Access to education can often be unequal for individuals, especially for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. We've compiled a list of scholarships specifically geared towards minority students, covering a range of fields. These scholarships offer financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help minority students succeed in their academic pursuits.
We aim to provide practical information and resources to empower minority students to pursue their educational goals! These scholarships aim to level the playing field and promote diversity in higher education. Join us as we explore these valuable opportunities and learn how they can benefit you on your academic journey.
EXPERT INSIGHT
The growth in students of color on college campuses is a tremendous opportunity. Diverse perspectives enrich the learning environment, generating a more dynamic campus culture. It is important to understand that obstacles remain for students of color, particularly those from lower income households. Scholarships can help bridge the gap allowing students to to pursue their academic and career goals without the added stress of financial constraints. Like many organizations, Unigo understands investing in scholarships for students of color fosters more equitable and diverse learning communities, benefiting not only our colleges and universities but also society in general.
-John Hall (BA, MBA, EdD)
What Are Minority Scholarships?
Minority scholarships are financial aid opportunities specifically targeted toward individuals who belong to underrepresented groups in higher education. As the name suggests, minority scholarships are reserved for those who identify as a minority group. This can include students who are of certain ethnic or racial backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ students, first-generation college students, and more. These scholarships for minorities are usually provided by organizations that want to help support minorities in higher education.
These scholarships aim to address disparities in access and opportunity by providing support to minority students pursuing their academic goals. They can come from various sources, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and educational institutions.
These scholarships may cover tuition fees, books, living expenses, or other educational costs. Additionally, many minority scholarships offer mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and other forms of support to help recipients succeed academically and professionally.
Minority scholarships play a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve their full potential. In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the best minority scholarships available in 2024 and how you can apply for them.
What Are The Different Types Of Scholarships For Minorities?
Approximately 15.44 million undergraduate students were enrolled in college in the U.S. as of Fall 2021, according to Education Data Initiative. The enrollment rates, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, for 18- to 24-year-olds were “Asian (60%), White (38%), Black (37%), of Two or more races (35%), Hispanic (33%), and Native American/Alaska Native (28%).”
If you are a student from a minority background or underrepresented group, you should explore scholarships specific to you. Many scholarships cater to the diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds of individuals. These scholarships aim to address disparities in access to education and provide support to individuals from marginalized communities.
Understanding the different types of minority scholarships available can help you navigate the application process and find opportunities that align with your background and academic goals. There are many different types of minority scholarships available. Some of the most common include:
Ethnic or racial minority scholarships: These are typically reserved for students who come from certain ethnic or racial backgrounds, such as Hispanic, African American, Asian American, or Native American.
LGBTQIA+ scholarships: These scholarships are for students who identify as LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual).
African American Scholarships
African American scholarships are dedicated financial aid opportunities aimed at supporting students of African descent in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships recognize the historical and systemic barriers faced by African American individuals and seek to empower them through academic support.
African American scholarships may include merit-based awards, need-based grants, and specialized programs tailored to address the unique challenges and experiences of African American students. By providing financial assistance and access to educational resources, these scholarships aim to increase representation and diversity in higher education while promoting academic success and leadership within the African American community. Some examples include:
Ron Brown Scholar Program: The Ron Brown Scholar Program awards scholarships to academically talented African American high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, community service, and financial need.
NANBPWC Scholarships: NANBPWC offers scholarships to African American women pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, including business, STEM, education, and the arts.
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Scholarships: NSBE provides scholarships to African American students pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, mathematics, and other STEM fields.
Asian Scholarships
Scholarships for Asian students provide crucial support for students of Asian descent pursuing their educational aspirations. Here are a few examples:
Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Scholarships: JACL provides scholarships to students of Japanese ancestry who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
South Asian Scholarship Foundation (SASF): SASF provides scholarships to South Asian students in the United States, encouraging academic excellence and promoting cultural awareness and understanding.
Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF) Scholarships: The Asian Pacific Community Fund offers scholarships to Asian and Pacific Islander American students in California who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. These scholarships support students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, including STEM, business, healthcare, and the arts.
Filipino Scholarships
Filipino scholarships support students of Filipino descent in their educational pursuits. Here are a few examples:
Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Scholarships: FANHS offers scholarships to Filipino American students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to promoting Filipino American history and culture.
Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC) Scholarships: PAFC provides scholarships to Filipino American students pursuing higher education in various fields, including STEM, humanities, and social sciences.
Filipino Nurses’ Organization (FNO) Scholarships: FNO offers scholarships to Filipino American students pursuing nursing or healthcare-related degrees, supporting their academic and professional development in the healthcare field.
Filipino American Women’s Network (FAWN) Scholarships: FAWN provides scholarships to Filipino American women who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to community service, empowering them to succeed in their educational and career pursuits.
Korean American Scholarships
Korean American scholarships provide essential support for students of Korean descent pursuing higher education. Here are a few examples:
Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF): KASF offers scholarships to Korean American students based on academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement.
Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) Scholarships: KACF provides scholarships to Korean American students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
Korean American Scholarship Fund (KASF): KASF offers scholarships and educational grants to Korean American students, including those studying in South Korea and international students pursuing higher education in the United States.
Latino Scholarships
Latino scholarships help students of Hispanic or Latinx heritage in their educational pursuits. Here are a few examples:
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Scholarships: LULAC provides scholarships to Latino students based on academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement, empowering them to pursue higher education and career opportunities.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Scholarships: CHCI offers scholarships and leadership development programs to Latino students, preparing them for careers in public service and leadership roles within the Latino community.
Scholarships for Hispanics
Similarly to Latino scholarships, scholarships for Hispanic students are designed to provide financial assistance and support to students of Hispanic heritage pursuing higher education. Here are a few examples:
Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) Scholarships: HHF offers scholarships to Hispanic students based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement, supporting their educational and career aspirations.
National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Scholarships: NAHN provides scholarships to Hispanic nursing students, helping them pursue their education and advance in the nursing profession.
Adelante Fund Scholarships: Adelante Fund offers scholarships to Hispanic students with demonstrated financial need, empowering them to overcome financial barriers and achieve their academic goals.
Native American Scholarships
Native American scholarships support students of Indigenous heritage in their educational endeavors. Here are a few examples:
Cobell Scholarship: The Cobell Scholarship offers financial assistance to Native American and Alaska Native students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, with a focus on fields related to tribal policy and governance, Native American studies, and STEM disciplines.
Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Scholarships: The BIE offers scholarships and grants to Native American students attending BIE-funded schools or tribally controlled colleges, helping them access quality education and achieve their academic goals.
LGBTQIA+ Scholarships
LGBTQIA+ scholarships provide financial support and resources to students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or other sexual orientations and gender identities. These scholarships aim to address the unique challenges and barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ students in accessing higher education:
Point Foundation Scholarships: The Point Foundation provides scholarships, mentorship, leadership training, and other support to LGBTQIA+ students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to advancing LGBTQIA+ equality.
PFLAG National Scholarships: PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) offers scholarships to LGBTQIA+ and ally students, as well as children of LGBTQIA+ parents, who have made significant contributions to their communities and advocate for LGBTQIA+ equality.
Queer Foundation Scholarships: The Queer Foundation offers scholarships to LGBTQIA+ high school seniors or undergraduate students who write essays on LGBTQIA+ issues and their personal experiences.
Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarships: The Gamma Mu Foundation provides scholarships to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, with a focus on supporting those who have demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement.
Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) Scholarship Program: TLDEF offers scholarships to transgender and non-binary students who are committed to advancing transgender rights and equality through their academic and community work.
10 College Scholarships For Minorities
Here are some additional college minority scholarships you can apply for. Scholarship opportunities are available if you search for ones that match your interests, degree level, and goals. You can find scholarships like these and others through our Scholarship Match Tool:
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program: This program provides scholarships for minority students who are committed to academic excellence and leadership. The award can be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
The Horatio Alger Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students who have faced significant adversity and are committed to pursuing their education. The award can be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is available to minority high school students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need. The award can be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship: This scholarship is available to low-income high school students who have demonstrated academic excellence. The award can be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship: This college scholarship for minority students is available to those who are committed to pursuing a career in public service. The award can be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
UNCF Scholarship: This scholarship is available to African American students who demonstrate financial need. The award can be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): HSF offers scholarships and support services to Latino students, including those of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and other Hispanic backgrounds, to help them achieve their educational goals.
The Native American Scholarship Fund Scholarship: This scholarship is available to Native American students who demonstrate financial need. The award can be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is available to Asian and Pacific Islander students who demonstrate financial need. The award can be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
American Indian College Fund Scholarships: The American Indian College Fund provides scholarships to Native American students attending tribal colleges and universities or mainstream institutions, supporting their pursuit of higher education.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Minority Scholarships?
Eligibility requirements for minority scholarships can vary depending on the scholarship and the organization that is offering it. However, some common eligibility requirements may include being a part of a certain minority group, having financial need, and being enrolled in or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university.
Eligibility may also include:
Specific GPA
Community service or leadership work
Unmet financial need
Proof of U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Specific student groups – such as undergrad or graduate level
Type of school you are planning to or currently enrolled in – such as a two-year community college, four-year college, or Historically Black College or University (HBCU)
How To Apply For A Minority Scholarship?
The process for applying for a minority scholarship can vary depending on the scholarship and the organization that is offering it. However, some common steps in the process may include completing an application, providing transcripts and other supporting documents, and writing an essay.
It is important to carefully read the instructions for each scholarship you are interested in before beginning the application process. This will help ensure that you are completing the application correctly and that you are including all of the required information.
List of Best 2024 Minority Scholarships You Should Apply For
African-American and black students looking for scholarships can use our Scholarship Directory to find awards specifically designated for this minority group. Some of the awards in this category simply require applicants to be a minority, and others require applicants to be of African descent.
Students of Asian descent, including Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, Pacific Islander, and many others have several minority scholarship opportunities available to them. This directory makes it easy to find Asian scholarships for students looking to add more money to their college funds. Start browsing and find money for college through these scholarships for Asians.
Scholarships are available for Filipino students studying at colleges and universities in the United States. Whether you're a recent immigrant or of Filipino heritage, we've collected a list of scholarships you're specifically eligible for. Click here to learn more and apply today!
If you are a qualified Korean American student or a foreign student from Korea, you may be eligible for scholarships. To apply for a Korean American scholarship, you must meet the criteria set by each provider.
Like many minorities, hispanic students are suffering from the student loan crisis. Latino Scholarships, also known as Hispanic Scholarships, are offered by a number of companies, organizations and schools, resulting in a more culturally diverse experience for all involved. Browse and apply today!
Native American students of all ages have the opportunity to help pay for their college education with these minority scholarships. There are several American Indian tribes that have specific scholarship programs available to provide funding for college tuition and fees. So, if you have a family history or are affiliated with an American Indian tribe, check out this list of Native American scholarships.
There are various scholarships available for minorities to take advantage of. We've put them all together in this list for you to find even more ways to increase your college financial aid. Start browsing and apply today!
Hispanic and Latino students seeking scholarships for college can use our Scholarship Directory to find awards for this specific minority group. Most scholarship providers in this category require applicants to be of Hispanic or Latino descent, but many awards simply require that applicants belong to a minority group.
Written by McKenna Deen
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Edited by Dave Moniz
