College grants enable many to earn a degree.
College grants give students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree that they may otherwise not be able to afford. For black women, there are a number of grants that are particularly targeted at them. Many are based on financial need but there are other criteria as well.
NANBPWC Scholarships
Founded in 1935 to aid women business owners and professionals, the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs Inc. provides a variety of scholarships to further this mission. Requirements for each vary, but there are awards open to students who don't plan to major in business. Among the funding opportunities is the National Scholarship. You must be a high school senior with at least a 3.0 GPA to apply. You also must complete an essay on what education means to you.
Gates Millennium Scholars
Minority students who meet application requirements may receive a Gates Millennium Scholarship awarded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. You'll need to be in high academic standing, eligible for a Pell Grant and demonstrate leadership abilities. The amount of the scholarship is determined according to your financial need as well as the cost of tuition and related fees. Although not limited to African American women, this scholarship still provides a great opportunity.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation sponsors the CBC Spouses Education fund. There are a number of scholarships available to undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students in various fields of study. The CBC Spouses Education Scholarship requires you to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. Additionally, you must live or attend school in a congressional district represented by a CBC member and be a demonstrated leader who is active in your community.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship Programs
Named for the first African American appointed to the Supreme Court, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund actually is several different programs. For the majority of the programs, you must be in good academic standing and demonstrate a financial need to be eligible. The average award is $2,200 per semester and you must re-apply annually.
Tags: financial need, academic standing, African American, Black Caucus, Black Caucus Foundation, Caucus Foundation