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How to Win the Ron Brown Scholarship

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Ron Brown Scholarship- Introduction

Applying to college can be a stressful and intimidating process, especially when trying to cover college costs. Navigating the scholarship search can be confusing for students. Since this process can be so challenging, we want to take some time to highlight opportunities for Black students navigating the process of securing merit-based scholarships like the Ron Brown Scholarship for college.

In this article, we will discuss yet another exciting merit-based scholarship opportunity for high school seniors, the Ron Brown Scholarship (also referred to as the Ron Brown Scholar Program). We’ll cover what the Ron Brown Scholarship is, who is eligible, the funding it provides, and how you can apply.

What other scholarships for college has CollegeAdvisor helped students apply for?

Check out our guides on the Coca-Cola Scholarship , Vanderbilt Scholarship , National Merit Scholarship , and many more !

Unsure where to begin your scholarship search? You’re already in the right place! CollegeAdvisor.com offers step-by-step resources to guide your scholarship search. These resources highlight ways to find scholarship opportunities alongside a masterclass on ultimately winning these scholarships to help cover college costs.

So, let’s jump in. 

What is a merit-based scholarship?

Merit-based scholarships for college are sums of money provided by institutions and organizations available to students based on their demonstrated talent, success, and excellence in a particular area. Unlike need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarship distribution is often not influenced by a student’s financial background. So, your scholarship search can include merit-based scholarships no matter what your financial circumstances are. 

Merit-based scholarships for college are offered for excellence in a wide range of areas, from academics and community service to athletics and the arts. Merit-based scholarships are a great way to cover college costs , as they do not need to be repaid as loans do. There are also specific minority scholarships and scholarships for African Americans that fall under that category of merit-based scholarships. So, if you’re wondering “What is a merit-based scholarship?”, keep reading for some examples. 

Where does the Ron Brown Scholarship fit?

ron brown scholarship essay examples

The Ron Brown Scholarship is one of many scholarships for African Americans pursuing undergraduate education. The Ron Brown Scholar Program falls under the categories of both merit-based scholarships and minority scholarships.

Minority scholarships provide greater access to college for students of various backgrounds. Minority scholarships are given to a student based on a particular facet of their identity. So, qualifications for these types of scholarships for college may include gender, racial/ethnic background , representation in a particular field of study, international context, and first-generation status, to name a few.

Minority scholarships help to acknowledge the systemic and structural barriers facing a particular group of students. These scholarships are often awarded to students who have been historically excluded from a particular institution or opportunity. Minority scholarships for college are awarded with knowledge of the value diverse candidates bring to campuses nationwide. 

In the case of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, this means that a student’s selection is based upon their academic excellence as well as their experiences as a black student. So, the Ron Brown Scholarship is one excellent example of scholarships for African Americans. 

What is the Ron Brown Scholarship?

The Ron Brown Scholar Program was founded in honor of Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown in 1996 as a scholarship for African Americans to help cover college costs. Ron Brown was the first Black person appointed as Secretary of Commerce, as well as the first to serve as Chair of the Democratic National Convention. Mr. Brown is remembered for the depth of his advocacy, strength of his leadership, and excellence as a negotiator, collaborator, and value-driven decision-maker.

In the spirit of Mr. Brown’s legacy, the Ron Brown Scholarship for college is awarded to a select cohort of talented black students each year. Thus, Ron Brown Scholarship winners are students who demonstrate a commitment to the four pillars of the organization and a clear need for economic assistance to support them on their college journey. Since its inception, the Ron Brown Scholarship has been awarded to over 500 students. As such, it is one of the best scholarships for African Americans. 

How is the Ron Brown Scholar Program Funded?

The Ron Brown Scholar Program is made possible due to the support of generous donors and partners who firmly believe in the scholarship’s mission . These partners also serve as mentors for Ron Brown Scholarship winners as they begin making a powerful impact on their communities.

But wait, there’s more!

In addition to the funding, mentoring, and guidance provided to Ron Brown Scholarship winners, those who rank in the top 2-3% of applicants have the opportunity to become “Captains” in the Ruth and Norman Rales Leadership Network . This experience provides students with career services and professional development support as they progress in their college careers. Additionally, no extra application is required for the Leadership Network. Students are automatically placed into consideration via their submissions to the Ron Brown Scholar Program.

The Four Pillars of Ron Brown Scholars: 

Ron Brown was motivated by a mission grounded by four unique pillars to uplift communities of color. These pillars are: 

  • Public service
  • Community engagement
  • Business entrepreneurship
  • Global citizenship

How much is the Ron Brown Scholarship?

Ron Brown Scholarship winners receive $40,000 total over the course of their 4-year college experience. Winners are awarded $10,000 each year. In addition to financial support, Ron Brown Scholarship winners are also the recipients of valuable mentoring, community engagement, and leadership opportunities. As you can see, this is one of the larger scholarships for college available. 

Scholarship Conditions

Ron Brown Scholarships for college may be used alongside any financial aid offered by the 4-year degree-granting institution of the student’s choosing. While Ron Brown Scholarships are not limited to any particular field or area of study, winners may not use these funds toward vocational or technical training.

For example, scholarship funds can be used toward the costs of tuition, fees, books, room and board, computers, health insurance, study abroad, and other college-related expenses . However, the Ron Brown scholarship cannot replace the aid awarded by an institution or be used to cover family contribution fees.

Who is eligible for the Ron Brown Scholarship?

 basic requirements .

  • The Ron Brown Scholar Program is one of many minority scholarships designed to support students who identify as members of Black/African American communities .
  • All Ron Brown scholarship winners must be US citizens or permanent residents.
  • Finally, students must be current high school seniors at the time of their application submission.  College students are not eligible to apply.

Ron Brown Scholarship

Standing Out

In addition to the basic requirements for the Ron Brown Scholarship, here are some other important aspects that will help you stand out.

Academic Achievement – Students selected for the Ron Brown Scholar Program are able to demonstrate that they’ve taken full advantage of the challenging courses available to them in a wide variety of subjects.

Leadership Ability – Leadership can look like working part-time, caring for family members, running a student organization, starting a business, or even advocating for community members.

Community Service Activities – Students should highlight the ways they’re gotten involved in the world around them, and how they’re trying to make an impact.

Demonstrated Financial Need – There is no specific income cutoff for the Ron Brown Scholar Program, so students should apply no matter what their financial circumstances.

How many Ron Brown Scholarships are available each year?

Like most merit-based scholarships for college, the Ron Brown Scholar Program draws applications from a highly competitive group of high school seniors. So, you’ll want to do a comprehensive scholarship search, as the more merit-based scholarships you apply for, the more likely you are to receive one. 

Each year over 4,000 applicants pursue entry into the Ron Brown Scholar Program. Of this larger group, about 50 Ron Brown Scholarship winners are selected to receive the award. There have been over 500 Ron Brown Scholars named since 1996. This is one of many prestigious scholarships for African American students, so if you qualify, apply for it!

Ron Brown Scholars: Highlighting Past Successes! 

Now, let’s take a look at how previous Ron Brown Scholars have taken advantage of their scholarship opportunity. With such a prestigious award, you can expect that the recipients will be highly motivated and successful individuals. For example, past participants in the Ron Brown Scholar program have had 100% involvement in extensive community service projects. Furthermore, two Ron Brown Scholars were elected to be the First Marshals of their Harvard graduating class. Additionally, one Ron Brown Scholar has been named a Harry S. Truman Scholar and four Ron Brown Scholars have been Rhodes Scholarship finalists. That’s a pretty good track record for Ron Brown Scholarship winners!

Past Ron Brown Scholar: Katori Hall

One alumna of the Ron Brown Scholarship we’d like to highlight by name is Katori Hall , class of 1999. Katori was among the Ron Brown Scholarship winners in the 1999 cohort. She received her BA in African American Studies at Columbia University. Katori then went on to earn two graduate degrees, an MFA at the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard University in 2005 and an MFA from Juilliard four years later.  

Katori Hall is currently an American playwright and actress. She is the book writer and co-producer of the West End and Broadway hit Tina: The Tina Turner Musical . She’s also the executive producer and showrunner of the popular Starz show, P-Valley , based on her original play. Curious about where other Ron Brown Scholarship winners are doing? Browse the website to see more alums of the program. 

Ron Brown Scholarship winners also have a strong connection to Ivy League schools . Of the almost 600 Ron Brown Scholars named to date, more than 60% of them have attended Ivy League Universities. And, with a 99% graduation rate out of all of the Ron Brown Scholars, 54% go on to complete graduate studies. So, I bet now you’re wondering how you can become a part of these statistics. Well, you’re in the right place!   

So, if you’re interested in learning how you can join the legacy of these impressive Ron Brown Scholarship winners, keep reading! Additionally, if you want to read more about the program winners from 2022, read the press release here . 

How do I apply for the Ron Brown Scholarship?

In this section, we will take a look at all of the required materials needed to become one of the few Ron Brown Scholars.

ron brown scholarship essay examples

Ron Brown Scholarship Application Materials

First, applicants should download and fill out the application form provided on the website. Be sure to read each section carefully, as there are portions that must be completed by a parent/guardian, high school or college counselor, and of course, the applicant.

Now, let’s look at the additional materials you’ll need for your application: 

  • Transcripts: An official copy of your transcript is required to apply. You can request this from your high school guidance counselor.
  • Letters of recommendation: You will need to submit two letters of recommendation with your Ron Brown Scholar Program application.
  • Test Scores: Due to Covid and recent national trends toward test-optional admission policies, standardized test scores are no longer a requirement for the Ron Brown Scholarship. 
  • Two essay questions : The Ron Brown Scholarship application requires two 500-word essay submissions.

Below, we’ll go into a bit more detail about each of these application components. Firstly, let’s start with your letters of recommendation. 

Letters of Recommendation for the Ron Brown Scholarship

The first letter should come from a high school teacher, counselor, or principal. The second letter may come from a recommender of your choosing. We suggest selecting someone who can speak in detail about your academic achievement, leadership ability and potential, commitment to community, and/or character. This recommender may be a coach, religious leader, supervisor, mentor, etc. However, recommendations may not come from a parent, guardian, or any other member of your family.

When considering who to ask for a recommendation, ask yourself a few questions. Does this person know me well? What is the nature of our relationship? What can they add to my application that may not be seen elsewhere? Where have they seen me succeed, or recover from a setback? Take on a new challenge? Demonstrate initiative?

In addition to selecting a recommender, the timing of your request is important. In the same way that students juggle several responsibilities, the adults around you also manage duties that you may not see. So, be sure to leave enough time for recommenders to write a strong and thorough letter on your behalf. As such, we recommend requesting a letter of recommendation far in advance of the application deadline.

Need a little extra guidance on asking for letters of recommendation? CollegeAdvisor has a great webinar to guide you through the process!

Testing Requirements for the Ron Brown Scholarship 

Although standardized testing submissions are optional, students are more than welcome to submit ACT, SAT, SAT II (subject test), and/or AP results if they’d like. If you test exceptionally well or feel that your test scores are strong enough to contribute positively to your application, consider submitting them. If you have a lower GPA , for example, high test scores can strengthen the academic side of your application. 

However, the absence of test scores will not negatively impact a student’s chances for selection. With that in mind, please note that competition for scholarships remains fierce. Candidates for the Ron Brown Scholarship possess a strong academic record as demonstrated by the rigor of their curriculum, performance in courses, rank, GPA, and writing submissions.

Writing the Ron Brown Scholarship Essays 

The first essay must be in response to a specific question. This essay can be pulled from your college application or an assignment written for a class in school. You are also welcome to write a new essay for this requirement. For the second essay, you decide!

As you’re writing, remember that essays are the scholarship committee’s opportunity to hear directly from you in your voice. Consider a topic that showcases who you are and/or what you value. This can range from ideas such as familial relationships and academic interests to new hobbies, friendships, passions , anecdotes, etc. And finally, remember, be honest, be creative, and let your personality shine. Readers want to get to know who you are as they evaluate your application. 

ron brown scholarship essay examples

The goal of the essays is to share your story with others. The committee is hoping to get to know you as holistically as possible. Your writing will give them the chance to do just that.

That being said, we recognize that it can be intimidating to stare at a blank page on which you need to distill your story down to just 500 words. 

So, if you’re in need of a little inspiration or simply seeking a bit of guidance, CollegeAdvisor is here to help with free essay guides that can be used throughout your scholarship search. Happy writing!

What is the selection committee looking for?

Similar to other merit-based scholarships, the Ron Brown Scholarship requires a strong academic performance. Thus, committee members will be looking for students who have taken advantage of and performed well in some of the most challenging courses available at their schools. Rank and GPA are among the many factors that will be evaluated.

Submitting your Ron Brown Scholarship Application

Once you have each piece of the puzzle polished and ready to roll, it’s time to compile and submit your application. This can be done in one of two ways. You may send in your materials either by mail or email. Please note that there is no online application option available. Additionally, applications may not be faxed.

Your first option is to submit it by mail. In order to submit your application by mail, print all pages of the application from the website and send all materials in one package. Before mailing your package, ensure that each section of the application has been completed by the appropriate person. Official transcripts sealed in a separate envelope by your school staff are acceptable to include in the package with all other materials.

Your second option is to submit by email. Email submissions should be sent in one message. Application materials must be emailed to [email protected] . If possible, the email should come from your high school/college counselors so that they can provide the transcript and letters on your behalf at that time.

And before you drop that envelope in the mailbox or hit “send”, review everything one last time! Incomplete applications will be removed from consideration for the Ron Brown Scholarship.

Ron Brown Scholarship- Application Deadline

The Ron Brown Scholar Program begins accepting applications after August 1 of your senior year of high school .

Regardless of whether you choose to send your application via mail or email, all submissions for Ron Brown Scholar candidates are due January 9 .

Subsequently, all materials including your official transcript(s), essays, and letters of recommendation are to be submitted by the final January 9 deadline . If submitting by mail, the postmarked date on your materials should be no later than January 9. However, there is no advantage to sending your materials overnight through a delivery service. In the event that January 9 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, your materials should be postmarked for the following Monday.

If you find yourself worrying about the deadline, keep in mind that applications can be submitted early with no penalty. So, it may be worth it to finish your application as soon as possible and submit it well ahead of the deadline. That way, you won’t be sweating on January 8th! 

When are Ron Brown Scholars selected?

After all applications have been submitted, materials are reviewed by the National Selection Committee. There are three selection rounds for the Ron Brown Scholar Program: First Round, Semifinalist Round & Finalist Round.

When will I hear back?

Given the large number of applications, only those students who advance to the semifinalist and finalist selection rounds will be contacted by members of the National Selection Committee.

Also, a self-addressed stamped envelope may be included with your submitted application in order for the Program to acknowledge receipt of your application. Semifinalists will be contacted by mid-February. Finalists for the Ron Brown Scholarship receive notification of their status in early March. At that point, finalists will be invited to Washington, DC, (at no cost to the student) to be interviewed by the National Selection Committee. Finally, the names of the Ron Brown scholarship winners will be posted on the website in early May.

Students selected as Ron Brown Captains (top 2-3% of Ron Brown Scholarship winners) are chosen based on the initial materials submitted to the Ron Brown Scholar Program. Subsequently, captains are notified in late March/early April.

Coca-Cola Scholarship vs. Ron Brown Scholarship

The Ron Brown Scholar Program is one of many merit-based scholarships for college available to students. Let’s see how it compares to another popular merit-based scholarship, the Coca-Cola Scholarship .

What is the Coca-Cola Scholarship?

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides a $20,000 scholarship for college to 150 talented, innovative, and academically exceptional high school seniors each year. This award is among the most prestigious you will come across in your scholarship search. In addition to the monetary award, winners also gain access to a unique and impressive network of alumni.

However, unlike the Ron Brown Scholar Program, the Coca-Cola Scholarship is not one of the specifically designated minority scholarships or scholarships for African Americans. 

How is the Coca-Cola Scholarship similar to the Ron Brown Scholar Program?

  • Both are merit-based scholarships dependent upon a student’s talents, achievements, and demonstrated excellence in one or more areas
  • Both scholarships for college are open to high school students and can be used for undergraduate education
  • Both are scholarships for college awarded to students who demonstrate significant community impact and engagement
  • Both applications involve interview components for those who advance to later rounds of the selection process

A few key differences between these merit-based scholarships: 

Ron brown scholarship additional questions  , how can my ron brown scholarship be used .

To recap, Ron Brown Scholarship winners may use their funding in the following ways: 

  • To supplement financial aid offered by the institution you plan to attend
  • Tuition, fees, books, room and board, computers, health insurance, study abroad, and other college costs

This scholarship can not be used for:

  • Replacing aid offered by a school
  • Covering parental contribution portion of a financial aid package 

What kind of financial information do I have to provide? 

  • In the first stage of the application process, please list the income of both parents or guardian(s) if it is available to you. This includes the non-custodial parent. If you are unaware of a parent’s whereabouts, please list this on the application.
  • Should you advance to the next stage, information about your non-custodial and stepparent’s income will be requested and will be taken into account in determining financial needs.
  • The application asks your parents for their adjusted gross income on last year’s federal income tax return, that is, the return that they filed when you were a junior in high school. By their signatures, they also agree to provide proof of income, including copies of income tax returns, if required.
  • If you advance to the next stage in the application process and become a semifinalist, verification of income will be required.

How and when are Ron Brown Scholarship winners notified? 

Due to the high volume of applications, the Ron Brown Scholar Program is only able to notify students who move on to the semifinals and finals. Ron Brown Scholarship winners will see their names posted on the website in early May. Ron Brown Captains are notified in late March/early April.

What are my chances of winning a Ron Brown Scholarship?

Merit-based scholarships can be very competitive. That’s why we recommend a broad scholarship search, and if you qualify for scholarships for African Americans and/or minority scholarships, be sure to include those in your application list. Only 45-50 Ron Brown Scholarship winners are chosen from a pool of around 4,000 applicants.

Have more questions about the Ron Brown Scholar Program? Find their program FAQ here !

Tips on How to Win a Ron Brown Scholarship:

Ron Brown Scholarship

Start early

The application opens in August. You have four full months to put your story on the page. No one likes to feel rushed. Getting a headstart will allow you to be as thorough and creative as you like without the pressure of racing the clock.

This also gives others (recommenders and parents/guardians) ample time to complete their portions of the application.

Highlight various forms of leadership

The Ron Brown Scholarship is named in honor of an impactful community leader and advocate. Your extracurricular involvement and community engagement should speak to your alignment with these values.

What you do can be a useful part of sharing the story of who you are. Show the selection committee what you’re passionate about and why it matters to you.

Bring your voice

Take advantage of the essay space to bring your application to life. Your voice, personality, and story are your greatest assets. Write about something that matters to you. It will come across authentically to the reader.

Make a checklist

Staying organized will help you keep track of all the necessary pieces as your application comes together. Circle back to this list before mailing or emailing your final materials.

Proofread, proofread, proofread, AND get a second pair of eyes

This is a time to put your best foot forward. You want to represent yourself well. It can be helpful to have another set of eyes on our work to catch small mistakes you may not see. A second reader can also help ensure your story is reaching your audience the way you intended.

More CollegeAdvisor Merit-Based Scholarship Resources

Here are some more helpful guides as you continue your scholarship search: check out our guide to Vanderbilt University’s Merit-Based Scholarship, and our guide to winning the Merit-Based Scholarship at USC . 

CollegeAdvisor is here to help your scholarship search and application process with additional resources, including:  

  • Essay Guides like this one for Vanderbilt University
  • Engaging Webinars like these on financial aid, parts 1 and 2 , this one on merit-based scholarships for college, and this one on merit-based scholarships for domestic students. 
  • Our robust 12th-grade CollegeAdvisor Program

How to Win the Ron Brown Scholarship- Final Thoughts

The challenge of paying for college is one facing many students across the nation and around the globe. It can be intimidating to think about winning merit-based scholarships, minority scholarships, and other scholarships for college. But, scholarships for college can be extremely helpful when it comes to covering college costs, so don’t be discouraged!

The Ron Brown Scholarship is among the most competitive scholarships for African Americans. With $40,000 and a lifetime of support, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities at stake, here are our best tips for becoming one of the 45-50 coveted Ron Brown Scholarship winners.

So, we hope that your questions surrounding, “What is a merit-based scholarship?” have all been answered. Remember to start your scholarship search early, as scholarships for college can be a super helpful part of covering the costs to attend a university. Good luck!

Zell Miller Scholarship

This article was written by Kyra Green. If you want to get help with your college applications from  CollegeAdvisor.com  Admissions Experts ,  register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.  Also, check out our other guides to  Merit-Based Scholarships  as you embark on your college application journey!

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Landing the Ron Brown Scholarship - 10 Great Tips to Help You Out

The Ron Brown Scholarship  offers a scholarship for African American high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in combining academic pursuits with a commitment to community service, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship . In this guide, we'll explore the Ron Brown Scholarship Program, detailing its structure, submission guidelines, and offer key insights into a successful application.

What is the Ron Brown Scholarship?

The Ron Brown Scholarship Program (RBSP) is a testament to the legacy of Ronald H. Brown, empowering intellectually gifted African American students with a passion for community service.  Established in 1996, RBSP awards 45-50 four-year scholarships, providing recipients with $40,000 ($10,000 per year) to pursue their academic goals at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States. In past years over 4,000 students applied  making the scholarship highly competitive.

Is it prestigious? 

Yes! The scholarship, since 1996, has seen about 634 scholars - this means that out of the hundreds of applications that it receives each year, only 23-24 students get shortlisted! 

The acceptance rate of the scholarship is thus somewhere around 12 - 15% - which is pretty competitive!

The scholarship offers a hefty amount, and comes with a rigorous application process, which is by no means easy to ace! 

Submission Guidelines and Structure

To become a Ron Brown Scholar, applicants must be Black/African American, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and current high school seniors. The application process involves submitting an essay that reflects personal experiences and aspirations.  Additionally, candidates should excel academically, demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, actively engage in community service activities, and articulate their financial need.

With over 634 designated scholars since its inception , the diverse achievements of these individuals span various fields. 

Important Dates and Deadlines

A crucial aspect of a successful application is adhering to the specified timeline:

September – December 1st: Initiate and complete the RBSP scholarship application at   www.ronbrown.org .

December 1st: The final deadline for submitting the application.

December – February: Applications undergo a thorough review by the Program staff.

Mid-February: Semi-finalists are notified.

Late February / Early March: Finalists are notified and invited to participate in a weekend selection process in Washington, D.C.

By April 15th: Notification of scholarship winners concludes the competitive selection process.

Eligibility

The Ron Brown Scholarship is exclusively open to current high school seniors, and the scholarship covers tuition at any accredited U.S. college or university.

Must be Black/African American.

Must excel academically.

Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential.

Must participate in community service activities.

Demonstrate financial need.

Be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card.

Be a current high school senior at the time of your application.  NOTE: Current college students are not eligible to apply.

10 Tips for a Successful Application:

Securing the Ron Brown Scholarship necessitates a strategic approach. Here are ten tips tailored for high school students:

1. Showcase an Entrepreneurial Spirit

While emphasizing community service, also highlight instances where you've demonstrated entrepreneurial thinking.  Discuss projects or initiatives where you took an innovative approach, showcasing your ability to think creatively and strategically.

2. Align with Ron Brown’s Mission

Clearly articulate how your goals align with Ronald H. Brown's mission of uplifting people of all races, cultures, and ethnicities, especially disadvantaged youth. Connect your aspirations to the scholarship's core values, emphasizing your dedication to making a positive impact on marginalized communities.

3. Emphasize Long-Term Impact

Go beyond immediate contributions and discuss the long-term impact you envision making. Share your vision for how the scholarship will empower you to effect lasting change, both locally and globally, in alignment with the scholarship's objectives.

4. Showcase a Diversity of Interests

Highlight not only your commitment to public service but also your diverse interests and talents. Demonstrate how your multifaceted skills and passions contribute to a holistic and well-rounded individual , embodying the scholarship's commitment to excellence in various disciplines.

5. Connect Extracurricular Activities to Pillars

When discussing extracurricular activities, explicitly connect each one to the scholarship's four pillars: public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. Showcase how each activity reflects these core values and contributes to your overall profile.

6. Leverage Letters of Recommendation

Select recommenders who can provide a comprehensive view of your character, achievements, and potential. Brief them on the scholarship's criteria and your specific goals, enabling them to tailor their recommendations to align with the scholarship's values. At least one of these should be written by your high school counselor, teacher or principal.  The second letter may be submitted by someone who knows you well and can attest to your character, leadership ability, commitment to community service, and/or academic achievement. 

7. Address Your Unique Challenges

If you've overcome significant challenges, share these experiences in a way that highlights your resilience and determination.  Demonstrate how facing adversity has shaped your character and strengthened your commitment to community service and academic excellence.

8. Utilize Additional Materials Wisely

If permitted,  submit supplementary materials that provide a deeper understanding of your achievements and contributions. This could include a portfolio, additional letters of recommendation, or a video presentation that complements your written application.

9. Reflect on Your Own Ron Brown Scholar Attributes

Consider the attributes that Ron Brown Scholars typically embody—leadership, resilience, academic excellence, and a commitment to service. Reflect on how you exemplify these qualities in your life and weave them into your narrative and responses. 

10. Tailor Your Essays to the Specific Pillars of the Ron Brown Scholarship

Consider dedicating sections of your essay to each one to a specific pillar. This approach allows you to contribute deeper reflection into each area and ensure that you have given the selection committee evidence on public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. Focusing on each pillar will ensure that the committee has been provided a more nuanced understanding of your commitment to public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship.

One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in doing university-level research, then you could also consider applying to th e  Lumiere Research Scholar Program —a selective online high school program for students that I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, over 4,000 students applied for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here .

Also check out the  Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation , a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source: Ron Brown Scholarship logo

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Scholarships •

April 4, 2023

Complete guide to the Ron Brown Scholarship

The Ron Brown Scholarship helps Black students overcome financial barriers to college. Learn how to apply and discover other relevant scholarships.

author of the post

Jessica Ancajas

Financial Aid Analyst

Graphic for the Ron Brown Scholarship article

According to the Economic Policy Institute, the median household income for Black households in the United States was $48,297 in 2021 . In the same year, white households had a median household income of $77,999—over 34% more than Black households. 

Racial disparities in household income stem from a variety of factors, but access to higher education is one of them.

So, it’s clear that the financial barrier to attending college can be even higher for Black students.

But fortunately, plenty of  scholarship  funds—such as the Ron Brown Scholarship Program—have been established specifically to help Black students afford an education.

Below, we’ll explain how the Ron Brown Scholarship works and how to apply. Then, we’ll list similar scholarships and offer tips on increasing your winning chances for any scholarship you apply for.

Spiral arrow

What is the Ron Brown Scholarship?

The Ron Brown is a scholarship designated specifically for Black/African American college students.

Ronald H. Brown accomplished many “firsts” for Black Americans. He was the first Black member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the first Black American to lead a major political party when elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 1993. 

He also played a big role in helping Bill Clinton get elected president in 1992. Clinton appointed him as Secretary of Commerce—becoming the first Black American to earn that position. 

Unfortunately, Ron Brown died in a 1996 plane crash while on the way to Croatia for government business.

Several academic scholarships and other programs were created to honor Ron Brown’s life and historic accomplishments for Black Americans. The most well-known is the Ron Brown Scholarship, which has been awarded to  over 500 students  since it was established in 1996. 

And it’s doing important work. According to the Education Data Initiative, Black graduates owe an average of  $25,000 more  in  student debt  than white graduates. 

Black student financial barriers

This scholarship program was designed for Black high school seniors with financial need that demonstrate high intellectual promise and an interest in public service. 

Every year, the program gives out 45-50 4-year, $40,000 scholarships—$10,000 per year of school—to help close this gap. To apply, you have to fill out a 2-page application, write a few essays, and get 2 letters of recommendation.

How to apply for the Ron Brown Scholarship

This scholarship is designed for Black high school seniors with high academic achievement and exceptional leadership potential who demonstrate an interest in community service activities. It also considers financial needs.

Ron Brown Scholarship requirements

Below, we’ll go into detail about eligibility requirements, applying for the scholarship, and how winners are chosen.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Ron Brown Scholarship program, you must meet the following requirements:

US citizen or permanent resident

Black/African-American

High school senior at the time of application (current college students are not eligible)

The application

The Ron Brown scholarship has an application available  on its website . On page 1 of that application, you’ll provide several pieces of personal information, such as your name, address, citizenship status, and date of birth.

You’ll also write down information about your high school and standardized test scores.

The next page has 2 sections: 1 for your school counselor or academic advisor to fill out and another for a parent or guardian.

Page 3 has a few questions you must answer:

List your extracurriculars, community, employment, or other activities in their order of importance to you. You must also include the dates over which you did these activities, hours per week spent on each, and leadership positions held.

List any significant awards or honors you have received during high school for academic or extracurricular achievements.

After that, you’ll have to include 2 500-word essays. The first asks you to choose the activity you listed as most important in question #1 and explain why it’s significant.

The second asks you to include an essay you wrote on any topic as part of a college application. If you haven’t written an essay for a college application, you can write one on a topic of your choice.

You need 2 letters of recommendation: the first from a teacher, high school guidance counselor, or your principal. 

The other can be from anyone besides parents that can attest to your academic achievement, character, or leadership potential. For example, a teacher, coach, or mentor can write this letter.

Finally, you’ll need an official high school transcript with your most current semester course load. You’ll also need a school profile—an information sheet about your high school that includes info like:

School location

Student enrollment

Types of courses offered 

If your school doesn’t offer a school profile, however, you won’t be penalized.

All of these application materials should be sent in together. There’s no online application—you can send them in by mail or via email:

Mail: Submit it all in the same package. Make sure your transcript is in a sealed envelope from your school.

Email: Submit everything in a single email message to  [email protected] . The Ron Brown program recommends having a school counselor do this, so your official transcript and recommendation letters are sent.

Applications are due January 9 each year. If that’s a Saturday or Sunday, your application must be postmarked by Monday following the date.

The Ron Brown program’s staff evaluates applications from November–February. They’ll only notify semifinalists of their status, which happens in mid-February.

Then, they’ll notify finalists in March. Finalists are invited to an expenses-paid weekend selection process in Washington DC. During this process, the finalists are interviewed by the National Selection Committee.

Scholarship winners are notified by April 1. Then, their names will be posted on the Ron Brown Scholarship website in May.

Other scholarships like the Ron Brown Scholarship

The Ron Brown Scholarship clearly goes a long way in helping its winners overcome financial barriers to college.

But if you don’t win, don’t fret—many prominent organizations have created scholarship programs that award $10,000+ in free money to each winner every year.

Here are some of the top Ron Brown Scholarship alternatives to look into:

Ron Brown Scholarship alternatives

1. The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is designed to help high-achieving minority students. To enter, you must meet the following criteria:

High school senior

Be African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and/or Hispanic American

US citizen, legal permanent resident, or national

Cumulative 3.3 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale

Be eligible for a Pell Grant

Plan to enroll full-time in a 4-year (bachelor's) degree program at an accredited, not-for-profit US college or university

To enter, you’ll make a profile on the  scholarship’s website  and then compile information proving you meet all of the above requirements.

You’ll also need to list your:

Leadership roles and experience

Community service experience

Job experience

This scholarship has 2 phases. The first phase is a questionnaire and lasts from July until September each year. Semifinalists are announced in December and move onto Phase 2, which has a denser application.

Phase 2’s application is due in January. Finalists are announced in March. The finalists go through interviews, and the scholarship committee picks the winners from these. 

2. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

The Jackie Robinson Foundation awards scholarships worth up to $30,000 for 4 years to high-achieving minority students that serve their communities.

You must meet the following to be eligible:

Graduating minority high school senior

Be able to prove financial need

A record of academic excellence

Leadership potential and dedication to community service

Plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college in the United States or affiliated with a United States-based college or university

Not have a degree from, or be enrolled in, a 2- or 4-year college when applying

You’ll also need to submit your SAT or ACT scores.

Applications open September 1 each year and close mid-January the following year. Semifinalists are invited by region to virtual interviews in the spring. If you win, you’ll be notified by early in the summer.

Find more information at the  Jackie Robinson Foundation’s website.

3. McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship

McDonald’s partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund in 2020 to help students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) through the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship program. 

Each year, the program awards 33 students a scholarship worth up to $15,000 for an academic year—$7,500 per semester.

To be eligible, you must meet the following:

Enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior at an HBCU during the 2021-2022 academic year

Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or higher

Ability to demonstrate leadership abilities

Ability to demonstrate financial need

Be a US Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551

To apply, you’ll record 2 separate videos—1-2 minutes each—answering the following 2 questions:

Do you consider yourself a changemaker? An individual that helps institute positive growth for your school? For your community? If so, how & why?

How do you demonstrate Black & Positively Golden at your HBCU or community?

Learn more at the  TMCF’s website.

How to find more scholarship opportunities

The Ron Brown Scholarship is highly competitive and only available to high school seniors. Don’t worry if you don’t qualify—there are tons of other scholarships available. 

Here are some tips on  how to get a scholarship :

Scholarship tips

Fill out the FAFSA every year

The  FAFSA  is a government form you can fill out every year to see your eligibility for a variety of scholarships and other aid.

It’s free and doesn’t take that long, so there’s little reason  not  to fill it out for each year you go to school.

Contact your school’s financial aid office

If you’re in college already, you won’t be eligible for the Ron Brown Scholarship. However, you can contact your  financial aid  office to get help finding more scholarships designed for Black or minority students.

Use scholarship aggregator websites 

Many websites act as scholarship search engines. They let you search by keyword, then sort and filter to find scholarships you’re eligible for. This can make your scholarship search much faster.

If you don’t want to do this manually, you can use  Mos  to gain instant access to the largest scholarship pool in America. Plus, Mos users can get a personal advisor to help you find more sources of free money to fund your education.

Mos gives students access to the largest scholarship pool in America—over $160 billion worth of scholarship opportunities! Plus, Mos members can work 1-on-1 with a financial aid advisor to get personalized scholarship recommendations.

Sign up with Mos today to see why hundreds of thousands of students are using Mos to help navigate their college finances.

Ron Brown Scholarship FAQs

Have more questions about the Ron Brown Scholarship program? Check out our FAQs below.

Who can write my letters of recommendation?

One of your letters of recommendation must be written by a teacher, high school guidance counselor, or your principal. 

The other can be from anyone who knows you well aside from your parents and can attest to your academic achievement, character, or leadership potential. That could be another teacher, your coach, a supervisor at work, or a mentor.

What essays are required to apply?

Your first essay has to answer a question the application gives you. For 2022, that question is “ Choose the 1 activity you listed as most important in question #1 [of the application] and tell us why it is significant. ”

Your second essay must be an essay on any topic you plan to include in a college application. If none of your college applications require essays, it can be on whatever you want, as long as it’s relevant.

What kinds of schools can I use my Ron Brown Scholarship at?

If you win a Ron Brown Scholarship award, you can use it at any degree-granting 4-year accredited college in the US. There are no restrictions on majors or fields of study at these schools.

However, you cannot use your scholarship winnings to cover vocational or technical training programs.

What is the Ron Brown Captain program?

If you don’t win the Ron Brown Scholarship but are in the top 2-3% of remaining applicants, the program might name you a Ron Brown Captain.

As a Ron Brown Captain, you get access to exclusive personal and professional development services shared only with the Ron Brown Scholars.

Plus, you can network for job and internship opportunities with the Ron Brown program’s corporate partners in the Ron Brown Leaders Network.

So even if you don’t win the scholarship itself, you still have a shot at fantastic opportunities for developing your future career.

ron brown scholarship essay examples

Closing the Affordability Gap For Black Students

Although many Black students still face additional financial barriers to attending college, scholarships like the Ron Brown program are trying to tear down these historical barriers and helping Black students get the education they deserve with less debt than before.

If you qualify for this program, you should apply, even if you think the chance is small. 

But don’t worry if you don’t win—there are plenty of similar scholarships available. Check out  our list of other niche scholarships  for some places to look. And don’t forget to explore Mos memberships to find scholarship opportunities, get help navigating financial aid, and much more.

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Ron Brown Scholar Program Scholarship

About the scholarship.

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans. The Ron Brown Scholar Program seeks to identify students who will make significant contributions to society. Students who excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and who have made an impact on their communities through service to others are encouraged to apply.

  • Essay Required : Yes
  • Need-Based : Yes
  • Merit-Based : Yes
  • Residing in the United States
  • Graduating high school senior
  • Seeking a bachelor's degree
  • Plan to attend a 4year institution
  • Attending a college or university in the U.S.
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Black or African American
  • Participate in community service or leadership
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Proven academic achievement
  • Country : US
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The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
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  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
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If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!

* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system. ** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements. ***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

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Ron Brown Scholarship

Offered by Ron Brown Scholar Program

ron brown scholarship essay examples

Multiple awards worth

Grade level.

High School Senior

Expected deadline: This scholarship might not currently be accepting applications. Most scholarship programs only accept applications a few months ahead of their annual deadline. We’ve estimated this deadline based on last year’s deadline in order to help you plan out your scholarship applications.

December 2024

Scholarship Overview

Are you a Black or African American U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is currently a high school senior? Furthermore, are you planning on soon attending college and have an interest in global entrepreneurship and/or community engagement? If that sounds like you, consider applying for the Ron Brown scholarship! Dedicated to supporting community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans, the scholarship awards $40,000 scholarships to 45-50 hardworking students each year. The scholarship is awarded over the course of one’s four-year undergraduate career, offering $10,000 per year. Winners must be planning on attending accredited four-year universities in the United States. In order to apply, applicants must submit two 500-word essays, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. If you’re passionate about community engagement and want some help paying for college, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

This scholarship is open to Black/African American U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are high school seniors at the time of their application. Applicants must also meet the below eligibility requirements.

U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents

Black/African

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Ron Brown Scholar Program

ron brown scholarship essay examples

Show More According to the U.S Census, there are around 655,000 current African American high school seniors. Yet, when reading the statistics of the Ron Brown scholarship applicant pool, there were only 4,000 students who applied. These 4,000 merely makeup .006 percent of the black seniors in this country, and they shine a light on an area that the Ron Brown Scholar program needs to address. Today, the modern education system is tainted with bureaucratic and oligarchical tendencies that prevents students of color, and low socioeconomic backgrounds from excelling in this highly competitive field. While I do believe that the best should be rewarded for their academic excellence, I am a firm believer of the quote by Milton Friedman which states ““Everyone …show more content… To do so, I propose creating a network of mentoring programs creating by the Ron Brown Scholar organization, that go out and bridge the gap between African American youth, and academic success. Many may argue this point by stating the old phrase “the road is wide but the path is narrow”, however, I cannot agree with the ideology when I know that students just like myself are given an half rate education just because of where they live, and the tax code that follows. I am first a child of God, and then I am a black man:I know the world of systemic racism that lies ahead for me and everyone with similar skin tones. So how can I sit back and let crony capitalist institutions like the SAT, and ACT which offer 9000 dollar test prep courses that guarantee high scores, prevent my people for excelling? In 2015 alone the average ACT score for black students was 17.1 compared to the national average of 21. As one of the next Ron Brown Scholars, I refuse to let this problem fall on deaf ears. I convinced that if the past, and present Ron Brown Scholars rally together under this common goal, the future generations of African American youth, will overcome every form of opposition that makes itself evident in their lives. It is time that we bring the help to the students instead of

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About Ron Brown Scholarship

1. Who funds the Ron Brown Scholarship Program? The Ron Brown Scholar Program benefits from the generous support of numerous donors and partners who provide not only financial support, but also valuable mentoring, internship opportunities and other important investments in Ron Brown Scholars.

2.  How much financial assistance do Scholar recipients receive?  The Ron Brown Scholar Program awards 50 college scholarships annually in the amount of $40,000 to extraordinary African American high school seniors. Students must attend a four-year accredited college or university within the United States. Since 1996, the Program has awarded more than 650 scholarships.  

3. Does the Ron Brown Scholar Program provide financial assistance for undergraduate education only? Yes, financial assistance is provided only for undergraduate education. However, the Ron Brown Scholar Program strongly supports creating life-long bonds with and between the Scholars and the Program staff. Scholars do continue to receive mentorship and guidance toward personal and professional goals far beyond their undergraduate careers.

4.  When is the deadline for submitting applications?  Students must be current high school seniors at the time of their application. The Ron Brown Scholar Program has a final deadline of December 1 st .

5. When does the application become available? We begin accepting applications after August 1 of your senior year in high school. There is no advantage in sending your application early for the scholarship competition as all applicants are considered equally regardless of submission date.

6.  When are letters of recommendation and school transcripts due? Can they be sent separately from my application?  All transcripts and letters of recommendation should be submitted by the deadline of December 15 th . Incomplete applications will not be considered. Your counselors or teachers will not be asked to submit their supporting documents until AFTER you submit your application. So, we encourage you to complete your application early to give these individuals ample time to submit their documents. All letters of recommendation should be submitted electronically through the online application process.

7. Do my letters of recommendation have to be written by teachers, or can they come from anyone? We ask for two letters of recommendation. At least one of these should be written by your high school counselor, teacher or principal. The second letter may be submitted by someone who knows you well and can attest to your character, leadership ability, commitment to community service, and/or academic achievement. This may include an employer, mentor or coach. It cannot be your mother, father, guardian or a family member

 8. What standardized test results are required? How and when do I submit my scores? Due to the national trend to test optional, we do not require either SAT (Verbal and Math) or ACT (composite) scores. Results of AP/IB exams are optional as well. If you have taken these exams and have scores to report, you should submit those scores on your application

9. Are there minimum SAT or ACT scores? Because we do not require SAT/ACT test scores, there are no minimum requirements. Because the scholarship is competitive, successful applicants have demonstrated a serious commitment to academics. This is reflected in their course selection, high grade point averages, rank in class and test scores.

10.  What essays are required?   The application says to submit an essay that I wrote for my college applications. What if my selected college or university did not require any?  We require two essays, each approximately 500 words. In the first essay, we ask that you answer a specific question. The second essay can be on any topic. If you haven’t written one for a college application, you may submit an essay that you wrote for one of your classes, or write a new essay. Keep in mind that the essays are an opportunity for you to tell us something about yourself that we cannot learn from your application, transcript or test scores.

11. Can I fax my application? APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE FAXED. Due to the large number of applicants, we are unable to accept faxed applications.

12.  I missed the deadline. Can I still apply?  Because it is an online application, late applications cannot be accepted.

13. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in order to apply for a Ron Brown scholarship? Yes. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in order to apply.

14. Is there an income limit? Financial need is a factor that we consider in awarding scholarships. If you think that you will be eligible for financial aid at the colleges to which you are applying, you should apply for a Ron Brown scholarship.

15. Whose income should be listed if my parents are separated or divorced? If my parents have remarried, do I include my stepparents’ income? In the first stage of the application process, you should list the income of both parents if it is available to you. This should include the non-custodial parent. If a parent’s whereabouts is unknown, you should list that on the application. If you are residing with a legal guardian, you should list their income on the application. Should you advance to the next stage, information about your non-custodial and stepparent’s income will be requested and will be taken into account in determining financial need.

16. Do you need verification of my parents’ income? The application asks your parents for their adjusted gross income on last year’s federal income tax return, that is, the return that they filed when you were a junior in high school. By their signatures, they also agree to provide proof of income, including copies of income tax returns, if required. If you advance to the next stage in the application process and become a semifinalist, verification of income will be required.

17. Can I use the Ron Brown scholarship at any college and for any major? The scholarship may be used at any degree-granting four-year college within the United States. Recipients may study any academic discipline of their choice. The scholarship may not be used for vocational or technical training.

18.  When are the winners notified? Are applicants who have not won also notified?  Semifinalists will be contacted by mid-February. Finalists will be notified by early March and invited to Washington, DC, (we pay expenses) to be interviewed by the National Selection Committee. Because of the large number of applicants, we are not able to guarantee notification of those who have not reached the semifinalist or finalist stage. We will post the names of the scholarship winners on our website in early May.

19.  Which schools do Ron Brown Scholars attend?  Scholars attend a wide range of schools and are not limited in where they may attend or the discipline they may study. Ron Brown Scholars boast a 99% graduation rate; more than 60% attend Ivy League colleges and universities, with approximately 54% pursuing graduate or professional degrees.

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COMMENTS

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  2. PDF Application & Information

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  5. PDF Application & Information

    In 2011, the Ron Brown Scholar Program established the Ron Brown Captains program. Captains are selected from the top tier of scholarship applications each year. These students represent the top two to three percent of applicants in the scholarship selection process. Ron Brown Captains do not receive financial support, but are provided with

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  7. Complete guide to the Ron Brown Scholarship

    This scholarship program was designed for Black high school seniors with financial need that demonstrate high intellectual promise and an interest in public service. Every year, the program gives out 45-50 4-year, $40,000 scholarships—$10,000 per year of school—to help close this gap.

  8. Ron Brown Scholar Program Scholarship

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  19. Ron Brown Scholar Program

    485 Hillsdale Drive, Suite 206, Charlottesville, VA 22901 USA 434-964-1588 | [email protected] | www.ronbrown.org

  20. About Ron Brown Scholarship

    2.How much financial assistance do Scholar recipients receive?The Ron Brown Scholar Program awards 50 college scholarships annually in the amount of $40,000 to extraordinary African American high school seniors. Students must attend a four-year accredited college or university within the United States. Since 1996, the Program has awarded more ...

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