There is more to a college education than textbooks and writing research papers. It involves much more including the ability to build relationships with individuals from other cultures and backgrounds. For this reason, scholarships are offered to African Americans and other minority groups in an effort to enhance diversity on university grounds. Many companies offer aid in specific fields of study in an attempt to employ more varied ethnicities. Currently, business, engineering and medicine have some of the most appealing scholarships available for African Americans.
Employers no longer expect a high school diploma, but they are willing to pay good money for employees with degrees. The United Negro College Fund provides funding that enables more than 60,000 students each year to attend higher education facilities. There are 39 member colleges that provide 21st century academic programs while keeping tuition costs down. By providing 400 scholarship and intern programs to low and moderate income families, the educational gap is closing. This support helps pay tuition, books, room and board. The UNCF’s policy has always been “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.” Thousands of dollars each year are donated to African American scholarships by the Thurgood Marshall Fund. Aid is offered to undergraduate, graduate and law school students at its many colleges and universities. Recipients have to maintain a 3.0 GPA to receive a part of the $100 million in scholarships that TMF has doled out in their 22 year history. In 2003 TMF partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to reform education in six high schools of low income communities in four states. High school graduates receive their diplomas prepared to handle college life and work toward the goal of completing a degree program.
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 wants African Americans to live up to their fullest potential as individuals within society and develop management skills. The Jack and Jill Foundation manages five grant programs that allocate awards to neighborhood chapter service projects and non-profit agencies. Programs are supported that create opportunities for students to learn and gain empowerment skills.
Visit the following website for more information on:
African American Scholarships
African American Education
