Top 8 minority scholarships | A complete guide

Scholarships for minority students

According to a recent survey, college acceptance and graduation rates for underrepresented minority students continue to lag behind the national average in the US. Various organizations in the US are establishing minority scholarship to increase access to higher education and promote equality among communities.

Minority students can overcome financial barriers and have the best opportunity of completing their chosen academic degree with the help of the many scholarships and grants available. Through these scholarships, organizations and institutions are trying to level the playing field and ensure that talented minority students have an equal chance of succeeding. These scholarships provide financial assistance and a supportive community that can enhance a student’s educational experience.

Let’s further discuss scholarships for minority students

Here are the top 8 scholarships for minority students

Diversity scholarships help certain ethnic or racial groups or serve a wide range of underrepresented people. Universities, private enterprises, and non-profit organizations distribute them, and there are rewards for both undergraduate and graduate students.

1. American Indian College Fund

It awards Full Circle and Tribal College scholarships to American Indian as well as Alaska native college students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students who attend a tribal college, a nonprofit school, or a recognized university are eligible for the grants.

The applicant must be a full-time student, a member or descendant of a state or federally-recognized tribe, and have a GPA of at least 2.0 to be eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship amount might vary with time.

2. American Meteorological Society (AMS) Minority Scholarship

It provides $6,000 to students entering their first year of college from groups that have historically been underrepresented in the sciences. The scholarship is particularly for Hispanic, Native American, and African American students. Awardees receive the money throughout the course of their first two years of college.

For the admission process, prospective students need to submit a fully filled application form, along with their high school transcripts and a letter of recommendation. A genuine passion for atmospheric, oceanic, or hydrologic sciences is a crucial requirement for applicants.

3. La Unidad Latina Foundation

It awards scholarships to Latino undergraduate and graduate students. Awards vary from $500 to $2,000. Applicants must have high GPAs and must be studying in an approved four-year university. They should also provide transcripts and letters of recommendation.

The foundation financially supports dozens of students globally through its annual scholarship program. It also assists hundreds of New York City high school students in gaining admission to premier schools and universities across the country.

4. Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholars (APIA) Scholarship Program

APIA’s scholarships range in value from a one-time $2,500 award to a multi-year $20,000 award. Asian and Pacific Islander students who meet one or more of the following requirements are eligible for the scholarships-

• The applicant is living below the poverty level.
• The candidate is the first member of their family to attend college.
• The individual must have a track record of community service and leadership.
• The student has to be a US citizen or permanent resident (citizens of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau are also eligible)
• The applicant must submit their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms by early April.

Students must submit an application, along with a brief essay and a letter of recommendation, to apply. Finalists might also have to provide more documentation.

5. National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) Pathway Scholarship

NACME’s aim is to promote African American, Hispanic, and Native American student representation. First-year college students majoring in engineering or computer science are eligible for the NACME Pathway Scholarship. The scholarship pays up to $5,000 per student for the first year. It is renewable for at least $2,500 per year until graduation as long as the student maintains a GPA of 3.0 or above while enrolled full-time. Winners might also get internship opportunities from the sponsoring company.

To be eligible for a NACME scholarship, students must be in their final year of high school and planning to apply to an engineering or computer science program at a NACME-partner institution.

6. The Gates Scholarship

It is among the top STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) awards for minorities. Every year, almost 300 students receive scholarships. It is a last-dollar financial aid reward for low-income minority high school seniors. It covers the entire cost of attendance not covered by other forms of financial help, such as Pell Grants and institutional rewards.

To be eligible, students must qualify for a federal Pell Grant and identify as Black, Alaska Native or American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic. 

7. National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) Diversity Scholarship

Students who are starting their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school can apply. Students who qualify may get up to $2,000 to help pay for their education. 

Students must complete an essay on diversity and inclusion. They also need to submit their CV, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and images or videos of their diversity efforts in action to be eligible for the scholarship.

8. National Press Club’s Scholarship for Journalism Diversity

Established in the memory of Julie Schoo, who served as the National Press Club’s executive director for more than 30 years, The National Press Club Scholarship for Journalism Diversity came into existence. The program promotes diversity in journalism by awarding successful students a $5,000 scholarship. The award is renewable for a period of up to three years.

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be in high school and intend to pursue a career in journalism. Students must also submit an essay, writing samples, letters of recommendation, and transcripts from their high school.

Key takeaways

• Numerous organizations and institutions understand the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the educational field. These organizations offer scholarships that empower and support minority students on their educational journey. 
• Scholarship for minority students can help students from underrepresented communities overcome their financial barriers. They can also complete their academic degree at the university of their choice with the help of the many scholarships and grants available.
• National Press Club’s Scholarship for Journalism Diversity, La Unidad Latina Foundation, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Minority Scholarship, and the Gates Scholarship are some of the scholarships available for minority students.

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FAQs

Q1. Which countries offer full scholarships to international students?

Ans- Germany, Greece, Japan, China, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Korea are among the countries that provide full scholarships to international students.

Q2. Which scholarship has the highest award amount?

Ans- The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation program is one of the largest achievement-based scholarships. Graduating high school seniors who want to attend a recognized college or institution in the United States receive these scholarships. Over 150 students get this $20,000 scholarship each year.

Q3. How much GPA is required to get a full scholarship in the USA?

Ans- An average 3.0 is often the GPA requirement for scholarships, with a ‘good GPA’ typically having a score between 3.5 and 3.8. A high GPA improves your chances of receiving a full-ride scholarship.