Scholarships are available to help African Americans go to school.
The cost of a college education jumped by 7.9 percent at public colleges and 4.5 percent at private institutions in 2010, according to the "Los Angeles Times." This increase proved higher than the rate of inflation and highlights the growing cost of receiving an education. For African Americans dealing with this reality, different types of scholarships are available that provide financial assistance.
HBCU Scholarships
Many private organizations support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through HBCU-specific scholarship programs. These scholarship opportunities help HBCU-enrolled students offset the costs of their education. One such program is the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program that gives full tuition, room, board, books, use of a laptop and printer and employment to selected candidates. The Army ROTC/ HBCU Scholarships also targets students at HBCUs with an eye towards bringing more African Americans into the Reserve Officers' Training Corp. Individuals selected to receive that scholarship will get full tuition, a stipend for books and living expenses.
Music Scholarships
There are scholarship programs that aim to increase the number of African American professional musicians. One such program is the Sphinx Organization Scholarship, which provides money to students interested in pursuing a major in music at one of a specific list of schools. These schools include the Indiana University School of Music, the Juilliard School, the University of Illinois School of Music and the University of Michigan School of Music. The legendary jazz musician, Wynton Marsalis, was once a recipient of the organization's scholarships.
Aviation Scholarships
African Americans with dreams of entering the aviation sector can take advantage of aviation scholarship programs. These scholarships aim to encourage young African Americans to enter the field and also help aviation professionals improve their skills. The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), for instance, gives annual scholarships to a wide group of candidates. From graduating high school seniors, to trained pilots seeking to obtain a higher flight license, selected recipients can get up to $7,000 to apply towards educational or flight training costs (as of January 2011). The organization also partners with companies like Delta Airlines and UPS to provide financial assistance to African Americans.
Science Scholarships
For African Americans that will study and work in the science field, certain scholarship programs can help pay for school. The GEM Fellowship Program for instance, gives between $10,000 and $14,000 to selected recipients (as of January 2011). Administered by the National GEM Consortium, the scholarship targets African Americans pursuing a Masters Degree in Engineering. Students preparing for PhDs in Engineering or Science are also eligible.
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