Combine scholarships and financial aid to minimize costs.
African Americans can take advantage of numerous scholarships to fund their college education. While women are eligible for these scholarships, there also are awards that cater specifically to African-American women. The best part is that, unlike loans, scholarships do not have to be repaid.
Black Women in Sisterhood for Action
Founded in 1980, the Black Women in Sisterhood for Action or BISA is a nonprofit organization that promotes alternative strategies for the educational and career development of young black women. The scholarships award $1,000 per year for tuition as well as financial help books, tutoring and transportation. BISA assists scholars for up to four years and provides about 50 awards annually. Awards target inner-city, financially needy black women with potential for academic growth.
National Hook-Up of Black Women Inc.
Chicago's National Hook-up of Black Women Inc. focuses on helping black women, their families and their communities. NHBW offers two categories of scholarships. The Dr. Arnite Young Boswell Scholarship awards freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior students enrolled in an accredited college or university with a $1,000. The Dr. Wynetta A. Frazier "Sister to Sister" Scholarship assists African American women who are at least 30 years of age. Only single women returning to college are eligible for this $500 award.
Essence Scholars Program
Essence, a national magazine that caters to black women, sponsors this scholarship through the UNCF or United Negro College Fund. The scholarship is open to African-American women enrolled in any UNCF member school. Applicants must be sophomores or juniors and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Awards are up to $10,000, depending on need.
The Black Women in Sport Foundation
The nonprofit organization offers four scholarships for female African-American students. For students entering college, the Angela Murphy Scholarship provides $500 award. The Bernice Anastasia Ximines Smith and the Madeline Kountze Dugger-Kelly scholarships both offer $1,000 to undergraduate and graduate students, respectively. The foundation's Future Leader Scholarship awards $1,000 to an undergraduate. The foundation prefers applicants who have a history of sports participation and community service.
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