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Due to a number of reasons, students from minority groups tend to be underrepresented in education and the workforce. As younger generations begin their careers, there’s a huge push to improve diversity in both of these areas. Increasing the representation of individuals from different backgrounds, racial and ethnic groups, and social classes is extremely beneficial. Plus, with nearly 48% of Gen Z in the United States being made up of ethnic and racial minorities, it’s even more important that our workplaces accurately represent our population.
In fact, companies with more diversity tend to have 2.3X more cash flow than non-diverse companies. Additionally, companies with diverse leadership teams enjoy an average revenue increase of 19% and over 75% of employees state that they’re happier working in a diverse company.
Increasing diversity in the workplace and education is a critical part of improving intercultural relations overall. Working on projects or tasks with those that have different views, backgrounds, and cultures forces people to step outside of their comfort zone and look at the world in a new light.
Although there are numerous financial aid options available to all students, minority students should also be aware of the companies, organizations, and foundations that provide generous scholarships to help minority students succeed. With college tuition costs being a barrier to education, scholarships for minorities can create and expand opportunities for many individuals. Check out the ones below to begin your search.
Scholarships for minorities – general
Actuarial Diversity Scholarship
The International Association of Black Actuaries presents scholarships to undergraduate students pursuing a career in the actuarial sciences. Applicants must have at least one birth parent who is Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American, or Pacific Islander.
Scholarship amount: Up to $4,000
Official scholarship website: International Association of Black Actuaries
Porter Physiology Development Fellowship
Graduate students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. in the physiological sciences can apply for this generous fellowship. In addition to the scholarship, winners receive access to online professional development and networking opportunities. Students need to be a member of an underrepresented ethnic or racial group as defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Scholarship amount: $28,300
Official scholarship website: Porter Physiology Development Fellowship
AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students
With the goal of increasing the number of minority CPAs serving as mentors for youth, the AICPA presents annual fellowships. Students must be pursuing a Ph.D. in accounting and express interest in becoming accounting educators. Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students are eligible.
Scholarship amount: $12,000
Official scholarship website: AICPA
AABE Scholarship
Graduating high school seniors from underrepresented groups, including African American, Hispanic, and Native American, can apply for this award. Applicants should plan to major in business, physical science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: AABE
Dwight Mosley Scholarship
This scholarship for ethnically diverse high school seniors was established in memory of Dwight A. Mosley, the first African American elected to the USTA Board of Directors. Applicants must demonstrate academic success and sportsmanship while participating in a community tennis program.
Scholarship amount: $10,000
Official scholarship website: USTA Foundation
The Dissertation Fellowship for Historically Underrepresented Persons in Anthropology
The American Anthropological Society offers financial awards to doctoral students from underrepresented racial minority groups. Students can be completing their dissertation in any area of anthropology.
Scholarship amount: $10,000
Official scholarship website: American Anthropological Society
ASH Foundation Minority Student Scholarship
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation provides a range of scholarships, including scholarships for minorities. Applicants must be studying in the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD).
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation
ACS Scholarship
This renewable scholarship is presented to undergraduate students majoring in a chemistry-related field and intending to pursue a chemistry-related career. The award is focused on students from historically underrepresented groups.
Scholarship amount: Up to $5,000
Official scholarship website: American Chemical Society
American Meteorological Society Minority Scholarship
Students from historically underrepresented minority groups who are pursuing a degree in atmospheric or oceanic and hydrologic sciences can apply for this 2-year scholarship. Applicants should be high school graduates entering their first year of college.
Scholarship amount: $3,000 per year
Official scholarship website: American Meteorological Society
APIA Scholarship
APIA awards one-time and multi-year scholarships to first-generation college students, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds and diverse ethnic and geographic backgrounds, and students who are active in community service and leadership roles.
Scholarship amount: $2,500 to $20,000
Official scholarship website: APIA Scholars
NACME Scholarship
The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering presents a range of annual scholarships to students from underrepresented minority groups. The organization aims to award 1,000 scholarships per year to engineering and computer science students.
Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000
Official scholarship website: NACME
National Press Club Scholarship for Diversity Honoring Julie School
In the spirit of enhancing diversity in the field of journalism, the National Press Club presents one-year scholarships for minorities which can be renewed for up to 3 years.
Scholarship amount: $5,000
Official scholarship website: National Press Club
Gates Scholarship
This competitive scholarship covers up to the full cost of college attendance for African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic American students. The funds can be used towards tuition, fees, room and board, transportation, and personal costs related to education.
Scholarship amount: Up to the full cost of attendance
Official scholarship website: The Gates Scholarship
Scholarships for native American/Alaska native students
Truman D. Picard Scholarship
This scholarship was established to support native American students studying in the field of natural resources. Several awards are granted each year to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Scholarship amount: $2,000 to $2,500
Official scholarship website: Intertribal Timber Council
Catching the Dream Scholarship
Catching the Dream aims to support Native American students by providing supplemental aid. Students must be pursuing at least a Bachelor’s degree and are required to apply for 10 other scholarships. All students who are at least 25% American Indian and enrolled in a U.S. tribe are eligible to apply.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: Catching the Dream
Scholarships for Black/African American Students
Boule Foundation Scholarship
Graduating high school seniors of African descent can apply for this merit-based scholarship awarded by the United Negro College Fund. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and can enroll in any 4-year, accredited, non-profit degree program.
Scholarship amount: $4,000
Official scholarship website: United Negro College Fund
Visa Black Scholars Program
Black/African American students pursuing a degree in business or technology can apply for this generous, 4-year Visa scholarship. In addition to financial support, students also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Scholar Summit at Visa HQ, mentorship, and professional development and internship opportunities. Recipients who meet certain requirements are also invited to join Visa full-time following graduation.
Scholarship amount: Up to $20,000 per year
Official scholarship website: Visa Black Scholars Program
Scholarships for Asian/Pacific Islander Students
Helen and L.S. Wong Memorial Scholarship
Students of at least 50% Asian heritage graduating from a high school in Fairfield-Suisun communities can apply for this one-time scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $3,000
Official scholarship website: Asian Pacific Fund
KASF WRC Scholarship
The Korean American Scholarship Foundation presents annual scholarships to students of Korean heritage. Students must demonstrate financial need, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and be attending school in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, or Washington.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: Korean American Scholarship Foundation
Scholarships for Hispanic/Latino Students
Haz La U Scholarship
In partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Colgate offers a range of college grants available to graduating high school seniors of Hispanic heritage.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: Colgate
LULF Scholarship
With the goal of supporting Latino students in completing their college degree programs, La Unidad Latina Foundation awards several annual scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Scholarship amount: $500 to $2,000
Official scholarship website: La Unidad Latina Foundation
Whether you’re planning to become an engineer, politician, or accountant, earning a college degree can help you achieve your goals. You can use your education to run a business, drive innovation, and even impact your local community. Scholarships for minorities help open new doors and expand access to education. With scholarships and proactive financial planning, you can reduce the cost of your education and leave student debt behind.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find scholarships for minorities?
There are a wide range of organizations that provide scholarships for minority students with the goal of expanding diversity in higher education and the workplace. The Degree Choices database allows you to search by a range of demographics. Similar scholarship databases to use are Cappex, Fastweb and Petersons.
The first place to start looking for information about all types of financial aid it the Federal Student Aid website. Here you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Financial Student Aid) form that determines your eligibility. Another great resource is your school’s financial aid office or high school guidance counselor.
How much does a college degree cost?
The Education Data Initiative estimates that a college degree costs an average of $141,324. In addition, the average cost for a graduate degree is $66,340 and the average cost for a doctorate is $114,300.
Am I eligible for scholarships for minorities?
Many organizations provide scholarships for students from any underrepresented minority group. Others are aimed towards specific minority groups, such as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American. Most scholarships list the eligibility requirements on the official website. You can also reach out to the organization for more information.
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