African-American women can find scholarships for college tuition.
The increasing cost of paying for college deters many from applying and completing a college degree. However, there are scholarship opportunities that can help students offset the burden of educational costs. And for African-American women, there are scholarship programs that provide money for tuition costs.
AAWCS Scholarship
African-American women studying at Florida A&M University (FAMU) can take advantage of the African-American Women in Computer Science (AAWCS) Scholarship program. The program gives 19 female FAMU students between $2,000 and $5,000 each semester (as of 2011). Additionally, those selected will also receive academic and career support from the organization. The scholarship is awarded to African-American women that demonstrate financial need. To be eligible, candidates must be American citizens and must have a 2.5 GPA. They must also be studying one of the following majors: computer and information sciences, computer engineering or mathematics. To apply, candidates must complete an application form and submit a transcript, two recommendation letters and a 500-word essay on why they should be selected.
Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Woman of Substance Scholarship
Provided by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, the Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Woman of Substance Scholarship is available to women aged 35 and older. These women must be undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university. They must also be North Carolina residents with a 3.0 GPA. Their application must include a 500-word essay titled "Challenges to the Mature Student and How I Overcame Them".
Inspiring Woman Scholarship
The Thurgood Marshall Fund offers the Inspiring Woman Scholarship in conjunction with the Women's National Basketball Association. It provides $15,000 in scholarship money to a female graduate or undergraduate student that demonstrates leadership, as of 2011. The scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Candidates must be residents of Connecticut, New Jersey or New York and they should be 21-years old when they apply. A completed application form must be accompanied by a recommendation letter, a resume, a transcript and the applicants Special Aid Report (SAR). The SAR documents the students financial status and can be obtained after completing the Free Application For Federal Student Aid. A 500-word essay is also required.
Spelman College Presidential Scholarships
Located in Atlanta, GA, Spelman College is a historically Black school that educates African-American women. Its Presidential Scholarship is given to five freshmen every year. These students are selected for their academic excellence, leadership qualities and community service experience. Those selected will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus free room and board. In addition, the school will pay for the student's administrative fees. The award will be renewed every year so long as grades are maintained and there are no disciplinary issues. There is no separate application process for this award, but qualifying students will be selected by the school's President. Prior recipients had a 3.8 GPA, 1300 or higher on their SAT and an ACT score of 29.
Tags: 500-word essay, African-American women, AAWCS Scholarship, African-American women, application form