Scholarships for Black Students: Scholarships for 2026-2027

Observing Black Legacy 

Black History Month is a time to honor 100 years of Black history, celebrating the pioneers, innovators, and leaders who have shaped education, culture, and opportunity in the United States. What began as a week-long observance has grown into a month-long recognition of Black excellence and achievement.

To honor this legacy, IOScholarships has curated a list of scholarships exclusively for students who identify as Black or African American. These scholarships are designed to support students pursuing higher education at colleges, universities, and historically Black institutions.

Students are encouraged to use the IOScholarships Organizer to track deadlines, eligibility requirements, and award amounts to ensure they never miss an opportunity.

Scholarships for Black and African American Students

1. Sister-to-Sister Scholarship for African American Women

• Deadline: February 14
• Award Amount: $1,000

Description:
The Sister-to-Sister Scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Frazier to provide financial assistance to mature African American women pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship supports women who are returning to school or continuing their academic journey.

Best for: Adult learners, nontraditional students, African American women

2. AABE Scholarships for Black Students in STEM and Business

• Deadline: February 15
• Award Amount: Up to $20,000

Description:
The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) awards more than $350,000 annually in scholarships to high school seniors pursuing careers in energy-related fields. Scholarships are awarded at the local, regional, and national levels.

Eligibility Requirements:

• High school senior with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
• Planning to major in STEM or Business
• Enrolling in an accredited college, university, technical, or trade school
• Demonstrated leadership and community involvement

Best for: High school seniors, STEM majors, students interested in energy careers

3. Black at Microsoft Scholarship Program

• Deadline: March 16
• Award Amount: $2,500–$5,000
• Minimum GPA: 3.0

Description:
The Black at Microsoft Scholarship, administered by the Seattle Foundation, supports Black high school seniors pursuing STEM or Business degrees at four-year colleges or universities in the United States.

Eligibility Requirements:

• High school senior
• Enrolling full-time at a four-year U.S. college or university
• Majoring in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or Business
• Demonstrated passion for technology and leadership

Best for: Future tech professionals, business majors, STEM-focused students

4. Thurgood Marshall College Fund – Enterprise Access HBCC Scholarship

• Deadline: April 24
• Award Amount: $1,500
• Minimum GPA: 2.75

Description:
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and the Enterprise Mobility Foundation provide this scholarship to students attending Historically Black Community Colleges (HBCCs). The scholarship is open to all majors and prioritizes students with financial need.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Full-time enrollment at a TMCF HBCC member school (2026–2027 academic year)
• FAFSA on file
• Demonstrated financial need
• U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident

Best for: HBCC students, community college students, students with financial need

5. Thurgood Marshall College Fund – McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship

• Deadline: April 24
• Award Amount: $15,000
• Minimum GPA: 2.75

Description:
The McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship, administered by TMCF, supports students attending HBCUs, HBCCs, PBIs, and select graduate programs. This scholarship recognizes academic achievement, leadership, and community impact.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Full-time undergraduate student (freshman–senior) at an HBCU during the 2026–2027 academic year
• Demonstrated leadership abilities
• Demonstrated financial need
• U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident

Best for: HBCU students, student leaders, students seeking large scholarship awards

6. Joshua David Gardner Memorial Scholarship for HBCU Students

• Deadline: April 30
• Award Amount: $2,000
• Minimum GPA: 3.0

Description:
Established in 2006, the Joshua David Gardner Memorial Scholarship Endowment provides financial support to students pursuing undergraduate degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Best for: HBCU students, academically strong undergraduates

Black History Month Scholarships: Honoring the Past and Investing in the Future

Black History Month is not only a time to reflect on the contributions of Black leaders and innovators—it is also an opportunity to invest in the future of Black students. These scholarships help reduce financial barriers and expand access to higher education.

Students are encouraged to apply early, stay organized, and take full advantage of the opportunities available. IOScholarships is committed to helping students find, track, and win scholarships that support their academic goals.