subject: African American Scholarships - How Does It Work? [print this page] A college education is not restricted to a classroom, textbook, research paper or grade point average. It provides an environment for building relationships with individuals from other backgrounds and cultures. For this reason, scholarships are offered to African Americans and other minority groups in an effort to enhance diversity on university grounds.
Many companies who wish to employ more diverse cultures also offer aid sometimes in specific fields of study. Currently, business, engineering and medicine have some of the most appealing scholarships available for African Americans.
The days of getting a good paying job with a high school diploma are extinct now employers require a degree and African Americans have more options to choose from than ever before. The United Negro College Fund plays a critical role in enabling more than 60,000 students each year to attend college. Tuition costs are cut in half for those who wish to attend one of the 39 member colleges that provide 21st century academics. By providing 400 scholarship and intern programs to low and moderate income families, the educational gap is closing. The support received from UNCF helps pay tuition, books, room and board. Their policy and slogan is "A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste."
The UNCF's policy is a slogan many have heard before, "A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste." The many colleges that receive funding from them offer undergraduate, graduate and law school degrees. TMF has been around for 22 years offering over $100 million in scholarships and support. Recipients have to complete all degree requirements and maintain a 3.0 GPA. In 2003 TMF teamed up with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to restructure education in six high schools of low income communities throughout four different states. High school graduates became better prepared to handle college and learned valuable study skills necessary to complete the curriculum essential to earning a degree.
Many African American students graduate high school with the intention of attending a college of their own choosing. They promote the preparation of children as leaders in all areas of life. The foundation's intention is for African Americans to attain their fullest potential as individuals within the community. The Jack and Jill Foundation manages five grant programs that allocate awards to neighborhood chapter service projects and non-profit agencies. Any program that produces opportunities for students to gain empowerment skills is highly supported.
