Top Scholarships for Minority Students
Christen Arafeh 
"Intelligence plus character - that is the true goal of education." -Martin Luther King Jr
Top Scholarships for Minority Students
In a country always striving to better itself, making higher education accessible to minority students is a high priority. Many colleges and universities offer their own unique scholarships for students belonging to certain minority groups; other minority-focused scholarships are specific to the state. The following list is more of a highlight reel for students of American Indian, Asian American, African American, and Hispanic descent.
Award Amount: Varies, up to one-half of tuition
Deadline: Dependent upon when your term starts
Eligibility: Enrolled in or intend on enrolling in a university/ college/ junior college/ technical school in the United States, at least 25% enrolled member of a U.S. Federally Recognized Native American Tribe or descendant of an enrolled member with at least 25% degree Indian blood, undergraduate with no more than 150 semester credits/ 210 quarter credits, pursuing first bachelor’s degree, full-time or part-time status, minimum GPA of 2.25 established and maintained after first term of college, have completed FAFSA
Description: The AIS Scholarship helps undergraduate Native American students be able to attend college through financial support. The application deadlines are hard, so do not miss whatever deadline is associated with the term you are applying for. The application requires a recent photograph, Proof of Heritage to show at least one-quarter heritage and enrollment in a Federally Recognized Tribe, an essay displaying your personality and career goals, an official tuition billing statement, and a current official or unofficial transcript.
Award Amount: Up to $1,000
Deadline: August 1, 2021
Eligibility: High school seniors in Boston, will be attending four-year college in fall of academic year, member of Asian American community
Description: This scholarship is funded by Gabriel Cheong with Infinity Law LLC and “is intended to encourage more Asian Americans to choose a degree that will help them give back to the Asian community.” The application itself includes a short essay of 1-3 pages describing your Asian American background, a completed application form, an unofficial copy of high school transcripts, and proof of residency in the United States.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: July 3, 2021
Eligibility: Be a minority (African American, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific American or Alaska Native), be a graduating senior in year of award, plan to attend accredited university within United States, be a permanent Illinois resident, have a high school GPA of at least 3.0, be enrolled as a full-time student during fall session of award
Description: The BLM^2 Scholarship was “founded on the belief that any motivated individual in need should have the opportunity to further his or her education.” This program increases access of a college education to minorities; recipients or members of the program are encouraged to “‘give back’” via community service, mentoring, or donations. The application includes an essay, an activity sheet, a letter of recommendation, ACT or SAT score sheets, school information, a copy of your college acceptance letter, and the Office of Admission contact information.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 14, 2021
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors, community college students transferring to four-year universities, graduate students, of Hispanic heritage, U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident or DACA, minimum of 3.0 GPA for higher school students, minimum of 2.5 for college and graduate students, plan to enroll full-time at a public four-year university or graduate school, submit the FAFSA or state-specific financial aid
Description: The HSF Scholarship is made available for new applicants at the beginning of every year with the deadline falling at about the same time each year. To apply, you must create a profile on the Hispanic Scholarship Fund website. The application process includes identifying information, past community service or extracurricular experience, and short response answers. Those who make it past the initial screening process are invited back for interviews before being awarded funding.
Award Amount: Up to $30,000 over four years
Deadline: February 1, 2021
Eligibility: Graduating high school senior, plan to attend four-year university in the U.S., show leadership potential, demonstrate dedication to community service, be able to present evidence of financial need, currently a United States citizen, minimum SAT score of 1,000 or ACT score of 21, cannot already possess a degree from a two or four-year college when applying
Description: The Jackie Robinson Foundation is geared toward aiding minority students through financial support and providing mentorship through the “process of higher education.” The application includes four essay questions, a hi-resolution digital photo, a letter of recommendation, and SAT or ACT scores.
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: May 18, 2021
Eligibility: Freshman/ sophomore/ junior/ senior/ graduate student at an accredited university, major relevant to travel and tourism industry, able to demonstrate diversity (culture, socioeconomic background, nationality, minorities, age, race, ethnicity)
Description: The ABA Diversity Scholarship “focuses on broadening the number of traditionally underrepresented groups in the management and operation ranks of the transportation, travel and tourism industry.” The judges base their decisions on academic achievement, character, leadership, financial aid, and demonstrated commitment to “advancing the transportation, travel, and tourism industry.” The application includes a 500 word essay over the transportation relevant prompt.
Award Amount: $40,000 over four years ($10,000/ year)
Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: Must be African American, excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service, demonstrate financial need, U.S. citizen or hold permanent residence, current high school senior at time of application
Description: The Ron Brown Scholars Program is a selective program that “advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.” The program aims to make higher education accessible for “the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship.” The application includes general background information, SAT or ACT scores, a list and descriptions of extracurriculars (including leadership roles), and questions about intended areas of study in college.
Now that you've started your scholarship list, you need somewhere to keep the scholarships, deadlines, and award amounts organized to maximize your chance of winning. You can take advantage of our digital scholarship organizer so you never miss a deadline.
Categories: : minority, scholarships
About the Author
Christen is the founder of Hive Education. She is passionate about helping families navigate the college application and admissions processes. She helps students set goals to work towards their own debt-free degrees with her personalized scholarship searches, scholarship courses, and by sharing her scholarship strategies that won her over $900,000 in for her own college education. With four years of experience in higher education, two years working with teens in inner city high schools in New Orleans, and starting her first college consulting company during a pandemic in 2020 she strives to make college accessible for everyone, especially for first generation, low income, and minority students. In her spare time she loves to share her love for books with her daughters. You can find her on Facebook.
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