Scholarships for Black high school seniors

As a Black high school senior, I'm trying to prepare for college financially. What scholarships are available specifically for Black students, and how early should I start applying for them?

There are numerous scholarships and grants available specifically for Black high school seniors to help cover tuition costs and other related expenses. Here's a list of a few notable scholarships:

1. United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships: UNCF provides a large number of scholarships aimed at helping all students, but particularly those of African American descent. Opportunities vary in their criteria and award amounts.

2. The Ron Brown Scholarship Program: This program awards $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year for four years) to academically talented, highly motivated African American high school seniors.

3. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship: This provides up to $35,000 over four years to minority high school students demonstrating leadership potential and dedication to community service.

4. NAACP Scholarships: The NAACP runs various scholarship funds, including the Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship for full-time students who are members of the NAACP.

5. Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships: These $5,000 scholarships are awarded to high-achieving African-American students interested in careers in technology.

It's never too early to start looking into scholarships. Many of these scholarships require application materials such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays, so it's beneficial to start the process during your junior year if possible. The exact application deadlines vary from scholarship to scholarship, but many have deadlines in the fall or early spring.

It is important to apply early and often to increase your chances of receiving scholarship funding. Make sure to tailor each application to the specific scholarship to which you are applying and continually check for new opportunities throughout your senior year.