College is more overly important to any student, but also more expensive than ever. With the United Negro College Fund scholarships and internships, up to $10,000 will go a long way to help overcome financial obstacles.
Scholarships and grants are available from many organizations, including the UNCF and through the federal government.
Unlike loans, which you may need to repay, scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid, and unlike work-study programs, they do not require you to have a job on campus during your time of the study.
What is the United Negro College Fund
Founded in 1944, U.N.C.F. It is the largest minority scholarship program in the country. It provides operating funds to 39 historically black colleges and universities, administers 300 scholarships and internships, and supports minority students across the country.
The United Negro College Fund’s motto, “A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste,” remains one of the most recognized in the history of American advertising.
For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, allowing them to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and not only hope to go to college, but also to prosper, graduate and become leaders.
They do this in three ways: by awarding more than 10,000 scholarships worth more than $100 million a year. Providing financial support to 37 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). And acting as a prominent advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.
This three-point approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we have served more than twice the number of minorities who attend college.
The six-year graduation rate for African American UNCF fellows is 70%. That’s 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.
Why Choose UNCF HBCU?
Everyone deserves access to a college education that sets them up for success.
This is the belief shared by UNCF to more than 100 historically black colleges and universities in the United States, a belief you’ll feel in the air when you visit or attend an HBCU.
UNCF HBCU Members – Institutions
| States | Institutions |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama A&M University Bishop State Community College Alabama State University Concordia College Alabama Gadsden State Community College H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College Lawson State Community College-Birmingham Miles College Oakwood University Selma University Shelton State Community College Stillman College Talladega College Tuskegee University |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Baptist College Philander Smith College Shorter College University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff |
| Delaware | Delaware State University |
| District of Columbia | Howard University University of the District of Columbia |
| Florida | Bethune-Cookman University Edward Waters College Florida A&M University Florida Memorial University |
| Georgia | Albany State University Clark Atlanta University Fort Valley State University Interdenominational Theological Center Morehouse College Morehouse School of Medicine Paine College Savannah State University Spelman College |
| Kentucky | Kentucky State University Simmons College of Kentucky |
| Louisiana | Dillard University Southern University at Shreveport Grambling State University Southern University and A&M College Southern University at New Orleans Xavier University of Louisiana |
| Maryland | Bowie State University Coppin State University Morgan State University University of Maryland Eastern Shore |
| Mississippi | Alcorn State University Coahoma Community College Jackson State University Mississippi Valley State University Rust College Tougaloo College |
| Missouri | Harris-Stowe State University Lincoln University |
| North Carolina | Bennett College Elizabeth City State University Fayetteville State University Johnson C. Smith University Livingstone College North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina Central University Saint Augustine’s University Shaw University Winston-Salem State University |
| Ohio | Central State University Wilberforce University |
| Oklahoma | Langston University |
| Pennsylvania | Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Lincoln University |
| South Carolina | Allen University Benedict College Claflin University Clinton College Denmark Technical College Morris College South Carolina State University Voorhees College |
| Tennessee | Fisk University Lane College LeMoyne-Owen College Meharry Medical College Tennessee State University |
| Texas | Huston-Tillotson University Jarvis Christian College Paul Quinn College Prairie View A&M University St. Philip’s College Southwestern Christian College Texas College Texas Southern University Wiley College |
| The U.S Virgin Islands | University of the Virgin Islands |
| Virginia | Virginia State University Hampton University Norfolk State University Virginia Union University Virginia University of Lynchburg |
| West Virginia | Bluefield State College West Virginia State University |
United Negro College Fund Scholarships | What You Will Benefit
UNCF has helped more than 500,000 students graduate from college since its founding.
Officially, UNCF is the nation’s largest provider of private scholarships for members of minority groups. Each year, they award more than $100 million in scholarships to students who attend more than 1,100 schools across the country, including their prestigious network of 37 HBCUs.
Each of these programs, along with dozens of other internships, scholarships, and teacher development opportunities, comes with its own eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines, so it’s important you follow this guide.
Basically, there are two types of United Negro College Fund scholarships and grants:
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based financial assistance is provided strictly on the basis of your financial need. An essential step in the need-based aid application process is completing the Application for Free Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Pierre and Tana Matisse Scholarship
The Pierre and Tana Matisse Scholarship
The Pierre et Tana Matisse Foundation is committed to supporting people in communities who directly suffer the consequences of injustice and discrimination every day of their lives.
In partnership with UNCF, the Foundation developed the Pierre and Tana Matisse Scholarship Program to provide need-based scholarships to Black, Latino, and Indian students from all five New York boroughs attending an accredited institution for four years or two years community college in the United States.
Scholarship Worth
Up to $5,000.00
Eligibility Requirement
- Be a black, Latino, or Native American citizen.
- Reside or be a permanent resident of one of the five boroughs of New York (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island).
- Currently classified as an undergraduate college student (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) and enrolled full-time in an accredited 4-year US institution or a 2-year community college.
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a demonstrated unmet financial need.
- Indigenous students will need to present verification of their tribal affiliation.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online before the closing date and must include:
- A current academic transcript (official or not).
- One-page essay.
- A recommendation letter.
- Indigenous students must present verification of their tribal affiliation.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Applicants who have submitted full applications will be notified of scholarship decisions by April 30, 2021.
Application Deadline
Open Date: 12/10/2020 12:00 AM EST
Close Date: 1/28/2021 11:59 PM EST
The Rayman V & Margaret M Dobson Scholarship
Rayman V & Margaret M Dobson Scholarship
This is a need based scholarship.
The UNCF and the Rayman V & Margaret M Dobson Scholarship want to ensure that Southeastern Michigan students have the opportunity to earn a college degree.
Students must be permanent Michigan residents living in one of the following countries at the time of high school graduation: Wayne, Oakland, McComb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair, and Livingston.
Eligibility Requirement
- Current transcript
- Letter of Recommendation
Application Deadline
Open Date: 1/15/2021 12:00 AM EST
Close Date: 2/24/2021 11:59 PM EST
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit scholarships are generally awarded to students based on their academic, athletic, or artistic abilities. Also, merit scholarships are awarded to students who are related to a particular group or organization, such as a church or civic group.
Since many merit scholarships also require applicants to complete the FAFSA, we recommend that you begin your application process by completing the first important step in applying for a FAFSA.
Toyota/UNCF Scholarship
Officially, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. is recognized as one of the world leaders in the automotive industry.
Recently, Toyota has partnered with UNCF to offer scholarships to students interested in the automotive industry. Selected awardees will receive a scholarship of up to $7,500 for one academic year.
Provider
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Scholarship Worth
Up to $7,500
Eligibility Requirement
- For a full review of the awards, students must complete the online application, including an essay outlining their career aspirations in the automotive industry.
- Applicants must also invite two references to submit recommendations online. One of the references must be familiar with the student’s academic performance.
- Additionally, applicants will submit their recent transcripts and CVs.
- This scholarship is only for seniors, who are enrolled full-time in Historically Black Colleges or Universities.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Must be U.S. Citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident
Level of Study
Accounting, Analytics, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science(s), Finance, Human Resources, Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, International Business, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, and Logistics.
Application Deadline
Open Date: 9/10/2020 12:00 AM EST
Close Date: 1/28/2021 11:59 PM ESTApply Here
DTE Energy Foundation Scholarship
The DTE Energy Foundation scholarship program is for third or fourth year college students who are currently enrolled in a 4-year college or university.
Scholarship Worth
Selected winners will receive between $3,000 and $5,000 in one-year, renewable, needs-based scholarships (for juniors) during the school year.
Eligibility Requirement
Eligible applicants must:
- Maintain a 3.0-grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale
- Be a resident of the state of Michigan
- Declared specialization in mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering, information technology, or business.
- Be a junior or senior college enrolled full-time at the time of application to a 4-year college.
- Also, for scholarship review, applicants are required to write a one-page essay outlining their career goals and aspirations and how this scholarship will help achieve those goals.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a professor or advisor, attach a copy of the most recent official or unofficial transcripts, and complete the online application before the deadline.
Field of Study
Business, Chemical and Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering
Application Deadline
Open Date: 10/2/2020 12:00 AM EST
Close Date: 1/20/2021 11:59 PM ESTApply Here
The Wellington Management Foundation Scholarship
The Wellington Management Foundation Scholarship is open to students from UNCF member schools enrolled in the academic year. Students are expected to be considered juniors in the school year, graduating in 2022.
Scholarship Worth
The scholarship will provide a scholarship of $5,000 depending on the financial need of the student, as verified by the participating university or college.
Eligibility Requirement
To have a complete application file, applicants must:
- Be African American / Black
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
- Complete a Free Federal Student Aid Application Form (“FAFSA”)
- Have a demonstrated and unmet financial need, verified by your college or university.
- Provide proof (notice and instructions located in the appropriate section of the app)
- Provide a transcript (unofficial accepted)
- Have a letter of recommendation (instructions are at the bottom right of this page)
- Have a completed student application
- Be registered full-time as a junior attending a UNCF member institution
- Specialization in finance, economics, business, accounting, computer science, data science, political science, history or psychology
- Have an interest in pursuing a career in asset management or financial services.
Field of Study
Accounting, Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Finance, History, Political Science, Psychology
Application Deadline
2/1/2021 11:59 PM ESTApply Here
UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship
The UNCF Kindergarten through Grade 12 Education Scholarship is a leadership and talent development initiative aimed at building a strong portfolio of high-achieving African Americans who are engaged in education in America.
The program selects undergraduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to participate in a 10-week summer experience. This includes leadership development, a paid internship with an innovative teaching or organization or school. kindergarten through 12th grade, and participating in an education reform case competition.
During the competition of the 10-week program, fellows have access to additional training and skill development aligned with kindergarten through grade 12 career paths during their final year of college.
Provider
Walton Family Foundation
Scholarship Worth
- Paid Summer Internship
- UNCF Student Leadership Conference (SLC)
Eligibility Requirement
- ALL specialties are welcome!
- Must be able to commit for the full 10 weeks of the scholarship
- Willingness to move during the summer
- Have demonstrated leadership experience on campus and / or in the community.
- A recommendation from a university administrator or a member of the university faculty.
- A referral will be required and will be considered when submitting the finalist interview.
Application Process
Application Deadline
How to Apply for the United Negro College Fund Scholarships
While the application process may seem overwhelming at first, you will find that applying for schools is much more manageable, and even enjoyable, when you understand the process and plan it carefully.
The summer before your senior year is the best time to start the application process, and most of the work is done in the fall of your senior year.
Once you’ve decided which schools you want to apply to, get their application materials by visiting their website or calling them.
Some schools will require paper applications, while others will accept applications online. Each school will list required documents or information to include, such as your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, and test scores.
Also, check if the university accepts the common application. More than 600 US colleges and universities are doing this, and it’s a real time saver.
Determine how you will organize all the information for each school and how you will keep track of your application documents.
Create a dossier for each college with a checklist of the requirements for each application and the application deadline.
Here is a sample timeline listing the milestones throughout the application process.
Most schools charge a non-refundable registration fee that ranges from $35 to $50. Because you can apply to five to eight colleges, those fees can add up quickly.
If they become a challenge for you and your family, check to see if the schools are among the 1,300 US colleges and universities that offer fee waivers.
The application form will require basic information about you, your performance in high school, etc.
Keep your answers real and emphasize your uniqueness. If you must include letters of support from teachers, church leaders, or others, be sure to give the letter writers plenty of time.
Here’s a great guide to completing applications.
Before closing the envelope or hitting “submit”, review your entire application, checking it very carefully for any errors.
Also ask a parent, teacher, coach, or other trusted adult to read your application. They can catch bugs you haven’t seen. They can also provide you with helpful suggestions to improve your application.
A solid, bug-free app says something about what kind of student you’ll be!
And while you’re waiting to receive your acceptance letters, don’t forget to thank those who wrote your letters of recommendation.
Tips for Winning the United Negro College Fund Scholarships
Use the tips and guidelines in this section to optimize your application.
#1: Keep your eyes open
Watch for scholarship announcements on the bulletin board at your guidance counselor, at your religious institution, in the academic section of your library, or in your local newspaper.
#2. Don’t miss deadlines
Stay organized and create calendars for yourself, just like you do when applying to colleges and universities.
#3. Know your audience
Describe yourself according to the interest of the sponsoring organization. Show how your goals match theirs.
#4. Tell your story
Most applications require a trial. Keep it real and personal. Share an important experience in your life that will help the reader understand what makes him you. Tips for writing a solid personal essay.
#5. Clean up your online profiles
Many colleges and universities research the students they are considering online. Make sure your Facebook, Twitter, and other public social media profiles show you the best of you.
#6. Please correct your work
Give yourself time to review everything before submitting. Enlist the help of parents, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults who can serve as other eyes to make sure your work is sound and error-free.
#7. Make and keep copies
After spending so much time creating a great app, you don’t want to have to recreate it if it gets lost in the mail. Be sure to make a copy of everything you send.
United Negro College Fund FAQs
UNCF (the United Negro College Fund) invests in better futures for students, communities, and the nation by working with its 37 member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to provide students with the college education they need and that the 21st-century economy demands.
To support its member HBCUs and the more than 60,000 students it supports, UNCF:
1. Provides member HBCUs with financial and other support so they can keep their academic programs strong and their tuition affordable.
2. Awards more than 10,000 scholarships under 400 programs each year to help students at member HBCUs and many other colleges and universities across the United States earn their degrees and launch their careers.
3. Advocates in Washington, DC, and around the country for the importance of HBCUs, college education, and college readiness.
Not at all. UNCF’s member HBCUs admit students without reference to race or ethnicity.
Yes. Many UNCF programs offer students the opportunity to supplement classroom learning with paid, hands-on experience in professions they may be considering. The UNCF/Walton K-12 Education Reform Fellowship Program, for example, places participants in positions that give them experience building a robust pipeline of high-achieving African Americans engaged in education reform. And the UNCF-Oracle Corporate Scholars Program offers internship opportunities to students who aspire to work in the fast-growing technology industry.
Conclusion
You’ve done your research and taken (or soon will take) college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT. You’ve explored colleges and universities online and perhaps visited a few.
Also, you’ve received school recommendations from guidance counselors and others. Now is when things get exciting.
The United Negro College Fund has a lot of scholarships you can benefit from. This article gave a detailed outline of them all.
