By Tamara

Did you know that Black History Month was first celebrated at Kent State University in 1970? Now, nearly every elementary, middle, and high school plans some form of educational activities throughout the month to honor those African Americans who have made great contributions to music, education, politics, and racial equality. Colleges and universities also provide ample opportunities for students to learn more about black history and to celebrate African American culture. Even though there has been progress towards racial equality, the fact remains that many African American students still lack the college planning resources and funding necessary to complete a post-secondary education. There are, however, many scholarship opportunities available to assist those students who wish to earn a college degree. Here are a few of the current programs open to African American students at the high school, undergraduate, or graduate level.

1. Jackie Robinson Scholarship

The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program provides comprehensive support services to minority students enrolled at institutions of higher education. Applicants must display leadership potential and a dedication towards community service, as well as financial need. Eligibility: High school seniors      Amount: Up to $6,000    Deadline: Feb. 15

2. Cathy L. Brock Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist with tuition and academic expenses in the form of individual awards for students pursuing studies in health administration. Applicants must have a commitment to a career in health services administration and finance, and solid extracurricular and community service activities. Eligibility: Graduate students      Amount: $1,000      Deadline: Feb. 28

3. ASC Minority Fellowship

The American Society of Criminology provides the Graduate Fellowship for Ethnic Minorities to encourage students of color to enter the field of criminology and criminal justice. Eligibility: Doctoral students        Amount: $6,000     Deadline: Mar. 1

4. Maureen L. & Howard N. Blitman, P.E. Scholarship

The National Society of Professional Engineers offers this scholarship to African American students who are majoring in engineering. Eligibility: High school seniors      Amount: $5,000     Deadline: Mar. 1

5.  ACS Scholars Program

The American Chemical Society selection committee, which includes members from the minority groups that the scholarship program is designed to attract, considers the academic record of candidates, evidence of leadership ability, participation in school and community activities, and level of student interest in the chemical sciences as a career. Eligibility: H.S. seniors/undergrads   Amount: Up to $5,000    Deadline: Mar. 1

6. Kahdine Ann DaCosta Scholarship for Excellence in Leadership

The Kahdine Ann DaCosta Scholarship for Excellence in Leadership is sponsored by the non-profit I am O’Kah, Inc. and is in memory of Kahdine Ann DaCosta, who was a graduate from Morgan State University and an active community member in Baltimore, Maryland. The scholarship aims to embody Kahdine’s commitment to service and dedication to leadership. Eligibility: High school seniors      Amount: Up to $1,000      Deadline: Mar. 1

7. AMA Minority Scholars Award

The AMA Foundation, through the Minority Scholars Award, is working to increase the number of minority physicians to better represent the needs of our increasingly diverse society. The Minority Scholars Award program not only encourages diversity in medicine and helps to alleviate some student debt, but it also rewards commitment to the elimination of healthcare disparities, outstanding academic achievements, leadership activities, and community involvement. Eligibility: Medical school students     Amount: $10,000       Deadline: Mar. 4

8. AfterCollege STEM Inclusion Scholarship

AfterCollege and the Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic Technology (ACERT) have partnered to offer a new scholarship program for students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Eligibility: Undergrads/graduates     Amount: $1,000    Deadline: Mar. 31

9. Fredrikson & Byron Foundation Minority Scholarship Program

The Fredrikson & Byron Foundation offers this scholarship to assist minority students who are pursuing a law degree. Eligibility: First-year law students     Amount: $10,000        Deadline: Mar. 31

10. Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship Program

Along with the monetary award, the recipient may participate in a paid summer internship at a Brown and Caldwell office. Students must have a declared major in civil, chemical, or environmental engineering, or in one of the environmental sciences. Eligibility: College juniors       Amount: $5,000        Deadline: Apr. 15 Students can find additional opportunities by checking out the listing of African American scholarships offered through the ScholarshipExperts.com scholarship directory (no registration required) or by visiting the Tuskegee University academic services website.