The death of George Floyd death has inspired protests and triggered soul-searching conversations about the systemic racism and racial inequality in the United States. In addition to a number of other barriers, Black Americans face educational inequities from a young age. As a result, while more Black Americans are making it to college — from 31 percent in 2000 to 37 percent in 2018 — Black students with a bachelor’s degree owe $7,400 more in student debt on average upon graduation than white their white peers, according to the Brookings Institution.

Let’s help support Black students by creating scholarships for them!

Recognizing this issue, organizations like the NAACP and the Jack and Jill Foundation of America offer scholarships to narrow the racial gap in education. But there’s more that can be done, so we have made it our mission to convince companies to create scholarships for Black students as a way to support their educational dream. 

We encourage all companies to give to this worthy cause, whether it’s by sponsoring a scholarship or by donating to organizations that offer scholarships to Black students like the NAACP and the Thurgood Marshall Foundation.

The Black Lives Matter Scholarship is one of five TUN mission scholarships.

List of Black Lives Matter Scholarships

Here is a summary of scholarships that are being offered. We will update the list as new scholarships become available.

The MacKenzie-Childs Black Lives Matter Scholarship for Design

Known for creating happy, colorful, distinctive home furnishing designs, McKenzie-Childs has launched The MacKenzie-Childs Black Lives Matter Scholarship for Design to encourage individuals to pursue their dreams and develop their abilities in the fields of design and the applied arts. The company is offering four scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each to Black high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing higher education in any U.S. college or university.

To apply, those interested must write an essay of 750 words or more on where they find inspiration for their art and creativity, and how they see that shaping your future. 

Application deadline: June 30, 2021

Award: $5,000 (4 awards)

Eligibility: 

• Must identify as Black American
• Must be a current high school senior, undergraduate or graduate student in U.S. colleges and universities at the time of application
• Must reside in the 50 states of the United States and the District of Columbia
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Ron Brown Scholarship

In honor of the legacy of Ronald H. Brown, the Ron Brown Scholarship Program annually awards $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year for four years) to 20 or more talented and economically-challenged African American high school seniors who show “a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship.” Since the scholarship program started in 1996, more than 300 students have received the award. 

To apply, those interested must submit an extensive application that includes multiple essays, an official transcript, two letters of recommendation, and information about academic and financial status. 

Application deadline: 

• Early Application Deadline: November 1 of each year
• Final Deadline: January 9 of each year

Award: $40,000 ($10,000 each year)

Eligibility: 

• Must be Black/African American
• Must excel academically
• Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential
• Must participate in community service activities
• Must demonstrate financial need
• Must be a U.S. citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card
• Must be a current high school senior at the time of your application

NAACP Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship

To honor the memory of the late Agnes Jones Jackson, a long-time member of the NAACP from the San Francisco branch, the NAACP offers $2,000 scholarships to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are current members of the organization. 

To apply for one of the 20-40 Agnes Jones Jackson scholarships given out each year, students must fill out the application and demonstrate financial need based on the federal poverty guidelines. 

Application deadline: July 17

Award: $2,000 (20-40 awards)

Eligibility: 

• Must be a current member of the NAACP
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must not have reached the age of 25 by the application deadline
• Must be currently enrolled or accepted to an accredited college or university in the United States
• Must demonstrate financial need based on the federal poverty guidelines
• Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students must be a full-time student
• Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Graduate students may be a full-or part-time student
• Graduate students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Jack and Jill of America Foundation Scholarship

As a part of its commitment to the positive development of African American youth as future leaders, the Jack and Jill Foundation of America annually awards scholarships, worth up to $2,500, to Black graduating high school seniors, who are going into their freshman year at accredited four-year institutions and have a passion for community service. 

To apply, those interested must submit an application that includes a one-page essay, an academic transcript, and a signed community service verification form. 

Application deadline: Applications are likely due by June 8, 2021 for the 2021-22 academic year (based on 2020 dates)

Award: Up to $2,500

Eligibility:

• Must be an incoming freshman at an accredited 4-year institution and enrolled full-time for the 2021-2022 academic year.
• Must be an African American citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Must have completed a minimum of 60 hours of active community service during the 2020-2021 academic year

Must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a demonstrated unmet financial need (verified by your institution’s Financial Aid Office)

Mos Black Students Matter Scholarship

Mos, a group geared towards helping students get money for college, is awarding scholarships to Black students who are actively involved in a racial justice movement. Since launching the scholarship, Mos has already raised more than $70,000. All students who are awarded the scholarship can expect to receive $500 dollars to put towards their education. 

The goal of the scholarship is to make it easy for students to receive money to help them pay for college, so the application process is quick and simple. All interested students have to do is answer a short survey and share their involvement in a racial justice movement. Applicants can share existing social media posts, videos, blog posts, and more. “Feel free to get creative!”

Application deadline: There’s no hard deadline, but awards will be given out starting June 25

Award: $500 each (multiple awards)

Eligibility: Any Black student applying to, or enrolled in, college or graduate school who is actively involved in a racial justice movement

Black Minds Matter Scholarship 

Black Minds Matter (BMM), a grassroots initiative designed to prepare 21st century African American youth leaders in the areas of art, education, and political activism, awards $500 BMM scholarships all year long to underprivileged high school and college students. 

While the scholarship does not have strict eligibility requirements, BMM gives strong preference to students attending historically Black colleges and universities. The core values BMM looks for in applicants are a strong work ethic, a demonstration of overcoming hardship, scholastic potential, leadership potential, ability to communicate, ability to solve problems, an affinity for music, and the ability to lead social change for the 21st century.

To apply, those interested must fill out an application that includes an essay, a two- to five-minute video performance, a letter of recommendation from a credible music instructor, and proof of enrollment. 

Application deadline: Applications are received on a rolling basis throughout the year

Award: $500 (multiple awards)

Eligibility: 

• Must be a Black student applying to, or enrolled in, college or graduate school
• Must be actively involved in a racial justice movement