in a STEM career would mean. 

• Amount: $5,000
• Application Deadline: November 15, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 15, 2023

Linda Fontenot-Williams Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a Black single mother in high school or college, you can apply for this scholarship by writing a short essay explaining what inspires you to continue your education and what you have planned for the future. 

• Amount: $500
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 31, 2023

William A. Lewis Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor William A. Lewis’ legacy by supporting undergraduate or graduate BIPOC students studying at an HBCU. Interested applicants can apply by submitting a 400–600 word essay about obstacles they’ve had to overcome and who helped them along the way. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: December 31, 2023
• Winner Announced: January 31, 2024

Hester Richardson Powell Memorial Service Scholarship

Offered to support female African American high school seniors with at least a 2.7 GPA, this scholarship requires a brief essay demonstrating how you’ve shown resilience to inspire someone else. 

• Amount: $2,500 (5 winners, $500 each)
• Application Deadline: February 28, 2024
• Winner Announced: March 28, 2024

Bold.org No-Essay Community Scholarship

If you’re a Black woman who recognizes the value of a strong community, invite as many friends as you can to join Bold.org. Applicants who get the most friends to join have a higher chance of winning this recurring scholarship. 

• Amount: $5,000
• Application Deadline (rolling): August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

“Equal Opportunity” Scholarship

This scholarship is part of an initiative to create more opportunities within the world of academia. Many factors contribute to some students being privileged, affecting their access to and progress within the education system. These two $500 awards are available to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students committed to equal opportunities and improving the lives of others. Any student with a 2.0 GPA or higher is welcome to apply. 

• Amount: $1,000 (2 winners, $500 each)
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winners Announced: September 1, 2023

CollegeVine Dream School Scholarship

This scholarship is perfect for any high school student overwhelmed by the complicated task of submitting college applications. Taking into account factors such as socioeconomic background, intended major, and involvement in extracurricular activities, College Vine evaluates your chances of getting into your first-pick school. As part of this award, you’ll also benefit from personalized support to help you find the right schools and navigate the admissions process. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship

This recurring scholarship is a great opportunity for black women in mathematics. The world of technology is underpinned by math innovation, and this award strives to place women at the forefront. This scholarship is open to female high school seniors hoping to pursue careers in a math-related field. Applicants must outline what attracts them to mathematics and how its study has increased their knowledge of the wider world. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: August 26, 2023

The GIST Women’s Sports Business Scholarship

The GIST, a female-founded sports media brand, is dedicated to increasing coverage and awareness of women’s sports and sports business topics through its newsletter, which is published three times a week. This recurring scholarship is open to any undergraduate or graduate student passionate about the sports industry – particularly women’s sports! 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline (rolling): August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: August 2, 2023

Christian Colleges No-Essay Scholarship 

If you’re a black woman interested in becoming a Christian college student, you can apply to this easy scholarship and receive helpful resources. This scholarship recurs annually and favors those who apply early. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: September 1, 2023

Scholarship Institute’s Annual Women’s Leadership Scholarship

Designed to encourage female leadership, this recurring scholarship is open to female-identifying students who have demonstrated leadership and have high aspirations. To apply, submit an essay explaining your leadership capabilities and future plans. 

• Amount: $500
• Application Deadline: July 1, 2024
• Winner Announced: July 31, 2024

Cardel Love Scholarship

This recurring scholarship honors the life and legacy of Cardel Love, a basketball player from Buffalo, New York, who passed away in 2005. Any first-generation BIPOC student from New York is eligible for this award dedicated to supporting black students pursuing higher education. 

• Amount: $500
• Application Deadline: September 27, 2023
• Winner Announced: October 27, 2023

The Cyrilla Olapeju Sanni Scholarship Fund

Open to students of all education levels, these two recurring $500 awards will support low-income students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who migrated to the United States from Africa or whose parents are African immigrants. Your application essay will discuss your family’s biggest challenge in moving to the US and how that challenge impacted your life. 

• Amount: $1,000 (2 winners, $500 each)
• Application Deadline: September 12, 2023
• Winners Announced: October 12, 2023

Barbara J. DeVaney Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is open to women from diverse backgrounds, including single mothers, women of color, and immigrants. Offered in memory of Barbara J. DeVaney, this opportunity will award 12 winners. Students pursuing a future in STEM, the medical field, or trade are strongly preferred. 

• Amount: $90,000 (12 winners, $5,000 to $10,000 each)
• Application Deadline: September 21, 2023
• Winner Announced: October 21, 2023

Expand Your Horizons Scholarship

This recurring $2,000 scholarship encourages motivated students to learn and share knowledge of other cultures. Being open to expanding your horizons can be demonstrated through school work or individual hobbies. This could include studying a new language, traveling to pursue higher education, or learning and sharing cooking skills from another culture. 

• Amount: $1,000 
• Application Deadline: April 28, 2024
• Winners Announced: April 30, 2024

Social Change Fund United Scholarship

Black women pursuing a degree in mental health can apply to this recurring scholarship by submitting a brief essay highlighting their vision for mental health in the Black community. You must also be an undergraduate or graduate student expecting to finish in 2024 or 2025. 

• Amount: $15,000 (3 winners, $5,000 each)
• Application Deadline: October 6, 2023
• Winners Announced: December 6, 2023

Keep Going Forward No Essay Scholarship 

The Keep Going Forward Scholarship is designed to support any student or non-student at any stage of life or field of study who is moving on to something new. This could include changing schools or towns, pursuing a new passion, or entering a different phase of life.

• Amount: $1,500
• Application Deadline: October 30, 2023
• Winner Announced: October 31, 2023

Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship

This recurring scholarship aims to increase women’s representation in the technology sector. It suits women who are entrepreneurs or involved in STEM fields of study, such as computer science. This scholarship program seeks to alter the future landscape and place women at the center of the conversation. This scholarship is open to any woman, regardless of educational level or field of study. 

• Amount: $500
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 31, 2023

Johnson Dale Women’s Empowerment Scholarship

Offered in memory of Johnson Dale, this scholarship aims to support Black women from New York who have a passion for philanthropy. Eligible applicants can create a video or write an essay that explains their philanthropic efforts, what they’ve learned, and how they plan to continue. 

• Amount: $1,000 (2 winners, $500 each)
• Application Deadline: September 1, 2023
• Winner Announced: October 1, 2023

Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

This recurring scholarship seeks to support those passionate about helping others and planning to pursue careers in healthcare, social work, government, education, or a related field. This award is specifically aimed at low-income high school seniors or undergraduate students who can demonstrate financial need. As part of the application, you should detail how you hope to help others through your career. 

• Amount: $500
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2024
• Winners Announced: May 15, 2024

Maggie’s Way- International Woman’s Scholarship

Open to female international students studying in the US, this recurring scholarship aims to support students who relate to the challenges of Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien. If you’re a black woman who meets these requirements, you can apply by submitting an essay explaining how you can relate to Maggie’s challenges and why you’re similar to her. 

• Amount: $5,000
• Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
• Winners Announced: December 1, 2023

Monroe Justice and Equality Memorial Scholarship

High school seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher can apply for this scholarship if they’ve already been accepted to a college, university, or community college. Offered to support equality in the justice system, this scholarship encourages African American students pursuing a criminal justice career to apply. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
• Winners Announced: May 1, 2024

About Scholarships for Black Women

With skyrocketing higher education costs, securing additional funding is essential for many applicants, regardless of gender or ethnicity. If you are a current applicant or student, you should pursue all your financial aid options, including college grants, work-study programs, and federal student aid.

Scholarships are an excellent way to supplement your funding, and they are much easier to apply for than you might think. Rather than filling out nearly identical application forms and writing multiple essays for each scholarship program, online scholarship platforms streamline the process. You’ll only have to complete your profile once, and then you can access dozens of relevant opportunities with upcoming deadlines.

What Are Scholarships for Black Women?

Many candidates hoping to further their education are daunted by the potential of student debt and neverending loan payments. The good news is that many scholarships are available for minority students, whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or graduate student. Certain scholarships are reserved solely for female high school seniors and African-American undergraduate students, including some at historically black colleges. 

What Qualifies as a Scholarship for Black Women?

A scholarship is an award of a specified amount intended to offset the applicant’s college education costs. Many are for expenses related to an undergraduate degree, though others are for law school or a graduate program at an accredited university. Numerous scholarships help cover tuition, but students can sometimes use them to fund internships, study abroad programs, textbooks, or living expenses. 

Many scholarships specifically provide financial support to minority groups such as first-generation college students, students with dyslexia, student-athletes, prospective medical students, and African-American students. African-American women are eligible for numerous awards based on gender and ethnicity, alongside other attributes such as minimum GPA, intended major, need for financial assistance, and potential career path.

Types of Scholarships Available for Black Women

Many national scholarship programs have additional specifications, so consider the eligibility requirements as you browse options. Some scholarships recognize academic merit, while others focus on the applicant’s education level, interests, or background. 

Merit-Based Scholarships

Black women with high GPAs, standardized test scores, or similar academic, creative, or athletic achievements may be eligible for merit-based scholarships. Several colleges and universities frequently offer these opportunities to attract talented students, so be sure to check with your school. Other organizations may offer merit-based scholarships and ask for particular requirements, such as a minimum GPA. 

Career or Study-Specific Scholarships

There are many scholarships for Black women with a declared major or a particular interest, such as STEM, visual arts, physical sciences, or nursing. These scholarships are often funded by individuals or organizations wanting to promote interest in their fields and encourage diversity. 

International Scholarships

Many universities are interested in attracting a geographically diverse student body. If you are an international student, apply for awards specifically reserved for overseas students – it could make your university experience significantly more affordable.

Need-Based Scholarships

There are specific scholarships open exclusively to students who can demonstrate a need for financial support. These programs aim to assist scholarship recipients who otherwise might not have the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree or enroll in a graduate program.

High School Seniors

Figuring out how you will pay for college is a daunting challenge for many high schoolers, so it’s no surprise that high school seniors are the biggest group of scholarship applicants. Some scholarships are awarded to high school seniors just for one year, while others are renewed for every year of their undergraduate studies. High school seniors should also know about other opportunities, such as grants, work-study jobs, and student loans. Applying for federal financial aid is a great way to determine how much additional funding you’ll need.

Current College Students

There’s no reason to stop applying for scholarships just because you’re already in college! Many awards are open to high school seniors and current college students. Undergraduate scholarships may also be reserved for specific year groups (e.g., first-year college students, sophomores, juniors, or seniors).

Non-Traditional Freshmen

If you’re applying to college as an older or non-traditional student, you may be eligible for unique opportunities. Many scholarships are aimed at students who did not immediately enter college after leaving high school, such as military members, students with families, and individuals who took time to work or pursue vocational training. Most of these scholarships will require you to have earned your GED. Some are for students who previously attended a community college or technical college.

Graduate Students

You’ll find a wide range of scholarships for graduate students, including MBA students, law students, medical students, and students pursuing master’s degrees and PhDs. Educational institutions, non-profit groups, private individuals, and charitable foundations may offer scholarships for graduate students, particularly if they demonstrate financial need.

How to Find Scholarships for Black Women

If you’re beginning your scholarship search, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by simply Googling “scholarships” or even “minority scholarships” or “African-American scholarships.” You may come across some exciting opportunities, but more efficient ways exist to find relevant scholarships. 

Instead, a scholarship platform like Bold.org will help you narrow down hundreds of awards with upcoming deadlines for which you meet the criteria. You can filter results by location, education level, major, ethnicity, and other fields. You can also apply for scholarships quickly by sharing your profile with multiple scholarship benefactors and completing any additional required essays.

Another excellent resource for finding scholarships is your guidance counselor if you are a high school student or your financial aid office if you are a college or graduate student. These offices should have up-to-date lists of scholarship opportunities, including local or university-specific awards that you may not be able to find anywhere else.

How to Apply for Scholarships for Black Women

Bold.org is a free scholarship platform for students of all ages, grade levels, disciplines, and backgrounds. Here’s how to find and apply for Black women scholarships in five steps. 

Step 1: Head to Bold.org

Go to Bold.org to get started. You can view scholarship opportunities and grants using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. 

Step 2: Create a Free Profile

Your profile showcases your background, experience, and skills to scholarship organizers. Take some time to create your ideal profile, ensuring it highlights your unique experience as a Black woman. 

Step 3: Browse Scholarship Opportunities

Bold.org separates scholarships by state, education level, demographic, and more. Browse through all the available opportunities, paying close attention to each one’s application requirements and deadline. 

Step 4: Craft Your Applications and Apply

Once you’ve found at least a few scholarships you’re eligible for, start applying as early as you can. Review the requirements and ensure your applications meet, if not exceed the expectations. Once you’re comfortable with your applications, apply and await your reply. 

Step 5: Keep Track of Your Applications

Bold.org helps you keep track of all your scholarship applications in one place. This dashboard will help you stay organized and aware of any changes, so check it often throughout your scholarship search. 

Tips For Winning Scholarships for Black Women

Scholarship providers are often inundated with dozens or even hundreds of qualified applicants for a single scholarship award. Applying for scholarships can require a significant time investment, so follow these best practices as you begin your search.

Tip 1: Pay Attention to Deadlines and Start Early

It would be a shame to miss out on a scholarship because you forgot the deadline! Some scholarships have rolling deadlines or are awarded every month, so make sure to have a range of dates on your radar and manage your time wisely when juggling applications. Do your best to get your applications in early before everyone else. 

Tip 2: Apply for Several Scholarships

Don’t limit yourself to scholarships based on the award amount, as you may be able to win multiple scholarships and combine the funding. You give yourself the best possible chance of winning by submitting numerous applications. 

Tip 3: Don’t Sell Yourself Short

It can be challenging or even embarrassing to talk about yourself, especially if you have to write a scholarship essay on a personal topic. Remember, however, that the interviewers don’t know you. Your profile and essays are the only glimpses they have of your life story, so make sure to describe your challenges, achievements, and ambitions accurately. 

Tip 4: Polish Your Applications

Each scholarship has different requirements, so take your time to read the instructions. You want to create the best possible application and stand out as an impressive candidate. Research the scholarship donor and determine what they’re looking for, and from there, think about what you should include. You can also have others peer-review your application or speak with your school’s counselor for an extra set of eyes. 

Tip 5: Optimize Your Bold.org Profile

When applying to scholarships on Bold.org, remember that your profile is what scholarship panels see after you apply. This is your chance to showcase everything not included in your application, so be sure to put time and effort into your profile. Focus on your strengths, achievements, goals, and experience to provide a comprehensive look at who you are. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for Black Women

When it comes time to apply for scholarships, there’s much to consider. Here are some common questions that students have about scholarships for African-American women. 

How can I find local scholarships for Black students? 

The easiest way to find scholarships for Black women or any specific demographic is by visiting Bold.org. This scholarship platform has hundreds of different scholarships, including for Black women, and is free to use. You can get started by creating a profile, which allows you to apply to all the available opportunities. 

Are scholarships for Black women legit?

Absolutely. Many individuals, organizations, and community-oriented scholarship funds recognize the importance of “giving back” and ensuring that underrepresented minority students have opportunities to access higher education. There are plenty of legitimate scholarships for African-American women (as well as individuals of many other backgrounds). Of course, you should always be wary of scholarship scams that want to collect personal information without the prospect of an actual award. A respected, well-established platform is an excellent way to ensure that you only apply to legitimate scholarships.

How can I improve my chances of winning scholarships for Black women?

Applying to a wide range of scholarships is the best way to improve your chances of success. Luckily, some scholarship websites make it easy to apply for multiple scholarships quickly. As mentioned above, don’t be shy about talking about yourself and your achievements – or the challenges you’ve overcome. Demonstrating your involvement in community service and volunteer work is another excellent way to stand out from the crowd on your application.

How many scholarships for Black women can I receive?

There is no limit to how many scholarships you can receive, so make the most of this opportunity and apply to lots of them. It’s perfectly acceptable for students to fund their education through a combination of grants, loans, income, scholarship money, and savings.

Are scholarships for Black women taxable income?

Fortunately, according to the Internal Revenue Service, scholarships are not taxable if scholarship recipients use them for educational purposes, such as covering tuition or textbooks. However, scholarship funding cannot be used for other related purposes, such as student housing.

What’s the best way to apply for scholarships for African-American women?

The best way to apply for scholarships is to keep track of deadlines and apply early. Consider using a scholarship platform like Bold.org to streamline the process and keep all your applications and information in one place. Your guidance counselor or career office is another excellent resource for support.