Scholarships for African American Women
Women of color were kept away from higher education for centuries, when laws forbid both women and people of color from attending colleges and universities. Even as white women have found a place for themselves in college and university classrooms, the number of women of color attending college is still disproportionately low. Even in the 21st Century, only 2% of all academia jobs are held by women of color. Scholarships can help African American women get in the door.
Like other demographics of women, more Black women are attending college than Black men, and more black women in college are out-performing Black men. Still, leadership roles and other high-paying careers are filled with primarily white men. Continuing to ensure that all hard-working, bright students have the opportunity to attend college is an important step to continued progress towards a more diverse workforce from the top down.
Black women attending colleges and universities have faced many more obstacles and challenges than their white counterparts, and progress for women in the college setting has all too frequently meant progress only for white women. It’s important for white women who have had doors opened for them to extend the opportunities they’ve enjoyed to minority women.
Organizations like the Association for Black Women in Higher Education are working to build both a support and resource network for Black women attending and working in higher education. Studies show that Black women in colleges and universities aren’t getting the kind of support that would best help them succeed after college.
Scholarships for African American women may not directly help them meet all of the challenges they’ll face, but it can ease the financial burden. The following groups and organizations all offer scholarships for women of color:
UNCF - The UNCF is one of the most well-known sources for scholarships for Black students. UNCF actually manages a group of scholarships which help countless students every year.
Thurgood Marshall Fund - The Thurgood Marshall Fund, named for the great man, also helps many students of color achieve their dreams.
Black Excel is a resource service which tracks thousands of scholarships and grants available to students of color.
Beautiful, Also, Are the Souls of my Black Sisters is blog which has put together an extensive list of scholarships available to women students of color.
Browse Scholarships for African American Women:
Listing 1 to 84 of 84
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2023/2024 College Scholarship | $1,000 |
| Sponsored: There is no GPA requirement and no essay to write! | |
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| Applicant must be a single black female between the ages of 17 and 25 years old, a high school graduate, and a returning student. Applicant must enroll full time, file a FAFSA, complete the ... | |
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Varies |
| Applicant must be a black female classified as a second semester freshman or first semester sophomore, must be a Duval county, Florida and U.S. citizen, have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate | |
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| Counselor Education, Educational Psychology, Educational Research, or School Psychology; African American or female or both: competitive GPA; demonstrated financial need (Statement of ... | |
| AAAA Operation JumpStart | $10,000 |
| Operation JumpStart III, which began in the summer of 2006, provides financial assistance to aspiring multicultural art directors and copywriters. The program is a continuation of Operation ... | |
| Ada F. Hartog Memorial Scholarship | Varies |
| This scholarship is awarded to African-American, nursing students with at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. | |
| Ada F. Hartog Memorial Scholarship | Varies |
| This scholarship is awarded to African-American, nursing students with at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. | |
| Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship | $500 |
| Preference to African-Americans, particularly a female who has financial need or is a first generation college student. | |
| Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarship | Varies |
| African American female from Geary or Riley counties, Kansas, who will be attending Kansas State University. Requires a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. | |
| Alvie Campbell Bible Scholarship | $1000 |
| This scholarship is awarded in honor of educator Alvie Campbell Bible. Be an African American female student, attending a Bay Area junior college or four year col1ege/university • have a ... | |
| Angelo & Antoinette Rosati Endowed Scholarship Fund* | Varies |
| Scholarship awarded to an African-American female pursuing a major in art education. | |
| ScholarshipPoints $10,000 Scholarship | $10,000 |
| Sponsored: Thousands available in scholarships this year. | |
| Bernadine Johnson Marshall- Martha Belle Scholarships | 1500 |
| ABWL will award three scholarships to a first, second, or third-year African-American female law student currently matriculating at an accredited law school. The applicant must have New ... | |
| Beverly Washington Scholarship | Varies |
| Preference for this scholarship is given to undergrad, African-American females pursuing a career in the performing arts.This scholarship is based on need and merit (3.1 or above). The ... | |
| Cleveland County Negro Women’s Club Scholarship | Varies |
| African American female students enrolled at Cleveland Community College. Demonstrate financial need. | |
| Coalition of Law Enforcement Officers Scholarship | Varies |
| Scholarship awarded to a female African American student majoring in Criminal Justice. Must demonstrate aacademic excellence and financial need. | |
| College of St. Catherine Scholarship-National Achievement | $2000 |
| Female students enrolling at the College of St. Catherine recognized as African-American National Achievement semifinalists or finalists in the national competition. Scholarship is awarded ... | |
| $2,000 "No Essay" Scholarship - Niche | $2,000 |
| Sponsored: Open to all students and those planning on enrolling in either 2023 or 2024. | |
| CSC Scholarship for National Achievement Scholars | $2,000 |
| This scholarship will be awarded to students recognized as African-American National Achievement semifinalists or finalists in the national competition are eligible for this award. | |
| Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Merit of Excellence Award | Varies |
| This award is presented annually by the Pi Delta chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority to an African American, Latina, or Native American woman completing the freshman year who has shown ... | |
| Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarship | Varies |
| African-American female graduating seniors of Battle Creek area public and private schools. Must have a 3.0 GPA or better, financial need, and a letter of reference substantiating community ... | |
| Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarship - CT | $3000 |
| Black/African American female high school senior Graduating from Hartford area high school Planning to attend an accredited four-year college or university Academic excellence, GPA of 3.0 ... | |
| Dr. Gussie M. Ware Scholarship | Varies |
| Please go to the website for all the information on this scholarship and also the application. Female African American graduating high school senior, minimum GPA of 2.5 who has been accepted ... | |
| CaptainU Student-Athlete Scholarship | $2,000 |
| Sponsored: This opportunity is offered to current high school athletes for 2023-2024. Only athletes that want to play in college should apply! | |
| Edna Hayden Johnson Memorial Scholarship | Varies |
| Preference to African American females who are active St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church members and their families. Students must be full-time with a 2.00 GPA and interested in education. | |
| Ethnic Minority Scholarship-African American | Varies |
| Female, African American students in full-time undergraduate study at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. Active, full-member of the United Methodist Church for at least one year prior to ... | |
| Family & Friends of Annette Horn Memorial Scholarship | $500 |
| For African American part-time female student who demonstrates a contribution to any church, civic or school organization. Along with a completed application form the student must submit: a | |
| Fay Dunevant Scholarship | Varies |
| This scholarship is for full time students selection based upon financial need, with preference given to female African-American Applicants who are residents of Faulkner County. | |
| First Step Summer Institute Scholarship | $2,000 |
| This scholarship is awarded to African American women who have completed the College of St. Catherine First Step Summer Institute. | |
| Monthly University Scholarships | $1,000 |
| Sponsored: Just register and you could win $1,000! And because we don't want to take a lot of time away from your college search, entry takes just a few minutes. | |
| Gamma Phi Delta, Alpha Phi Chapter Scholarship | varies |
| 2.5 GPA based on a 4.0 scale Female, African American heritage preferred | |
| Helen Edwards Scholarship | $125 |
| Open to students transferring to a baccalaureate institution. For African American Female students, majoring in Child and Adolescent Development. Preference given to applicant working in CCSF | |
| Inez Peppers Lovett and Charlie Lovett Ellington Scholarship | $750 + |
| The Community Foundation of Palm Beach & Martin County administers this scholarship to assist Palm Beach and Martin County high school students in continuing their education beyond high ... | |
| Intel-Northern Scholarship | Varies |
| Must be a financially needy student majoring in Micro-Electronics Technology. Preference will be given to Native Americans, HIspanics, African Americans, women, veterans, dislocated workers, ... | |
| Iota Phi Lambda Scholarship Program | Varies |
| Scholarships available to students through the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Applicant must be a female, African-American student planning to study business education. Please apply through a ... | |
| Monthly University Scholarships | $1,000 |
| Sponsored: Open to High School students and adults looking to head back to school, current college students and anyone else looking to attend college or graduate school this year or in 2024. | |
| Jean-Pierre Award | Varies |
| Awarded to a second year African-American female student with the highest scholastic coverage in her pharmacy courses. | |
| John I. Bonner and Lila Morse Bonner Scholarship | Varies |
| Income from this fund will be used for the education of women, preferably female students who are black and enrolled at Erskine College. | |
| Judge Adele M. Riley Legal Assisting Scholarship | Varies |
| Applicants must be an African-American female resident of Montgomery County, Ohio. Students must have completed at least 15 legal assisting credit hours and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. | |
| Kathryn E. Ringgold Endowed Scholarship | Varies |
| This scholarship is awarded to students with demonstrated financial need and solid academic standing, with preference given to women or African-Americans. | |
| KCPL Engineering Scholarship | $750 |
| Awarded to African American, Hispanic American, Native American, or women students. Must major in Engineering. | |
| KCPL Engineering Scholarship | $750 |
| Awarded to African American, Hispanic American, Native American, or women students. Must major in Engineering. | |
| KCPL Engineering Scholarship | $750 |
| Awarded to African American, Hispanic American, Native American, or women students. Must major in Engineering. | |
| KCPL Engineering Scholarship | $750 |
| Awarded to African American, Hispanic American, Native American, or women students. Must major in Engineering. | |
| L.S. Mollette Memorial Scholarship | Varies |
| This scholarship will be awarded to a African American Carroll County resident with at least a 3.0 GPA. | |
| Lettia T. White Memorial Scholarship | $500 |
| Student who has completed 12 semester hours at DBCC and enrolled in at least 6 semester hours during the spring semester. 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need. African-American female ... | |
| Links Incorporated, Stockton Chapter Scholarship | $250 |
| The award is for a Black female, who has completed one semester at full-time, maintains a full-time status, and has a minimum 3.0 GPA. | |
| Mabel G. Homles Endowed Scholarship | varies |
| These scholarships are based on the student’s application for admission and are renewable for four years when a 3.0 GPA is maintained through continuous full-time enrollment. Only recent ... | |
| Mabel Smith Memorial Scholarship - African American | Varies |
| Applicants must be a high school or GED equivalent graduating senior; must be an American citizen and a member of one of the following ethnic groups: African American, American Indian, Asian, | |
| Martha C. Johnson Tuition Scholarship | Tuition |
| This scholarship is awarded to full-time sophomore students pursuing an Associate Degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applicants must be planning to transfer to a four year institution and have ... | |
| Martin Luther King Law Scholarship | Varies |
| Awarded to a female African-American law student who embodies the spirit and values of Martin Luther King and who has demonstrated financial need. | |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Scholarship | Varies |
| Assistance for an African American female enrolled at Lesley University. Scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate. | |
| Mary Barnes / Violet Malone Black American Women Scholarship | $500 |
| Applicants must be a black American female who is an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in any Woodring program, including: Teacher Education, Adult Education, Human Services, ... | |
| Mary M. Donahue Memorial GU Scholarship | Varies |
| The Mary M. Donahue Memorial GU Scholarship is awarded annually to a female student, preferably born in the United States, of African, Hispanic, or American Indian ancestry who demonstrates ... | |
| Mary Patterson Scholarship Endowment in Computer Science-African American | Varies |
| Scholarship available to a current or prospective female, African-American or Native American student in good standing in accordance with current institutional policies; must be a full-time ... | |
| Maureen Landis Honor Scholarship-African American | $2500 |
| Incoming first-year female of African American parentage who is deserving by virtue of her academic record and personal qualities. Award is renewable each year based on committee review at ... | |
| Merritt College Business Scholarships | $250 |
| Business scholarships awarded to African American single women, head of household who have completed 30 units at Merritt College. Have a 2.5+ GPA, and submit 2 letters of recommendation from ... | |
| Merritt College Science Scholarships | $250 |
| Scholarships offered to African American single women, head of household who have completed 30 units at Merritt College. Have a 2.5+ GPA, and submit 2 letters of recommendation from ... | |
| Miss Black America Scholarship | $5000 |
| Established to recognize and reward beautiful and talented Black American women. All African American women, including married contestants and contestants with children, are eligible. ... | |
| Miss Black California USA Scholarship | Varies |
| The Miss and Ms Black California USA Scholarship is a chance for African American female students to compete in an official US competition. Open to African American females from California ... | |
| Mollie Ann Peterson Scholarship | Varies |
| Awarded to female African-American students with financial need who are planning to teach. Applicants must file a FAFSA. | |
| Myrtle Waters Stewart Scholarship | $486 |
| This scholarship is available to an African-American female entering (freshman or transfer) Oswego State. There is no preference given with respect to major, however an education major would ... | |
| Nathaniel Hill Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 |
| To assist single women of African American descent with dependents pursuing education at ACC that will result in either a certificate, associate degree or transfer coursework to a four year ... | |
| National Association of Negro Business Women’s Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship | varies |
| Scholarships available to students through the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Scholarship Program. ■African American Female■College ... | |
| National Association of Negro Business Women’s Scholarship | $1000 |
| Scholarships available to students through the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Scholarship Program. Graduating high school seniors who are ... | |
| National Association of Negro Business Women’s The Ethel Lee Hoover Ellis Scholarship | varies |
| Scholarships available to students through the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Scholarship Program. •African American Female•College Sophomore or Junior ... | |
| National Association of Negro Business Women’s The Houston Sun Scholarship | varies |
| Scholarships available to students through the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Scholarship Program. The Houston Sun Scholarship Requirements: •African ... | |
| National Council of Negro Women Book Scholarship | $500 |
| This scholarship will be awarded to African American female students who have a 2.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. | |
| Nu Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship-FG | varies |
| Eligible recipient must be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester. If recipient is a first year college student, they must have earned a minimum GPA of 2.5 on all completed high ... | |
| Odell Broadway Scholarship | Varies |
| Scholarship awarded to students with a 2.0 GPA. Must be African-American or Black and female. Must have dependents and education must have been interrupted for at least 5 years. | |
| Office Careers Scholarship | varies |
| This scholarship was established by Louise L. Gish for an African-American woman in need of basic skills to get office employment. The applicant must have financial need, provide one letter ... | |
| Patricia A. & Mark A. Harmon Memorial Scholarship | $500 |
| This scholarship is for those students who have a 3.5 GPA and be an African American female student. And must be majoring in business. | |
| Pi Gamma Omega Scholarship | Varies |
| Please go to the website for all the information on this scholarship and also the application. Female African American graduating senior from a Winnebago County high school with a minimum GPA ... | |
| Positive Black Women Scholarship | Varies |
| This scholarship is available to African American women. | |
| Reverend Barbara Ann Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund | Varies |
| Scholarship is given to African-American women over the age of 30, enrolled in the School of Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary. | |
| Robert Vernon Family Memorial Fund | Varies |
| To undergraduate US citizens with preference given to American Indian, African American, and female minority students showing financial need. No application required; qualified students ... | |
| S. Evelyn Lewis Memorial Scholarship | $500-$1000 |
| Scholarship available to a female student majoring in medicine or health sciences through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Applicant must be an African American female undergraduate or graduate ... | |
| Seattle Chapter of The Links, Inc. Scholarship | Varies |
| Awarded to African American female, single parent students, who demonstrated financial need, and have a 3.0 grade point average. | |
| Sylvia L. Wilson (’85) Memorial Scholarship | Varies |
| This scholarship is awarded to an African-American woman specializing in print journalism. | |
| The Maureen Landis Honor Scholarship for Minorities-African American | $2,500-5,000 |
| This scholarship is awarded to a deserving female student at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College who is Asian, African American, Hispanic or Native American. | |
| Viola Lacher Holmes Endowed Scholarship | $550 |
| Scholarship awarded to a full-time student. Must demonstrate financial need and have an African American or Native American heritage. Native American students must be enrolled in a ... | |
| Viola Lacher Holmes Endowed Scholarship Fund | Varies |
| Scholarship available to a full-time OSU student. Scholarship to be awarded annually based on financial need to undergraduate African American students who are enrolled, active members of a ... | |
| Vivian McBride Memorial Scholarship | Varies |
| Scholarship awarded to African American females who have a cumulative 2.5 GPA. Must be preparing to transfer and must be majoring in liberal studies; education (elementary or secondary). | |
| Ward and Janice Harder Scholarship-Business | Varies |
| Must be a female African American student who is in financial need. Must major in business, math, communications, or computer science. | |
| Ward and Janice Harder Scholarship-Computer Science | Varies |
| Must be a female African American student who is in financial need. Must major in business, math, communications, or computer science. | |
| Ward and Janice Harder Scholarship-Mathematics | Varies |
| Must be a female African American student who is in financial need. Must major in business, math, communications, or computer science. | |
| Westchester County Chapter of Links Scholarship | $300 |
| This scholarship is awarded to a graduating black woman who has been accepted in a human services oriented program at a four-year institution. | |
| WLPA - Hall Communications Award | Varies |
| Awarded to a junior African-American student and/or a female majoring in communications with an option in broadcasting with financial need. | |
| Women of Color Scholars Program | Varies |
| Offered through the Georgia United Methodist Commission. Applicants must be active, full members of the United Methodist Church for 3+ years. Open to minority females pursuing a Ph.D. in ... | |
| Wynonna G. Hubbard Scholarship | $1500 |
| A black woman who is a full-time student and within two years of receiving a bachelor’s degree. Student must be maintaining a 3.00 GPA. Financial need is a consideration. No application ... | |