20 Super Scholarships for Black Women

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Scholarships for Black women are helping African American students break barriers and achieve their educational goals. This article features a broad range of scholarships. Some are undergraduate scholarships. Some are for those earning their master’s degree. Some can be used by those attending any college. Some require you to demonstrate financial need. Others don’t. Still others have location limitations or require students to attend historically Black colleges like Howard University. Whether you’re an undergraduate, or a graduate student, we hope you can find a scholarship here to help you on your way.

A report from the Black Women’s Roundtable found that the high school dropout rate for African American girls reached an all-time low of 6.4 percent in 2011. Not only are Black women graduating, they’re also dominating in higher education. The NCES reports that women earned 68 percent of associate, 66 percent of bachelor’s, 71 percent of master’s, and 65 percent of doctoral degrees awarded to Black people in 2010.

Around 24 percent of African Americans have at least a bachelor’s degree. After graduation, it’s estimated that Black women are generating over $44.9 billion for the U.S. economy. They’re even starting businesses at six times the national average. Black women are crushing it in college education and the workforce.

We hope highlighting financial aid like these 20 great scholarships for African American women makes achieving your dreams more affordable.

Reviewing Top Scholarships for Black Women

1. Allison E. Fisher Scholarship

Deadline: February 13th

The Allison E. Fisher Scholarship honors the BET and PBS broadcaster. She lost her fight with breast cancer at 28 years old. The $2,500 scholarship is awarded annually by the National Association of Black Journalists to African American undergraduate students. Eligible African American women must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. They must be attending an accredited college or university. Finally, they must be majoring in journalism or communications.

Contact

Allison E. Fisher Scholarship
1100 Knight Hall Suite 3100
College Park, MD 20742
(301) 405-0248
sberry@nabj.org
Scholarship Link

2. Ashley Stewart Scholarship

Deadline: May 22nd

The Ashley Stewart Scholarship is sponsored by the United Negro College Fund. $5,000 each is awarded annually to two Black women majoring in business disciplines. Eligible are those majoring in:

  • marketing
  • finance
  • communications
  • management
  • fashion merchandising

Candidates must:

  • be sophomores or juniors
  • attend an accredited HBCU
  • have at least a 3.3 GPA
  • maintain full-time enrollment
  • have unmet financial need
  • be interested in the business of fashion.
Contact

Ashley Stewart Scholarship
1805 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(800) 331-2244
kenya.gray@uncf.org
Scholarship Link

3. Black Girls Rock! Imagine a Future Scholarship

Deadline: October 1st

The Black Girls Rock! Imagine a Future Scholarship is funded by Procter & Gamble’s My Black is Beautiful campaign. The $5,000 award goes to dynamic African American students who are enrolling at accredited U.S. colleges as:

  • freshmen
  • sophomores
  • juniors

Eligible applicants must:

  • be a woman
  • be pursuing an undergraduate degree
  • have a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • be involved in the African American community

Recipients can also attend the Black Girls Lead Conference.

Contact

Black Girls Rock! Imagine a Future Scholarship
57 West 57th Street 4th Floor
New York, NY 10019
(646) 416-7907
programs@blackgirlsrock.org
Scholarship Link

4. Davis Scholarship for Women in STEM

Deadline: June 13th

Each year the United Negro College Fund offers the Davis Scholarship for Women in STEM. The award for $5,000 is given to two Black female students who have declared a major in:

  • science
  • technology
  • engineering
  • mathematics

 To qualify, women must:

  • be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • have at least sophomore standing
  • attend a UNCF-member institution full-time
  • also maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher

Preference is given to students from Massachusetts.

Related: 20 Best Deals on Small Colleges for STEM

Contact

Davis Scholarship for Women in STEM
1805 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(800) 331-2244
kenya.gray@uncf.org
Scholarship Link

5. Dr. Arnita Young Boswell Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

For $1,000, the Dr. Arnita Young Boswell Scholarship is awarded annually by the National Hook-Up of Black Women. The award goes to African American students who are enrolled full-time as undergraduates. They must:

  • attend accredited U.S. universities 
  • maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75
  • submit a head shot portrait and two letters of recommendation
  • provide proof of school/community service involvement
  • provide official transcripts.

Finally, they must write and submit a 500-word essay on recent “Black Lives Matter” political issues.

Contact

Dr. Arnita Young Boswell Scholarship
1809 East 71st Street
Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 667-7061
info@nhbwinc.com
Scholarship Link

6. Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

This scholarship is funded by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to African American students in specific fields. They must be studying:

  • journalism
  • broadcasting
  • creative writing
  • public policy
  • economics
  • political science
  • related fields

Applicants must:

  • be sophomores or juniors
  • have U.S. citizenship
  •  be studying at an accredited four-year college
  • have a 3.0 GPA or better
  • write a 1,000-word career aspirations statement.
Contact

Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship
1806 New Hampshire Avenue
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 483-4206
executivedirector@nanbpwc.org
Scholarship Link

7. Estelle Martin Cartledge Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st or September 30th

The Poise Foundation offers the Estelle Martin Cartledge Memorial Scholarship for $1,300. The scholarship is awarded to Black women who have sustained involvement in humanitarian projects. This includes:

  • church work
  • community service
  • mentoring

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • be graduating high school seniors
  • be enrolled full-time in a four-year college
  • have strong academic merit
  • live within the Mon Valley
  • exhibit selfless service

Priority is given to members of Morning Star Baptist Church.

Contact

Estelle Martin Cartledge Memorial Scholarship
603 Stanwix Street Suite 1700
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 281-4967
dnasir@poisefdn.org
Scholarship Link

8. Hallie Q. Brown Scholarships

Deadline: March 31st

The Hallie Q. Brown Scholarships, for $1,000 to $2,000, are awarded by The National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs. Qualified recipients must:

  • be active NACWC members
  • have a high school diploma
  • enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. college
  • have completed at least one college semester
  •  maintain a “C” average
  • show need for financial assistance.
Contact

Hallie Q. Brown Scholarships
408 Alexander Place
East Louis, IL 62207
(202) 667-4080
cearly@nacwcya.org
Scholarship Link

9. Jack and Jill African American Scholarships

Deadline: June 1st

Ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 each, the Jack and Jill African American Scholarships are available for male or female Black high school seniors. They must already be accepted at an accredited four-year college. Along with monetary support, recipients engage in leadership training and mentoring. They also take part in economic development programs to help them reach their fullest potential in higher education.

Contact

Jack and Jill African American Scholarships
1930 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 232-5290
pblake@jackandjillfoundation.org
Scholarship Link

10. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: February 15th

The Jackie Robinson Foundation has awarded Black students over $65 million in scholarships. This has enabled tens of thousands of African American students to attend college over the years. To qualify, candidates must:

  • be graduating high school seniors
  • score at least 1,000 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT
  • be U.S. citizens
  • present proof of financial need

Leadership qualities and dedication to community service are also important factors.

Contact

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarships
75 Varick Street 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10013
(866) 986-1601 ext. 7095
scholarships@jackierobinson.org
Scholarship Link

11. Madeline Kountze Dugger-Kelly Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

Every year the Black Women in Sport Foundation awards this scholarship. The scholarship is for $1,000 and goes to African American women enrolled full-time in graduate school. Both master’s and Ph.D. students are eligible. Candidates must:

  • have played intercollegiate sports as undergraduates
  • be involved in community service
  • demonstrate academic merit
  • set an example of good sportsmanship.
Contact

Madeline Kountze Dugger-Kelly Scholarship
4300 Monument Road
Philadelphia, PA 19131
(215) 877-1925 ext. 320
tinabwsf@temple.edu
Scholarship Link

12. Maria Dudley Advanced Practice Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

This $6,000 scholarship is one of several scholarships offered by the National Black Nurses Association. Suitable applicants must:

  • be NBNA members
  • be registered nurses with valid state licensing
  • be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program for nursing
  • possess good scholastic standing
  • have at least one full year remaining.
Contact

Maria Dudley Advanced Practice Scholarship
8630 Fenton Street Suite 330
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 589-3200
gbelizaire@nbna.org
Scholarship Link

13. NABA National Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 31st

The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) hosts an annual National Scholarship Program. This program presents 50 awards for $1,000 to $10,000 to African Americans enrolled at four-year accredited U.S. business schools. Students must:

  • major in accounting or finance
  • be Black
  • be active NABA members
  • be enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester
  • have a GPA of 3.3
  • submit a current resume
  • provide one recommendation letter
  • be U.S. citizens or lawful residents.
Contact

NABA National Scholarship Program
7474 Greenway Center Drive
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(301) 474-6222
scholarships@nabainc.org
Scholarship Link

14. Peola Smith-Smith Educational Leadership Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs awards this scholarship. The $1,000 is intended to support Black women graduating from high school who plan to major in education. Eligible women must:

  • be accepted at an accredited, non-profit U.S. college
  • have a minimum B average
  • show leadership qualities
  •  be NANBPWC members
  • write a 300-word essay titled “Why Education Is Important to Me.”
Contact

Peola Smith-Smith Educational Leadership Scholarship
1806 New Hampshire Avenue
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 483-4206
executivedirector@nanbpwc.org
Scholarship Link

15. Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarships

Deadline: May 16th

This scholarship is in honor of the pioneering amateur golfer and teacher Phyllis Galloway Meekins. The LPGA offers $1,250 annual scholarships for women of color. Eligible applicants for the need-based award must:

  • be graduating high school seniors
  • already be accepted at an accredited U.S. university
  • plan to play collegiate golf 
  • maintain full-time enrollment
  • have strong academics and be involved in community service.
Contact

Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarships
100 International Golf Drive
Daytona Beach, Fl 32124
(386) 274-6200
info@lpgafoundation.org
Scholarship Link

16. Reach for the Gold Book Scholarship

Deadline: May 26th

The Alumnae Association of Omega Phi Beta Sorority offers the Reach for the Gold Book Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarships are awarded to women of color. For consideration, applicants must:

  • be legal U.S. citizens or residents
  • be accepted as freshmen at accredited four-year colleges
  • have a minimum GPA of 3.4 
  • achieve a combined SAT score of 1800 or ACT score of 24

Funding is intended for the purchase of academic textbooks.

Contact

Reach for the Gold Book Scholarship
P.O. Box 3352
New York, NY 10163
(646) 683-6110
BOTSecretary@omegaphibeta.org
Scholarship Link

17. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD Scholarship

Deadline: September 12th

The Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD Scholarship is administered by the Association of Black Women Physicians. The $2,000 scholarship is awarded to African American medical students in southern California. Students can either be from southern California or enrolled in a Southern California school to qualify. Students must be African American women. Applications must include official transcripts and financial aid letters. Additionally, applicants must provide three letters of recommendation and submit their CV.

Contact

Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD Scholarship
4712 Admiralty Way Suite 175
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 321-8688
abwpcorrespondence@gmail.com
Scholarship Link

18. Ruth Whitehead Whaley Scholarship

Deadline: February 16th

This scholarship is named for the first African American woman to enroll at Fordham University School of Law. The Ruth Whitehead Whaley Scholarship is awarded yearly by the Association of Black Women Attorneys for $2,500. Eligible Black women must have unmet financial need and be enrolled full-time at an accredited law school. The law school must be located in in:

  • Connecticut
  • New Jersey
  • New York

Applicants must be earning a Juris Doctor degree. Involvement in civic and community service activities is the deciding factor.

Contact

Ruth Whitehead Whaley Scholarship
1001 Avenue of the Americas 11th Floor
New York, NY 10018
(631) 708-5359
info@abwanewyork.org
Scholarship Link

19. Working Women’s Scholarship

Deadline: April 23rd

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. offers the Working Women’s Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to African American women who are working while attending:

  • a college
  • university
  • trade school

 Eligible ladies must:

  • be at least 30 years old
  • working at least 15 hours per week
  • be U.S. citizens
  • reside within the Oakland/Bay Area
  • demonstrate financial need 
  • maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA

Two letters of recommendation are required. Finally, they must write a 300-word essay about the three biggest challenges facing their community.

Contact

Working Women’s Scholarship
P.O. Box 24231
Oakland, CA 94623
ncbw100pse@gmail.com
Scholarship Link

20. Women of Color Scholars Program

Deadline: February 1st

The women of Color Scholars Program recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The program grants up to $10,000 annually to minority women who are pursuing graduate theological education. The degree must be a Ph.D. or Th.D. in order to qualify. The scholarship is available only to candidates who are active members of the United Methodist Church. Candidates must:

  • attend an accredited U.S. seminary
  • maintain a 2.5 GPA
  • already have their Master of Divinity degree
  • must express that their goal is to teach at Methodist seminaries.
Contact

Women of Color Scholars Program
1001 19th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 340-7342
cbanks@gbhem.org
Scholarship Link

Lack of financial support is an obstacle that has forced many Black women to put off attending college. The poverty rate for African American females in the United States is currently 28.6 percent. Rising tuition costs don’t necessarily have to bar your access to higher learning, though. As Maya Angelou once said, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”

Scholarships for women of color are numerous to help you afford bettering your personal and professional life.

GCD Staff, Updated September 2022

Related:

Take the first step to your college degree by applying for some of these 20 top scholarships for Black women.

Find Your Degree!