Biggest Scholarships for Black and African-American Students in 2025-26

What if one scholarship could change your entire future? Unlock life-changing funding! Discover the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students in 2025–26, fully funded awards,  and high-paying opportunities you can’t afford to miss! For Black and African-American students aiming for college in 2025–26, the right scholarship isn’t just financial help, it’s a launchpad to leadership, legacy, and lasting impact.

From six-figure awards to life-changing mentorships, these aren’t your average grants. Some are so competitive. Others are quietly empowering first-gen scholars to rewrite their family’s story. In this guide, we reveal the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students in 2025–26, and one of them could be your ticket to a debt-free degree. Ready to discover what’s waiting?

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Why Scholarships for Black and African-American Students is a Lunch-Pad

Scholarships for Black and African-American students play a critical role in bridging the equity gap in higher education. For generations, systemic barriers, including racial discrimination, limited access to resources, and underrepresentation in elite academic spaces, have made it harder for many students of color to afford college or graduate-level education. These scholarships not only provide essential financial relief but also recognize the resilience, talent, and potential of Black students.

Beyond tuition coverage, many of these awards offer mentorship, career development, networking opportunities, and leadership training, creating pathways for long-term success in various industries. By investing in Black excellence, these scholarships empower individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive professional landscape. In essence, they’re more than just financial aid—they are tools for social change, educational justice, and generational impact.

Pursuing higher education can be financially demanding, but scholarships remain one of the most effective forms of non-repayable aid available to students. Contrary to the common misconception that scholarships are too competitive or limited in scope, recent data reveals that approximately $46 billion in scholarship funding is awarded annually across the United States. A significant portion of this funding is specifically designated for students from underrepresented communities.

Among these, the Biggest Scholarships for Black and African-American Students stand out as powerful tools to promote educational equity and economic mobility. These scholarships are often funded by universities, private foundations, and federal programs committed to supporting academic excellence within the Black community. They not only reduce or eliminate tuition costs but also foster long-term career development and access to leadership networks. Below is a curated list of major scholarships exclusively designed to empower Black and African-American students on their academic journeys.

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Top 25 Biggest Scholarships for Black and African-American Students (2025–26)

1. Ron Brown Scholar Program

The Ron Brown Scholarship is one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students. Administered by the Ron Brown Scholar Fund, a public nonprofit originally founded by the CAP Charitable Foundation, the program honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown, the first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Established in 1996 following his tragic passing, the scholarship continues his mission by investing in high-achieving African American students who exhibit leadership, academic excellence, and a passion for public service, entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. To date, over 300 scholars have received the honor, each awarded $40,000 over four years to support their undergraduate studies. Beyond funding, recipients gain access to the Guided Pathway Support (GPS) program, a robust telementoring system that enhances collegiate success. The Ron Brown Scholarship remains a cornerstone among elite national awards advancing equity in higher education.

2. Jesse Jackson Fellows-Toyota Scholarship

The Jesse Jackson Fellows – Toyota Scholarship stands out among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students in the United States for its impact and mission. Established in 2013 through a collaboration between PUSH for Excellence, a nonprofit founded by civil rights leader Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., and Toyota Motor North America, this scholarship reflects a sustained commitment to educational equity.

PUSH for Excellence, established in 1975, has long championed access to academic resources for students from historically underserved communities. The Jesse Jackson Fellows initiative awards $25,000 annually, renewable for up to three years, offering a total potential of $75,000 in funding. Beyond financial merit, recipients are selected based on academic distinction and a demonstrated dedication to uplifting their communities. As one of the most substantial awards dedicated to supporting Black excellence in higher education, it continues to reshape access and opportunity for future generations.

3. Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

The Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship, which is one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students, is a prime example of the company’s dedication to diversity, equity, and educational access in the technology sector. Established by Microsoft, a global technology leader founded by Bill Gates in 1975, the scholarship supports high-achieving Black students pursuing degrees in engineering, computer science, information systems, and select business disciplines. More than a financial award, BAM serves as a professional development network that fosters long-term engagement, mentorship, and career readiness within the Microsoft ecosystem.

In addition to access to community-building activities targeted at boosting marginalized voices in technology, each beneficiary receives up to $20,000, which is paid out in $5,000 renewable annual installments. The BAM Scholarship is one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students available today because it provides both financial assistance and strategic mentoring, both of which are crucial to improving Black participation in STEM disciplines.

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4. ACS Scholars Program

The American Chemical Society’s (ACS) ACS Scholars Program is one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students interested in STEM vocations. With more than 150,000 members in 150 countries, the American Chemical Society (ACS) is currently the largest scientific society in the world. It was founded in 1876 and was chartered by the US Congress. With a mission to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners, ACS actively supports diversity in science through targeted programs like the ACS Scholars Program.

This scholarship awards nearly $900,000 annually to more than 350 underrepresented minority undergraduates majoring in chemistry-related disciplines. To date, the program has recognized over 3,000 ACS Scholars. Recipients can earn up to $5,000 per academic year, totaling $20,000 throughout their undergraduate studies. Beyond financial support, the program offers mentorship, professional networking, and access to research opportunities, making it one of the most impactful pathways for Black and African-American students entering the chemical sciences.

5. AMS Minority Scholarship

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) offers the AMS Minority Scholarship, one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students interested in careers in meteorological and environmental sciences. Founded in 1919, AMS stands as a leading scientific organization in the U.S., dedicated to advancing knowledge in atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic sciences. With a professional network exceeding 13,000 members, including scientists, educators, and policy advocates, AMS plays a critical role in shaping the future of environmental research and science education.

The AMS Minority Scholarship supports underrepresented students, particularly African American scholars, by fostering academic pathways into meteorology and related disciplines. Funded through the AMS Giving Program, this award offers $6,000 disbursed over two years ($3,000 annually) and is awarded based on academic achievement and a declared intent to major in meteorological or allied sciences. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also reinforces AMS’s commitment to diversifying the field and empowering the next generation of climate scientists.

6. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Ranked among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students seeking global academic exposure, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a prestigious initiative administered by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Named in honor of the late Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, the architect of the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, the scholarship was established to increase access to international education for students from low-income backgrounds.

Congressman Gilman, a staunch advocate for global understanding, believed that study abroad opportunities should not be limited to those with economic privilege. More than 2,900 underrepresented students, many of whom are African Americans, have been able to pursue life-changing experiences abroad thanks to the Gilman Scholarship since its launch in 2001. Awardees may receive up to $5,000 in funding, with additional support possible for critical-need language study. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic merit and financial need, reflecting the program’s mission of inclusive global engagement.

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7. ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship

The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship stands out as a notable attempt to promote educational fairness among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students pursuing STEM professions. This scholarship, which was started in collaboration with ExxonMobil and the Council of the Great City Schools, a group established in 1956 to promote high-quality education in urban public school systems, shows a focused attempt to improve the lives of underrepresented students, especially those from historically underrepresented communities.

Named after Dr. Bernard Harris, a trailblazing African American astronaut and physician, the scholarship was established in 2010 to encourage minority students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Each year, two African American and two Hispanic students are selected to receive $5,000 toward their post-secondary STEM education. By investing in academic talent within urban school districts, this program not only fosters diversity in STEM but also ranks among the most impactful scholarships available to Black students in the U.S. today.

8. GE/LNESC Scholarship

The GE/LNESC Scholarship is one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students because it focuses on helping underrepresented minorities pursue higher education in engineering and business. This award is the result of a strategic collaboration between the General Electric Foundation and the LULAC National Education Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC), a nonprofit organization founded in 1973 by the League of United Latin American Citizens to address the educational disparities faced by underserved youth across the U.S.

The LNESC continues to champion academic access and equity, particularly for historically marginalized communities. Designed for college sophomores with a demonstrated interest in business or engineering, the GE/LNESC Scholarship awards $5,000 to each selected recipient to offset the financial challenges of college tuition. This initiative not only alleviates economic barriers but also cultivates future leaders from diverse backgrounds, aligning closely with national efforts to promote equity through the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students.

9. The SAA Historically Underrepresented Groups Scholarship

The SAA Historically Underrepresented Groups Scholarship is notable for its emphasis on diversifying the field of archaeology among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students pursuing specific specialties. Offered by the Society for American Archaeology (SAA), a leading international organization founded in 1934 to preserve and promote the archaeological heritage of the Americas, this scholarship supports minority students aiming to advance their education in archaeology. With over 7,500 members across academic institutions, museums, and government agencies, the SAA is actively working to create a more inclusive archaeological community.

Administered by the organization’s Minority Scholarships Committee, this competitive award grants $5,000 in educational funding, along with access to hands-on professional development experiences. By championing the inclusion of historically underrepresented groups, the SAA not only invests in future scholars but also strengthens the cultural and intellectual diversity of archaeology, making this one of the most impactful and mission-driven opportunities in the broader landscape of academic scholarships for African-American students.

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10. Actuarial Diversity Scholarship

The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship stands out as a leading program promoting fairness within the actuarial profession among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students pursuing professions in mathematics and risk analysis. Administered by The Actuarial Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1994 to advance math education and financial literacy, this scholarship is part of a broader mission to build a more inclusive and financially informed society. The scholarship aims to increase the representation of underrepresented minority students, particularly African Americans, in actuarial science and related disciplines.

Eligible applicants must exhibit strong academic performance and a demonstrated interest in pursuing an actuarial career. Award recipients may receive up to $4,000 to support their undergraduate studies at an accredited institution. As one of the most impactful financial awards available to minority students in STEM, in addition to lowering educational costs, the Actuarial Diversity Scholarship provides access to a career that is essential to maintaining global financial stability.

11. NABA Corporate Partner Scholarship

Recognized among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students, the NABA Corporate Partner Scholarship is a transformative initiative led by the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA), an organization established in 1969 to address the stark underrepresentation of African Americans in the accounting profession. At its inception, only 136 of the 100,000 U.S. accountants were African American. NABA emerged with a mission to foster equity, leadership, and professional growth within accounting and finance.

Today, the organization has expanded to serve a network of over 200,000 Black professionals across industries. A central component of its mission, the NABA Corporate Partner Scholarship partners with major corporations to support high-achieving African-American students pursuing degrees in accounting, finance, and business. Eligible applicants, active NABA members with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, can receive up to $5,000 in scholarship funding, positioning this award as a powerful pathway to diversify and elevate Black talent in financial sectors.

12. UNCF/Carnival Corporate Scholars Program

The UNCF/Comcast NBCUniversal Corporate Scholars Program is one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students. It is a groundbreaking program that combines academic opportunities with mentorship in the workplace. This scholarship is the result of a strategic collaboration between Comcast NBCUniversal and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) a historic organization founded in 1944 to elevate educational access for underrepresented minorities. Since its inception, UNCF has awarded over $4.8 billion in funding, enabling more than 450,000 students of color to pursue higher education.

Recognizing the ongoing need for diversity in media and entertainment industries, the Comcast NBCUniversal Corporate Scholars Program provides up to $10,000 in financial support to minority students currently enrolled in entertainment-related academic programs. Designed not only to reduce financial barriers but also to amplify representation in creative fields, this scholarship is a significant entry on any list of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students pursuing careers in arts, media, and communication.

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13. Pacific Gas & Electric Company Black ERG Scholarship

The Pacific Gas & Electric Company Black ERG Scholarship is one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students because it focuses on fostering future leaders in the sectors of STEM, business, energy, and the environment. Pacific Gas & Electric business (PG&E), a significant utility business that was founded in 1905 and currently serves more than two-thirds of California, is offering this scholarship as part of its larger commitment to equity and community investment. PG&E has long utilized its corporate influence to champion philanthropic initiatives that create sustainable social impact.

Through its Black Employee Resource Group (ERG), the scholarship program aims to empower African American students who exhibit academic promise and a passion for innovation in technical and environmentally focused careers. Awardees may receive up to $5,000 in financial assistance to attend a college or university of their choice. The initiative reflects PG&E’s strategic focus on increasing representation and opportunity in industries where diversity remains critically underrepresented.

14. Herman J. Neal Scholarship

Recognized among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students pursuing careers in business and finance, the Illinois CPA Society Herman J. Neal Accounting Scholarship plays a pivotal role in promoting diversity within the accounting profession. Established by the Illinois CPA Society, one of the nation’s largest and oldest professional CPA organizations, founded in 1903, the scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Herman J. Neal, a trailblazing figure in financial leadership.

The award provides up to $4,000 annually to academically outstanding African-American students in Illinois who are committed to pursuing a degree in accounting. Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship reflects the Society’s broader mission to increase representation, support talent development, and raise awareness about the value of Certified Public Accountants in financial literacy and economic empowerment. Through scholarships like this, the Illinois CPA Society strengthens its outreach, encouraging the next generation of Black CPAs to thrive in an evolving global economy.

15. IIE UPS Scholarship for Minority Students

The IISE UPS Scholarship for Minority Students stands out as an important program fostering diversity in industrial and systems engineering among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students seeking careers in STEM sectors. Offered through a partnership between the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) and United Parcel Service (UPS), this scholarship supports underrepresented students with both financial aid and academic encouragement. Since its founding in 1948, IISE has advanced the field by developing pathways for aspiring engineers to contribute to the optimization of organizational systems across industries.

The IISE UPS Scholarship directly reflects this mission, providing $4,000 in funding to minority undergraduate students who demonstrate a strong academic record and a clear intent to pursue industrial or systems engineering. As the demand for inclusive innovation grows, this scholarship represents not only financial support but a commitment to empowering the next generation of Black and African-American leaders in engineering and applied sciences.

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16. CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship

The CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship, given by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), is one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students interested in the arts and is essential to increasing access to creative fields. The CBCF is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that was founded in 1971 to promote equity by uplifting the Black population worldwide via research, education, and public policy. Deeply invested in educational justice, the Foundation has developed multiple scholarship programs to reduce disparities in higher education.

The Visual Arts Scholarship, in particular, supports African American students committed to fields such as illustration, design, photography, and studio art. Awardees must demonstrate academic achievement and artistic promise while embodying the Foundation’s mission of empowerment through education. Recipients receive $3,000 toward tuition at an accredited institution, contributing to both educational access and broader representation in the arts, making it one of the most targeted and impactful opportunities within the spectrum of major scholarships for Black creatives.

17. ESA Foundation Scholarship Program for Minority Students

Among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students pursuing careers in creative technology, the ESA Foundation Scholarship Program stands out as a catalyst for inclusion and innovation within the entertainment software industry. Established in 2007 by the Entertainment Software Association Foundation, a nonprofit arm of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), founded in 2000, the program was created to diversify the fields of video game design, computer arts, and interactive media.

Initially awarding only 15 students annually, the scholarship now supports 30 high-achieving students nationwide, including African American and other underrepresented minority students, as well as women. Each recipient receives $3,000 in academic funding to pursue degrees related to gaming, software development, or digital media. By championing the next generation of innovators, the ESA Foundation not only addresses financial barriers but also actively promotes equity in one of the fastest-growing global industries, making it one of the most impactful and largest scholarships for African-American students in tech.

18. ABA Diversity Scholarship

The ABA Diversity Scholarship is one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students interested in a career in travel, tourism, and transportation because of its specific impact. Administered by the American Bus Association Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the ABA, a historic organization founded in 1926, the scholarship supports underrepresented groups seeking entry into the motorcoach and tour industries. With a membership spanning over 3,800 transportation and travel-related businesses across North America, the ABA fosters industry growth through both economic initiatives and educational advancement.

The ABA Diversity Scholarship offers $2,500 in financial aid to high-achieving students enrolled in fields directly related to the industry, such as hospitality, transportation, logistics, or tourism management. Designed to promote equitable access and representation, this award exemplifies how corporate and nonprofit partnerships are reshaping the future of historically exclusive industries, ranking it among the most significant awards for African-American students pursuing specialized career paths.

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19. Page Education Foundation Grants

The Page Education Foundation Grant, a prestigious prize intended to aid underrepresented students in their pursuit of higher education, is one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students. The Page Education Foundation was established in 1988 by NFL Hall of Famer and Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page and his wife, Diane Sims Page, in order to address the structural obstacles that African American and other minority students had to overcome. Through generous donor contributions, the foundation has advanced educational equity by offering financial grants paired with a structured mentorship component.

The Page Education Foundation Grant specifically targets academically motivated African American students who demonstrate both scholastic achievement and a commitment to service. Awardees receive up to $2,500 annually, along with one-on-one mentorship to ensure academic success and personal development throughout college. As one of the most impactful scholarships available to African-American students today, it not only reduces financial burdens but also fosters leadership and community engagement.

20. LAGRANT Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

Among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students pursuing careers in media and communications, the LAGRANT Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship stands as a transformative initiative dedicated to increasing diversity in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations. Founded in 1998 by industry leader Kim L. Hunter, The LAGRANT Foundation emerged in response to the persistent underrepresentation of minority professionals in these sectors.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, the foundation has since awarded over $2.13 million in scholarships to more than 400 minority students, fostering both academic and professional advancement. Specifically tailored for undergraduates majoring in relevant disciplines, the scholarship provides $2,500 in funding and additional access to mentoring, networking, and career-building opportunities. Celebrated for its impact, the LAGRANT Scholarship is not only a financial resource but also a pathway to leadership and equity in communications, making it a cornerstone among the most influential scholarship programs for African-American students today.

21. Leon Bradley Scholarship

The American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) administers the Leon Bradley Scholarship, one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students interested in careers in educational leadership. Founded in 1938, AASPA supports the advancement of K–12 human resource professionals, school leaders, and administrators through professional development, advocacy, and inclusion initiatives. The Leon Bradley Scholarship was established to address the underrepresentation of minority professionals, particularly African Americans, in key educational leadership roles such as principals, superintendents, and HR directors.

Aimed at promoting diversity and equity in school administration, the scholarship awards $2,000 to high-achieving minority students who exhibit a strong commitment to entering the field. In doing so, it not only provides financial assistance but also empowers emerging leaders to drive systemic change within education. As one of the most impactful scholarships for aspiring African-American educators, the Leon Bradley Scholarship reflects AASPA’s mission to build a more inclusive and representative future in education.

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22. Annie S. Alexander Memorial Scholarship

The Annie S. Alexander Memorial Scholarship is one of the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students who want to work in healthcare because of its focused assistance and community-focused goals. Administered by the Winston-Salem Foundation, a philanthropic institution established in 1919 with over 1,300 donor-advised funds and assets exceeding $605 million, this scholarship reflects a century-long commitment to educational equity and community advancement in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Established in 2009, the Annie S. Alexander Memorial Scholarship specifically supports African American students pursuing undergraduate nursing degrees, with preference given to applicants from the local area. Eligibility is based on strong academic achievement and a declared major in nursing at an accredited institution. Recipients are awarded $1,800 to assist with tuition and related expenses. As part of a broader network of impactful awards, this scholarship exemplifies how localized funding initiatives are contributing to the national landscape of meaningful support for underrepresented students in higher education.

23. Better Brothers LA Scholarship

The Better Brothers LA Book Scholarship stands out among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students for its focus on the Black LGBTQ+ community. Offered through Better Brothers Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Black LGBTQ individuals in Southern California, this scholarship reflects a broader mission of social inclusion, academic advancement, and cultural affirmation. The organization hosts year-round educational and leadership events, culminating in the prestigious Truth Awards, which celebrate the achievements of Black LGBTQ professionals and allies.

Recognizing the often-overlooked financial strain of purchasing college textbooks and supplies, Better Brothers Los Angeles established this scholarship to alleviate such burdens for high-achieving Black LGBTQ students. Awardees may receive up to $1,500 toward educational materials, making it not only a meaningful act of support but also one of the largest specialized scholarships in its category. It exemplifies how identity-based scholarships can directly address both academic and socio-cultural challenges.

24. Ohio News Media Association Minority Scholarship

The Ohio News Media Association Minority Scholarship stands out as a focused program promoting diversity in journalism among the biggest scholarships for Black and African-American students pursuing media-related occupations. Administered by the Ohio News Media Association (ONMA), a leading state trade association formed in 1933 through the unification of The Buckeye Press Association and the Associated Ohio Dailies, this award is a testament to the association’s dedication to fostering inclusive representation in Ohio’s press landscape.

With a long-standing history of advocating for ethical journalism and the advancement of local media, ONMA now champions future communicators through scholarship opportunities. The ONMA Minority Scholarship awards $1,500 to underrepresented Ohio-based students pursuing undergraduate studies in fields such as journalism, advertising, communications, or marketing. Recipients are selected based on academic merit and a demonstrated passion for media. This program exemplifies how industry leaders are working to diversify newsrooms by investing in promising Black and African-American talent.

25. BLM Squared Scholarship