Financial Aid for Minority Students

General Awards for Minority Students

In recent years, a nationwide emphasis on the importance of diversity (particularly on college campuses) has generated many scholarships and grants for students who belong to underrepresented minority groups. Our comprehensive scholarship list includes financial aid opportunities exclusively reserved for African-Americans, Hispanics, women, and other specific minority groups, as well as more generalized awards that are made available to applicants belonging to any underrepresented demographic.

Gates Millennium Scholars

Who’s Eligible
The GMS is open to U.S. citizens or legal residents who have earned a 3.3 cumulative GPA in high school, are planning to enroll at an accredited higher learning institution as first-time college students, and belong to the following minority groups:
African American
American Indian/Alaska Native (documented proof of descent from a federally recognized tribe will be required)
Asian American/Pacific Islander
Hispanic American
What It Covers
The GMS is designed to help support students with costs related to “unmet need and self-help aid.” Scholarship awards vary by monetary amount; the average recipient has been awarded $12,227 per academic year.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following three items:
One application that has been completed by the student.
One ‘Nominator Form’ that has been completed by an education professional (principal, teacher, guidance counselor, or academic advisor)
One ‘Recommender Form’ that has been submitted by an adult who can verify the student is active with local community service and leadership activities is familiar with the student’s community service and leadership activities
If the person who serves as a Nominator is also familiar with the extra-curricular, community-level involvement, then he or she may also serve as the Recommender

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Microsoft Technical Scholarships for Minorities and Women

Who’s Eligible
Anyone who is enrolled full-time in a four-year Bachelor of Arts program at an accredited university in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico may apply for these scholarships; however, preference will be given to applicants who are female, belong to a minority group, or have a disability. Additionally, scholarship recipients must:
Actively pursue a degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, physics, or other STEM-related field
Demonstrate an interest in computer science
Maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the academic year
Apply for and (if selected) complete a 12-week, salaried internship at Microsoft headquarters in Washington state
What It Covers
Recipients will be awarded either full or partial tuition for the entire academic year; full tuition amounts are determined by the financial aid office at the recipient’s higher learning institution. Funds are not transferable to other colleges or universities, and must be exclusively used for tuition payments.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an application containing the following items:
Resume
One copy of the student’s official academic transcript
Answers (no more than one page total) for the following application detail questions:
What is your estimated tuition cost for the academic year (base cost; not including room and board or books)?
Is your tuition in state, out of state, private, or international?
Would receiving a Microsoft scholarship adversely impact any other financial aid you will receive for the academic year?
Answers to the following essay questions:
Describe how you demonstrate your passion for technology outside the classroom
Describe the toughest technical problem you’ve worked on, how you addressed the problem, your role in reaching the outcome if it was team-based, and the final outcome
Describe a situation that demonstrates initiative and your willingness to go above and beyond
Describe how you are currently funding your college education
Letter of referral from a professor, faculty member, or academic advisor
Confirmation page from online application to the Microsoft Internship Program

McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities

Who’s Eligible
RMHC offers three different scholarships that are exclusively reserved for students belonging to certain minority groups
RMHC/Asia: Candidates must have at least one parent of Asian-Pacific descent.
RMHC/African-American Future Achievers: Candidates must have at least one parent of African-American or Black Caribbean descent.
RMHC/Hispanic American: Candidates must have at least one parent of Hispanic/Latino descent.
Please note that high school seniors may only apply to one of the four available scholarships. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of enrollment at an accredited, post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year and meet the following criteria:
Be a high school senior (21 or younger) with a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
Be eligible to attend a two- or four-year college, university or technical school with a full course of study
Be a U.S. resident or legal resident
Live in a participating RMHC Chapter’s geographic area
Submit a complete application and all required documentation by the deadline on the application
What It Covers
The amount of each scholarship will depend on the local chapter that awards it (most award at least $1,000 to recipients). The monies may be spent on tuition, books, administrative fees, supplies, and equipment. Scholarship money may not be spent on room and board; otherwise the award will be subject to taxation. Funds are transferable to any accredited two- or four-year university or vocational school if the recipients decides to enroll in a different institution.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
All applicants must submit an application containing the following items:
One official high school transcript that includes grades and other information for all four years; students may request this document through their high school’s main office
The first one or two pages of the last Federal Tax Form 1040 filed by your parent(s) or guardian(s); the ‘Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)’ must be clearly visible. Students should not submit a W2 form; applicants who do so may be rejected.
One letter of recommendation from a teacher or member of the community who can confirm your extra-curricular involvement in the local community

Lagrant Foundation Scholarships

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is open to any U.S. citizen or legal resident who meets the following criteria:
Is a member of one of the following ethnic groups: African American/Black, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American/American Indian.
Is enrolled full-time at a four-year, accredited institution, and earns at least 12 credits per semester/quarter.
Has a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.
Is majoring in one of the following fields of study:
Art
Anthropology
Communications
English
Graphic design
Marketing/advertising
Sociology
Any other field that emphasizes public relations, marketing, or advertising
Is at least one year away from graduating with a degree when the scholarship is awarded
Applicants selected for the scholarship must attend TLF’s career development workshop, as well as the annual awards reception (where scholarships are officially handed out). The applicant must also make a one-year commitment to “maintain contact with TLF to receive professional guidance and academic support.”
What It Covers
The scholarship is valued at $2,500.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an application containing the following items:
One essay (two-page maximum) that includes career goals and the student’s plan of action to increase “ethnic representation” in the fields of advertising, marketing and public relations
In addition, the applicant must formally define the role of an advertising, marketing or public relations practitioner (depending on your emphasis)
He or she should list accomplishments related to promoting diversity within their local community
One brief paragraph (on a separate page) describing all of the extra-curricular campus clubs and/or community organizations the student is involved in
One brief paragraph (on a separate page) listing all of the honors, awards, and formal recognition the student has received
Optional: One essay explaining why the student’s GPA does not accurately reflect the student’s aptitude and career potential (if 2.6 or lower)
One letter of reference from a professor, faculty member, or internship advisor
One copy of the student’s current resume.
Copies of the student’s unofficial transcript; official copies will be required if he or she is selected as a finalist
College or university acceptance letters may be used in lieu of transcripts for outgoing high school seniors

The Generation Google Scholarship

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is open to high school seniors and enrolled college students. High school seniors must:
Plan to enroll as full-time students at an accredited university in the U.S. or Canada during the academic year.
Intend to earn a degree and pursue a career in computer science, computer engineering, or another related field.
Belong to at least one of the following minority groups:
African-American
Hispanic
American Indian/Alaska Native
Females
Disabled individuals
Be able to attend Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) in the summer
Enrolled college students who wish to be considered for this award must:
Be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university for the academic year and plan to be enrolled in or accepted as a full-time student at a university in the U.S. or Canada during the school year.
Earn a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field.
Demonstrate a strong academic record.
Belong to one of the following minority groups:
African-American
Hispanic
American Indian/Alaska Native
Female
What It Covers
Selected students enrolled at U.S. schools will receive $10,000 for the school year; those enrolled at schools in Canada will receive 5,000 Canadian dollars.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete an online application that includes the following items:
General background (contact information, as well as information about all schools the student plans to attend during the academic year)
A copy of his or her current resume
Academic transcripts from current and (if a degree was earned) former universities
Two letters of reference from a professor, instructor, academic advisor, or employer/supervisor
Responses to four essay questions

Xerox Minority Scholarship

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is open to all U.S. citizens or legal residents who belong to at least one of the following minority groups:
African-American
Hispanic
Asian/Pacific Islander
American Indian/Alaska Native
Additionally, each recipient must be enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program, earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (for outgoing high school seniors, high school GPA will be considered in lieu of a college GPA), and be actively pursuing a degree in one of the following major fields of study:
Chemistry
Information Management
Computing & Software Systems
Material Science
Printing Management Science
Laser Optics
Physics
Material Science
Engineering (Chemical, Computer, Electrical, Imaging, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Optical, or Software)
What It Covers
The scholarship will award between $1,000 and $10,000 per student for each academic year.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an electronic application no later than Sept. 30 if they wish to be considered for the following academic year. This application will ask each student to provide the following:
An electronic copy of his or her current resume
Background and contact information
Statement of intent regarding graduation and career goals

Scholarships and Grants for African Americans

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Who’s Eligible
This award is open to any male or female African-American high school senior with an exemplary academic record and a background in community leadership.
What It Covers
Selected applicants will receive an annual scholarship award of $10,000 for up to four years for a total of $40,000. The monies may be spent to cover tuition, fees, books, room and board, computers, health insurance, and other academic expenses.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an application (in a single packet) containing the following items:
A list of the student’s extracurricular activities, community projects, employment, and other activities
Each entry should include dates of participation, number of hours per week spent on each activity, and all positions held
All awards, honors, and other types of formal recognition earned during high school (academic and extracurricular achievements should be included)
Written responses to two essays included in the application packet. Each essay should not exceed 500 words
Two letters of recommendation, one of which is written by a teacher, principal, or school advisor
One official transcript that includes the current course load, as well as a profile of the student’s school (location, enrollment type, courses offered, et al)

The Jackie Robinson Foundation Grant

Who’s Eligible
This award is open to any male or female African-American high school senior who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and meets the following criteria:
Is planning to attend an accredited four-year institution in the United States
Demonstrates leadership potential and a commitment to community service
Has a financial need
Has earned a minimum SAT score of 1,000 combined for math and critical reading, or a composite ACT score of 21
Has not earned a degree from a two- or four-year college at the time of application
What It Covers
Selected applicants will receive an annual $7,500 award for all four years of undergraduate study. The monies may be used to cover tuition, books, supplies, administrative fees, room and board, and other college-related expenses.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an online application, as well as the following items:
One letter of recommendation (online only)
SAT and/or ACT scores sent directly from the testing agencies (the JRF’s college codes are: SAT: 4248, ACT: 6570)
Applicants who are invited to interview for the scholarship will be required to bring the following items:
Official high school transcript
Proof of U.S. citizenship
Student Aid Report

NABJ Scholarship

Who’s Eligible
This award is open to any male or female African-American undergraduate or graduate student who is currently pursuing a degree in journalism, communications, or a closely related major. In addition candidates must meet the following criteria:
Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Background in community service and leadership
Demonstrated financial need
What It Covers
This annual award of $2,500 must be used to cover tuition, books and supplies, room and board, administrative fees, or other college-related expenses
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an application containing the following items in order to receive financial aid for the academic year (all materials must be submitted as either PDF files or MS Word docs):
Current resume
Cover letter
One official college transcript
Five work samples
Three letters of reference
A 1,000-2,000-word response to the following essay question: “How do you see yourself, as a journalist, influencing how news will be gathered and disseminated? What would you improve about the media business?”

Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology

Who’s Eligible
This award is open to any African-American U.S. citizen or legal resident who is currently enrolled at an accredited undergraduate institution and earning a degree in a technical field (such as engineering, math, or science). The student must be attending one of the predominantly black colleges or universities listed on the scholarship’s website.
What It Covers
Annual scholarship awards of up to $2,000 will be provided to the recipient for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided he or she continues to study a STEM-related discipline and remains in good academic standing.
Online programs are not eligible.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit a completed application. All applications must be obtained through one of the scholarship’s partner schools listed on the website. Recipients will be determined based on the strength of their application materials in the following order:
Academic achievement (grades and SAT scores, especially science/math)
Strength of a personal essay describing career goals, current and past relevant extracurricular activities, etc.
Letters of recommendation from teachers, academic advisors, guidance counselors, and other education professionals
Financial need

National Achievement Scholarship Program

Who’s Eligible
High school students of any level who plan to attend college in the fall immediately after graduating are eligible for this scholarship, although preference is typically given to juniors and seniors. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents who identify themselves as ‘Black American.’ Additionally, candidates must enter either the National Merit Program or the National Achievement Program; these organizations require students to take both the Preliminary SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in order to be considered.
What It Covers
From an annual pool of roughly 160,000 applicants, roughly 800 finalists will receive scholarship aid. Seven hundred students will be given a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship as a lump sum when they begin college; the remaining 100 will receive Corporate-sponsored Achievement Scholarships, which may either be paid in a lump sum or renewed over the course of four years. The money must cover tuition, room and board, and other expenses related to undergraduate education.
Online programs are not eligible.
How to Apply
There is no application required for students who wish to be considered for this scholarship; dual scores from the PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test will solely determine which students are most deserving of the award.

UNCF-Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship Award

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is open to any African-American U.S. citizen or legal resident who is enrolled full-time as a junior at a four-year undergraduate university. Additionally, the student must:
Be on track to graduate by June
Be pursuing a degree in life sciences, physical sciences, or engineering; first professional majors (medicine, pharmacology, dentistry, etc.) are ineligible.
Provide a transcript showing a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA.
What It Covers
At least 15 scholarships of $30,000 will be awarded. The money is not transferable to other institutions; up to $25,000 may be spent on the following items:
Tuition
Books and supplies
Room and board
Administrative Fees
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
All applicants must submit a completed online application no later than Dec. 5. The application must include the following electronic attachments:
Statement of career goals (1-2 pages)
Current resume/C.V.
Copy of the student’s birth certificate, U.S. passport, Resident Alien Card, or other proof of citizenship (no driver’s licenses or Social Security cards)
Official college transcript

Scholarships and Grants for Women

Margaret McNamara Educational Grants (MMEG)

Who’s Eligible
These grants are open to female students who are currently attending college in the U.S. or Canada, and plans to be enrolled during the academic year. Additionally, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Applicant has “a record of service to women and children and a commitment to improve the lives of women and children in developing countries.”
Candidates must be nationals of a low or middle income nation (as recognized by the MMEG Country Eligibility List) that currently resides in the U.S.; legal citizens, residents, and immigrants are not eligible.
The applicant must plan to return to her home country within two years of receiving and exhausting the grant to perform at least two years of service.
Candidates must be at least 25 years old.
What It Covers
The grant awards $12,000 to each recipient; the money is to be used exclusively for college-related expenses like tuition, books and supplies, and administrative fees.
Online programs are not eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following materials:
A completed online application (first-time users must register with MMEG)
Two letters of reference; at least one must be written by a professor, academic advisor, or other faculty member
Information about the student’s ‘referees’, individuals who will fill out a form that attests to the applicant’s character and service background (the referee form is available online)
Copy of the applicant’s passport picture and student visa
One official, sealed college transcript
One passport-sized photograph

Society of Women Engineers Scholarships

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is available to female U.S. citizens or legal residents who are currently attending accredited undergraduate or graduate programs that are concentrated in engineering, engineering technology, or computer science. Additionally, candidates must:
Be re-entering college for the first time after a period of no less than two years
Have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA
Be enrolled full-time
Not receive funding from other organizations
What It Covers
Scholarship amounts will vary; the typical individual award ranges between $1,000 and $10,000. The monies are to be solely used to cover tuition, books and supplies, administrative fees, and other expenses related to the recipient’s education.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit the following items:
A completed online scholarship application that includes grade transcripts from high school and any post-secondary institutions, a current resume, and a copy of the student’s college acceptance letter from the school they plan to attend
Two letters of recommendation: one written by an education professional who teaches within a STEM field and the other written by someone (no relatives) who has known the applicant for at least two years

P.E.O. STAR Scholarships

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is open to female U.S. citizens or legal residents who are currently attending high school as seniors and meet the following criteria:
Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
Plans to attend an accredited, four-year university in the U.S. or Canada the following fall
Demonstrates “excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service, and potential for future success”
What It Covers
This non-renewable $2,500 award may cover tuition, books and supplies, administrative fees, and other related expenses; however, using the monies to pay for room and board may be reported as taxable income.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Strong candidates for the scholarship must first pass an interview stage with a representative of their local P.E.O. chapter. Approved applicants must then submit the following materials no later than Nov. 1 of their final year of high school in order to be considered for the scholarship:
Completed application with basic biographical information
One high school transcript
An essay that details the student’s collegiate and career goals
Two activity charts that describe the applicant’s experience with extracurricular activities and community/volunteer service
Two letters of reference from teachers, principals, counselors, or coaches, or other education professionals and mentors

Zonta International: Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship

Who’s Eligible
This award is open to any female students who are currently enrolled in an accredited business or business-related degree program. U.S. or Canadian citizenship is not required.
What It Covers
Zonta Club awards $1,000 at the district or regional level, as well as a dozen $7,000 scholarships to international students. The money may be used to cover the following expenses at any college or university that offers business classes and programs:
Tuition
Books and supplies
On-campus housing
Administrative fees
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Candidates must first contact their local Zonta Club chapter and receive a nomination. Applications from the strongest candidate in each district or region are sent to Zonta Club International; each of these individuals will receive the $1,000 scholarship award. The Zonta International Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship Committee will then select the 12 international scholarship recipients.

AWG Chrysalis Scholarship Fund

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is reserved for female geoscience students whose lives have been “significantly interrupted by life circumstances.” Candidates chosen to receive the scholarship are expected to eventually complete their program and earn a degree in a geoscience-related field.
What It Covers
There are few restrictions on how this $2,000 one-time award may be spent. In addition to college-related expenses, the money may be used to cover:
Drafting costs
Child-care expenses
Defense travel
Late-stage research and analyses
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit the following two items:
A letter of application that includes background experience, academic and career goals, how the student plans to use the scholarship, and the “nature and length of the interruption to their education”

Scholarships and Grants for Hispanic and Latino Students

AIFS-HACU Scholarship

Who’s Eligible
This award is reserved for Hispanic students currently enrolled at a HACU member school who are interested in studying abroad.
What It Covers
The scholarship will cover up to 50% of the recipient’s tuition while learning in a foreign country. The scholarship is currently designed to award up to $50,000 for each recipient, depending on his or her total program costs.
Online programs are not eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants hoping to study abroad during Fall Semester must submit their completed online application; for Spring Semester, the deadline is September 15 of the previous year. The application includes:
Basic biographical information
Country or region where the student would like to study
Typed response to the following question (1,000 words maximum): “How does study abroad fit into your academic and career goals, and what will you do to promote study abroad on your campus upon your return?”

Alliance/Merck Ciencia (Science) Hispanic National Scholars Program

Who’s Eligible
This award is open to Hispanic students attending college in the U.S. (all 50 states, as well as recognized territories) who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field. Students must be enrolled full-time, and maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.
What It Covers
Twenty-five recipients are chosen for the one-time, $2,000 award. Funds should be used for education-related expenses such as tuition, books and supplies, and administrative fees.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Recipients are notified in June. Applicants must register online and submit all required materials in order to be considered for the scholarship.

CHCI Scholar-Intern Programs

Who’s Eligible
This award is open to any Latino U.S. citizen or legal resident who is currently enrolled at a community college, four-year university, or graduate-level institution that is accredited by the Department of Education. Additionally, candidates must:
Demonstrate financial need
Possess strong writing skills
Be active with local community service projects and programs
What It Covers
Undergraduate recipient rewards vary based on the scholar-intern program. The scholarship portion may be used to cover tuition, room and board, books and supplies, administrative fees, and other college-related expenses. The internship opportunities span different educational paths and are offered in various areas of the country.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an online application (registration is required) that includes the following:
1-2 letters of recommendation
Response to a career-oriented essay prompt

Scholarships and Grants for Native American Students

American Indian College Fund: Full Circle Scholarships for Undergraduates Attending Non-Tribal Colleges

Who’s Eligible
These scholarships are open to U.S. citizens who are enrolled full-time at a public or private, non-tribal-affiliated school, and are registered as members of a recognized tribe or with at least one grandparent or parent who was registered. Applicants must earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to be considered.
What They Cover
All Full Circle scholarships are designed to exclusively cover college-related expenses, such as tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and administrative fees. The amounts vary for one-time scholarships as listed below:
Anthony A. Weimas Scholarship: $1,000 (for associate or bachelor’s students only)
Morgan Stanley Tribal Scholars Program: $5,000 (all undergraduate grade levels are eligible)
Nissan North America, Inc. Scholarship: $3,000 (all undergraduate grade levels are eligible)
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Tribal Scholarship: $1,000 (all undergraduate grade levels are eligible)
Sovereign Nations Scholarship: $2,000 (all undergraduate grade levels are eligible)
Women’s Self Worth Foundation Scholarship: $8,000 (females at all undergraduate grade levels are eligible)
Full Circle also offers several scholarships reserved for students who are residents of specific U.S. states or regions
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a completed online application for the following academic year. Required materials include:
A completed profile on the Full Circle website
A digital photo
Documentation of tribal affiliation
A copy of the student’s most recent college transcript (unofficial copies are accepted)
A completed Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) form

Society for American Archaeology Native American Undergraduate Archaeology Scholarship

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is open to any U.S. citizen or legal resident who is currently enrolled in a recognized tribal group. Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited college or university, and pursuing a degree related to the field of archaeology.
What It Covers
This $5,000, one-time award may be used to cover a number of college-related expenses, including (but not limited to):
Tuition
Travel
Food
Housing
Books and supplies
Equipment
Child care
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must download the application (MS Word) and submit all completed materials by Dec. 16. The application is comprised of the following:
Personal statement of academic and career goals
Proposed budget that describes how funds will be used
A description of the student’s study program
Document that shows student’s tribal affiliation
Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the student’s academic and professional qualities

Morris K. Udall Scholarship

Who’s Eligible
Any U.S. citizen or legal resident who is registered with a recognized tribal group may apply for this scholarship. Additionally, candidates must be enrolled as full-time, junior- or senior-level undergraduates who are currently pursuing a degree in tribal public policy or health care at an accredited four-year university.
What It Covers
Recipients will be given a scholarship award of up to $5,000 that is to be used to cover tuition costs, books and supplies, room and board, and other educational expenses.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit all required materials to receive scholarship funding for the academic year. These materials include:
A written nomination from a professor or faculty member at the student’s institution
A completed application form
An 800-word essay on “a speech, legislative act, book, or public policy statement by either Morris K. Udall or Stewart L. Udall and its impact on your interests and goals”
An official, sealed college transcript from the applicant’s current school, as well as transcripts for other colleges attended
Three letters of recommendation

Scholarships and Grants for Asian-American and Pacific Islander Students

CIC/Anna Chennault Scholarship

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is open to any U.S. citizens or legal residents of Asian or Pacific Islander descent who are currently enrolled as freshmen at an accredited four-year college or university. Criteria for recipients is based on four factors:
Academic merit
Demonstrated journalistic proficiency
Commitment to earning a degree and pursuing a career in journalism
Sensitivity to Asian American and Pacific Islander issues
What It Covers
This $5,000 award is divided as follows:
$3,900 is allocated toward the student’s expenses as a college student (tuition, books and supplies, etc.)
$1,100 covers travel, lodging, and registration costs for the student to attend the annual Asian American Journalists Association conference in New York City (typically held in late summer)
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
All applicants must submit a completed application by the announced deadline; this date is TBA for scholarship recipients. The application requires:
An official college transcript
1-2 letters of recommendation
A personal statement regarding career goals

Shui Kwen and Allen Chin Memorial Scholarship

Who’s Eligible
This award is open to any individual who claims at least 50% Asian heritage and is planning to attend an accredited college as a full-time student (all undergraduate grade levels are eligible). Other requirements include:
The student must show a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA.
The student or the student’s parents must be “currently or formerly employed at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant.”
The applicant must have a history of “community advocacy and social justice work on behalf of Asian American, immigrant, gay and lesbian and/or other progressive causes.”
The applicant must demonstrate financial need.
No citizenship requirements apply to this scholarship.
What It Covers
Two recipients will be awarded $1,000 scholarships that are to be used to cover educational expenses like tuition payments, books and supplies, room and board, and administrative fees.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must download the online scholarship application and submit it by the announced deadline (this date is TBA for the current academic year; applications will be available in December). The application includes the following materials:
Current resume
Response to 2-3 short essay prompts
One transcript copy from the student’s current college
Two letters of recommendation from professors, faculty members, or academic advisors
Once the application is complete, students must mail their materials to the following address: Shui Kwen and Allen Chin Memorial Scholarship Asian Pacific Fund, 465 California Street, Suite 809, San Francisco, CA 94104

Asian Women in Business Scholarship Fund

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is available to any female U.S. citizens or legal residents of Asian or Pacific Islander descent who meet the following criteria:
They have been involved with community service and/or earned leadership experience with entrepreneurial projects.
They are currently enrolled at an accredited four-year institution in the United States, and have completed at least one semester prior to application.
They have earned a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
What It Covers
This $2,500 award is to be used solely to cover expenses related to tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and administrative fees. An additional $2,500 may be added to the award for recipients who have demonstrated financial need.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Completed applications are generally due in August or September; required materials include the following:
An unofficial copy of the student’s transcript (official copies will be required if the student becomes an award finalist)
At least one letter of recommendation from a former supervisor or professional acquaintance
A completed AWIB Scholarship Application
All materials should be mailed in a single packet to the following address: Asian Women In Business, 42 Broadway, Suite 1748, New York, NY 10004

Upakar Indian-American Scholarship

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is reserved for U.S. citizens and legal residents who were either born in India, or have at least one parent who was born there. In addition, the following criteria must be met:
Applicants must be actively pursuing enrollment at an accredited two- or four-year university in the U.S.
The family of the applicant must have an adjusted gross income (AGI) that is lower than $75,000.
The student must have a minimum 3.6 cumulative GPA.
What It Covers
This scholarship awards up to $2,000 per year for each recipient (up to 20 recipients are chosen annually). The scholarship is renewable on the condition that recipients maintain at least a 3.3 GPA. The money may be used to cover the following expenses:
Tuition
Room and board
Books and supplies
Administrative fees
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Online applications for this scholarship are available beginning in February. Applicants will be asked to provide documentation proving that either they or one of their parents was born in India, as well as proof of U.S. citizenship. Other required materials include:
Personal essays discussing the student’s background, educational aspirations, and career goals
Two letters of recommendation written by teachers, academic advisors, or other education professionals

Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) AXA Achievement Scholarship

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is open to any U.S. citizen or legal resident who can claim Asian or Pacific Islander heritage, as well as citizens of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. Additionally, applicants must:
Be enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university for the fall semester immediately following the announcement of the scholarship recipients
Have a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
Demonstrate financial need by filing a FAFSA
What It Covers
Fifty-two applicants (one from each state, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) will be chosen as AXA Achievers; each one will receive a one-time scholarship award of $10,000. Additionally, the 10 strongest candidates among these 52 recipients will be chosen to receive a bonus $15,000 award for a total award of $25,000. These monies must be exclusively used for undergraduate education-related expenses.
Online programs are eligible.
How to Apply
Students must register online with the AXA Foundation, and then submit an application that includes the following information no later than Dec. 15:
Details about extracurricular activities, employment experience, and community service involvement.
Current high school cumulative on a 4.0 scale
An essay prompt that asks the applicant to discuss their outstanding achievements. The AXA Foundation provides the following advice for applicants:
“Read through the online application’s essay questions and carefully consider your responses.”
“Be sure to fully capture and articulate what makes your achievement truly outstanding.”
“You may wish to use word processing software to write and edit your responses. If you copy and paste your responses into the appropriate application fields, review the pasted text carefully for any character shifting or replacements that may have occurred. Also, place the cursor into the pasted text to activate the application’s character counter function.”

Scholarships and Grants for International Students

Note: The majority of scholarships reserved for international students who want to earn a degree in the U.S. are sponsored by individual colleges and universities. For more information about opportunities at a particular school, please visit that institution’s official website.

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

Who’s Eligible
This fellowship is available to students who are residents of participating countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, East Asia and the Pacific Islands, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. Candidates must be majoring in an approved field of study and planning to enroll at one of the fellowship’s partner universities. Additionally, they must demonstrate the following:
Current enrollment in an undergraduate degree program in their home country
At least five years of professional employment or formal work experience
Limited time spent in the United States prior to application for the fellowship
A record of leadership and community service
Intermediate to advanced English skills
What It Covers
The amount awarded to each recipient will vary, but the monies will be used to cover the following expenses:
Tuition and administrative fees at the recipient’s host university
English language training (may not be needed)
A living allowance, which includes a one-time “settling-in” stipend
Health insurance
Books and supplies, including a one-time computer stipend
A one-time computer subsidy
Airfare for travel to the U.S., as well as any required domestic travel during the course of the program
A “Professional Development allowance” that covers work-related activities like field trips, professional visits, and seminars and conferences
Please note: This is a “non-degree-granting” fellowship, meaning that no diploma will be awarded at the end of the program; the coursework is designed to build the fellow’s proficiencies in several areas and prepare them to continue their education and earn a degree in his or her home country.
Online programs are not eligible.
How to Apply
Requirements will vary by the applicant’s country of origin; each candidate should contact the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy or Binational Fulbright Commission in his or her home country for specific application information. Candidates must receive a nomination from their respective embassy or commission no later than Oct. 1; other deadlines will also vary by country of origin.

Global Scholarship Alliance

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is open to any international student who has completed a nursing degree program (minimum three years of study) and currently holds a registered nursing license in his or her home country. Additionally, the degree program’s curriculum must have included both theoretical and clinical components that cover the following subjects:
Surgical
Obstetrics
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Medical nursing
The applicant must also have at least one year of “post-graduation and licensure acute care hospital-based nursing experience” in a specialty that may include (but is not limited to) the following fields:
Critical/intensive care
Coronary care
Emergency
Medical
Surgical
Operating room/theater
Telemetry
The student is required to complete a period of home service after the U.S. program has concluded; the duration of this service will vary by institution and specific visa requirements.
What It Covers
The amount awarded by this scholarship will vary by institution, but the money will fully fund the following expenses:
Full tuition for one of the following programs:
BSN completion
RN to MSN
BSN to MSN
Post-Masters Certificate
Books and supplies, including a laptop computer
Airfare and relocation/resettlement costs in the U.S. city where the student is assigned
Recipients will also receive paid training at their university’s hospital and/or clinical facilities.
Online programs are not eligible.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the following sequence of tasks in order to receive and honor this scholarship:
Meet GSA standards for the initial selection
Receive an acceptance letter from a GSA approved University Partner
Obtain a U.S. visa
Travel to the U.S. and complete all requirements for the assigned academic program: enroll, attend classes, receive full, on-campus practical training through employment, maintain a high GPA, and graduate on time (students will remain under ‘visa status’ for the duration of the program)
Repay the scholarship amount plus interest if they fail to finish the program or earn a degree in a timely manner (in accordance with their signed Scholarship Agreement)
Return to their country of origin to begin “home service” within 30 days of completing training in the U.S.

International Association of Black Actuaries

Who’s Eligible
This scholarship is open to individuals of African descent who are either U.S. citizens/legal residents or residents of Canada, the Caribbean, or any African nations. Additionally, candidates must be admitted to an accredited school in the U.S. or Canada that awards degrees in actuarial science, and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA throughout the duration of their coursework. Finally, recipients will be judged on the following criteria:
Calculus and probability skills (prior course completion required)
SAT with a minimum math score of 600, ACT Assessment with a minimum math score of 28, or comparable scores on tests used outside the U.S.
Successful completion of an actuarial exam or active pursuit to do so
Completion of all Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) requirements
Strong communication skills
Commitment to achieving a career within the actuarial profession.
What It Covers
The amount awarded by this merit-based, renewable scholarship will vary; recipients typically earn between $500 and $4,000 per year. The money is sent directly to the recipient’s higher learning institution, and the money is reserved for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other education-related expenses.
Online programs are not eligible.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit the following materials:
A completed online IABA Foundation Actuarial Scholarships Application (site registration is required)
Two recommendation forms completed by professors or other faculty members who can attest to the student’s academic merit; both of these should be emailed directly from the author to the student’s educational institution
Scores for all completed educational examinations (PSAT, SAT, ACT, etc.)
A budget estimate covering tuition, fees, and other expenses for the entire academic year
Current resume
A personal statement that explains why the applicant wants to be an actuary, and how the scholarship will enable them to achieve their career goals
A sealed transcript sent directly from the student’s current institution, as well as transcripts from any other schools attended