Know about African American Grants

College and degree play an important role in a student’s life. However, there exists a racial gap in enrollment rates in most colleges across the globe. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, less than 65% of African American students attend college as compared to 70% of white students. The main reason is affordability. Also, a report revealed that several African American students borrowed money to complete their bachelor’s degree.

• United Negro College Fund

Started in 1944, United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is one of the oldest organizations dedicated towards betterment of African American students. It not only offers African American grants , fellowships, scholarships to students but also funds several colleges and universities serving African American students. To administer grants and scholarships to needy African American students, the UNCF partners with the state governments and private organizations.

Some colleges and universities that support African American students are;

• Howard University, Washington D.C
• Morehouse College, Atlanta
• Spelman College, Atlanta

Each college offers a different scholarship program or grants to help worthy students that address’ their financial needs.

• Funds from Public and Private Organizations

There are various other sources that may provide African American grants . If you are graduating in a field of your choice, you could avail financial aid for the same.

• National Black Nurses Association- This association supports the education and professional requirements of nurses( African American). Its grant awards may range between $500 and $2,000 and it is usually given away to nurses enrolled in a four -year nursing program. However, a student may be required to hold a membership along with a written essay and two recommendation letters to gain financial aid.
•  March of Dimes Nursing Scholarships- This offers financial help to licensed Registered Nurses in maternal-child speciality. Black students pursuing graduation in maternal-child speciality can seek help from it.
• The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)- This institute is committed towards providing grants for students studying in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It usually awards grants to students depending on their financial needs and academic merit.

• The American Psychological Association awards grants to students enrolled in psychological programs at graduate level.

Large enterprises such as Microsoft and Coco-Cola offer scholarships and internship to needy students.

• Federal and State Grants

US Department of Education is one of the oldest center that offers financial assistance to needy and disadvantaged students. It also offers African American grants to students wanting to complete their bachelor’s degree. In fact, this is one of the first places a student can approach for grants.

A student can request for grants by filling up a simple form with the Federal Application for Student Financial Aid(FAFSA). It uses you family’s financial information to understand if you need the grants. It usually considers your Expected Family Contribution or EFC as a reference point to assess your financial requirement.

In general, there are several different types of scholarships for students. Typically, merit-based scholarships are awarded to students having high GPAs or those having excellent community service record. Non-profit organizations, a few colleges and universities and even some leading employers also award African American grants .

A student will have to fill an application in order to qualify for the grants. The form may include the following criteria;

• Essay
• Letters of recommendation
• Grades
• College details
• Other financial aid

A student must follow all the instructions carefully and provide all the mandatory information else his/her application may be discarded.

Remember, African American grants are targeted to create a positive outcome for black students and help them complete their college graduation. A student can apply for the grants by seeking advice from educational experts or apply online.