How can Black men find scholarships tailored for them?

I'm a junior in high school and starting to think seriously about how to finance my college education. I know there are scholarships specifically for Black men, but I'm not sure where to start looking. Does anyone know of resources or specific scholarships that target Black male students? I would appreciate any advice or recommendations on where to apply or how to make my applications stand out. Thanks!

Hello! Figuring out how to pay for college can definitely be challenging, but thankfully, there are quite a few scholarships out there specifically for Black students, and many of these are open to men.

Some organizations that provide scholarships for Black students include the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund, and the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Similarly, Ron Brown Scholar Program is another notable scholarship targeted towards "African American high school seniors who excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service activities, and demonstrate a financial need."

For targeted scholarships, make sure you closely follow the organization's guidelines on your applications. Some may require specific essays about your experiences or goals, so make sure your responses address those prompts accurately and completely.

Effort should be put into highlighting your unique experiences, contributions, and future aspirations, as many scholarship committees look for inspiring students who can advocate for their communities. Show them how passionate you are about achieving your goals and how scholarship funding can assist you in reaching those goals.

In terms of finding these scholarships, one tool you can use is the scholarship matching feature on CollegeBoard or Appily. After creating a profile detailing your interests and background, the site will match you with scholarships you might be eligible for.

Remember, applying for scholarships can be a numbers game. Be faithful in your search and diligent in your applications. The more you apply to, the better your chances. You got this! Don't be discouraged if you don't win the first few you apply to – persistence is key. Good luck!