What Is the Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship?
The Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship was established to support high school seniors of African descent by providing financial assistance to those committed to education, leadership, and pursuing careers in technology. Open to students planning to enroll in four-year colleges or universities in the U.S., this scholarship awards $2,500 one-time grants or $5,000 renewable awards to help cover tuition, textbooks, and other education-related expenses.
Beyond financial aid, the program seeks applicants who demonstrate a passion for technology and a desire to empower future generations. As part of its mission to advance diversity in tech, BAM encourages students who embody the values of innovation, service, and academic excellence. Each year, this scholarship supports 55 students who actively contribute to their communities while striving for professional excellence in technology—5 receiving $5,000 renewable awards (up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned) and 50 receiving $2,500 one-time awards.
Who Is Eligible for the Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship?
To apply for the BAM Scholarship, students must meet specific eligibility criteria. The following requirements apply:
- Be a high school senior of African descent (e.g., African American, African, Ethiopian, etc.)
- Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the U.S. in the fall immediately following high school graduation
- Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or one of the following Business programs—Business Administration, Finance, or Marketing—at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States for the entire 2025–26 academic year
- Demonstrate a passion for technology
- Demonstrate leadership at school or in the community
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent
- Require financial assistance to attend college
- Legal residents of the 50 United States or international applicants attending school in the U.S. are welcome to apply
*Employees and children of Microsoft are ineligible.
The BAM Scholarship encourages students who are passionate about developing their skills in technology fields and using those skills to make a positive impact in the tech world and their communities.
Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship Requirements
To apply for the BAM Scholarship, students must submit a variety of materials. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to submit:
- Online Application: Complete the official BAM Scholarship application form, available through the Scholarship Institute website.
- One Letter of Recommendation: At least one letter must come from a faculty or staff member at your school, written on official letterhead. It should be original, not a duplicate of college application letters, and must be submitted before the application deadline.
- High School Transcript: Provide a current, complete high school transcript showing your name, school name, grades, and credit hours per course and term. Grade reports are not accepted. If submitting SAT or ACT scores not listed on your transcript, upload a separate score report. College transcripts, if provided, don’t require these scores.
- One Essay: Write a statement (2,000 characters, about 500 words or less) explaining how you plan to contribute to the technology industry in your career. If you’ve excelled in technology-related work during high school, include those achievements too.
Make sure to provide detailed and thoughtful responses, especially in your essay. The scholarship committee will look for students who are committed to technology education, innovation, and community impact.
How to Apply for the Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship
The application process for the BAM Scholarship is straightforward, but it’s critical to follow each step carefully to ensure your application is complete. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply:
- Visit the Official BAM Scholarship Website: Go to the BAM website to access the scholarship application page.
- Create an Account: Register on the application platform if new.
- Complete the Form: Enter personal, academic, and program details.
- Write Your Essay: Craft a compelling narrative about your technology career goals and community contributions.
- Upload Documents: Submit your transcript, proof of enrollment/acceptance, and any additional required materials.
- Review & Submit: Double-check for accuracy and submit before the deadline.
Be sure to start the application process early to gather all necessary materials and submit your application on time via the Scholarship Institute platform.
Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship Deadline & Important Dates
Here’s the timeline for the BAM Scholarship based on the 2025 cycle:
- Application Opens: January 22, 2025
- Application Deadline: March 17, 2025 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time (Closed)
- Recipient Notification: Scholarship recipients are typically notified in late Spring or early Summer (e.g., May–June 2025).
- Disbursement of Funds: Awards are distributed in early August (e.g., August 2025).
- Stay Updated: Visit the Scholarship Institute for the most current details regarding the 2025 application cycle.
Make sure to check the official website for updates on dates and deadlines to avoid missing any critical steps.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
To improve your chances of winning the BAM Scholarship, consider the following tips:
- Highlight Passion & Vision: Detail specific goals for your tech career—quantify interests where possible (e.g., coding projects completed, tech events attended). Mentioning a personal project or initiative shows your dedication.
- Craft an Authentic Essay: Share personal stories of your passion for technology and align your goals with BAM’s mission of empowering future generations. A brief anecdote about what drives you can make your essay memorable.
- Emphasize Academic Excellence: Highlight your achievements in STEM or business-related coursework, like a strong GPA in math or programming classes, to prove your capability.
- Submit Early: Avoid technical glitches by submitting ahead of the deadline, ensuring a smooth process and showing organization.
By following these tips, you’ll enhance your chances of creating a strong, competitive application for the BAM Scholarship. A well-rounded submission that showcases your passion, authenticity, academic strength, and proactive approach will help you shine among the many applicants vying for this prestigious award.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship
Who is eligible for the scholarship?
Applicants must be high school seniors of African descent planning to attend a four-year college or university in the U.S., pursuing a degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs.
What are the application requirements?
Applicants must submit an essay, a high school transcript, and a plan to enroll in an accredited four-year program.
What is the scholarship amount?
The scholarship awards range from $2,500 (one-time) to $5,000 (renewable), with 50 students receiving $2,500 and 5 receiving $5,000 annually, renewable for up to three years.
How competitive is the BAM Scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive, with many applicants each year. Only 55 students are selected, so a strong application is essential.
Can I apply if I’m already in college?
No, the BAM Scholarship is open to high school seniors only, though renewable award recipients can continue receiving funds in college if criteria are met.
How are the scholarship funds distributed?
Funds are sent directly to your educational institution to cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
Can I reapply if I’m not selected?
No, past one-time recipients cannot reapply, but unsuccessful applicants can try again in subsequent years if still eligible as high school seniors.
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