Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to the James Weldon Johnson Scholarship and Other Scholarships for African Americans

Securing funding for college is a top priority for most students. Fortunately, there are plenty of scholarships available for students of all backgrounds, including minority group members. Scholarships for African Americans are offered by a myriad of organizations and universities across the country. Whether applying to Historically Black College and Universities or other schools, the high cost of college can make it challenging for many underserved populations to attend. However, higher education is a vital part of economic and social progress. When it comes to scholarships for African Americans, there are plenty of types, all of which have their own unique criteria. When applying to scholarships, you’ll need to understand the type you’re seeking out and how to craft your application accordingly.

Understanding the Landscape of Scholarships for African Americans

Financial awards from federal, state, or local governments are also available to eligible students. These scholarships are usually need-based and dependent on your state of residency. Not all scholarships and grants are created equal, meaning the amount you receive will vary depending on the scholarship. Amounts can range from a few hundred dollars to full ride scholarships for African Americans, and other students. Just as scholarship amounts vary, so do eligibility requirements. However, there are some common criteria for scholarships. These may include minimum GPA or test scores, enrollment status, citizenship, residency, and financial need. Finding scholarships for African Americans is one thing, but securing them is another. With the cost of college so high, a minority scholarship can help many students gain access to opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have. No matter the type of scholarship you aim to receive, your application will need to stand out.

Types of Scholarships

For those who can’t afford college on their own, need-based scholarships are an excellent way to make higher education more accessible. Students’ eligibility are determined by evaluating their families’ financial situations. These awards are given to students based on exceptional accomplishments or skills. Merit-based scholarships can be awarded for academic, artistic, athletic, or even leadership excellence. Unlike need-based scholarships, merit scholarships don’t consider a student’s financial need. For students who know their field of study, field-specific scholarships offer a different, specialized form of funding. These scholarships are fairly common for students planning studies in high-demand fields, like healthcare or STEM. Scholarships for African Americans fall into this category. Demographic-specific scholarships are available to students from particular groups. These awards are college-specific. They may be merit- or need-based, or even a combination of the two. Students are often automatically considered for these awards when they apply to college, however, the application process varies by institution.

Strategies for Securing Scholarships

Check eligibility requirements. When seeking out scholarship opportunities, you’ll want to be sure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements before filling out an application.
Learn about the supporting organization’s mission and values. After finding some viable scholarships, you’ll want to make sure you understand the foundations, groups, or programs behind them. Read about each organization’s mission, history, and what they look for in an applicant.
Apply to multiple scholarships. While you may have your sights set on one scholarship in particular, give yourself the best odds at funding your education. Rather than banking on a full ride scholarship, which can be quite competitive to earn, set yourself up for success by applying to various scholarships from different organizations.
Give yourself plenty of time to complete the application. Get organized with all of your application deadlines. Consider making a spreadsheet with requirements and deadlines to stay on top of things. Keep in mind that scholarships for African American women and men could require various essays and letters of recommendation. Start early so you can submit the best application possible on time.

The James Weldon Johnson Scholarship: A Detailed Look

When it comes to scholarships for African American students, eligibility and award amount will vary just as with any type of scholarship. But, what exactly are scholarships for African Americans? Simply put, African American scholarships are financial awards created to support African American students in higher education. Whether looking for scholarships for African American women, full ride scholarships for African Americans, or HBCU scholarships, there are plenty of sources to find them. Indeed, national organizations, local community groups, foundations, HBCUs, and professional associations all offer scholarships for African American students. Scholarships for African American women and men all provide some level of monetary support to support students in higher education. Full ride scholarships for African Americans cover tuition and fees along with room and board. However, scholarships can also provide non-monetary support. For example, some scholarships might offer mentorship programs, networking opportunities, or leadership training.

The James Weldon Johnson Scholarship is open to first- or second-year male students who will matriculate to full-time enrollment at an accredited academic institution.

Key Features of the James Weldon Johnson Scholarship

Scholarship amount: \$1,500
Amount of Scholarships: 15
This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.
Eligibility: Be a member of the NAACP. resident or citizen.
Scholarship applications will open in Spring 2026. Recipients will be announced in the Summer of 2026. All completed applications are reviewed and scored.

The scholarship was established this year in recognition of Hon. Bro. James Weldon Johnson, a member of our wondrous band that was initiated into Psi Chapter | Clark Atlanta University. Hon. Bro. James Weldon Johnson became active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (the NAACP) in 1917 and served as the Association’s Executive Director from 1920 - 1930. In 1899 he achieved his first literary success by writing the poem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” which was set to music and unofficially became known as the “Negro National Anthem” followed by The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man and God’s Trombones. Hon. Bro. James Weldon Johnson was elected te 8th National President of the Fraternity in 1937 and died shortly thereafter on June 26, 1938. Hon. Bro. compose an 500-750 word analysis of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, relative to their vision of how they will contribute to their community and society at-large. The application for 2020 is now open. Bro.

NAACP Membership: A Gateway to Opportunities

Several NAACP scholarships require applicants to be members. If you are not a member of the NAACP, consider joining to become eligible for these awards.

Other Notable Scholarships for African Americans

There are various organizations committed to providing scholarships for African Americans. One such renowned group is UNCF, the United Negro College Fund. Founded in 1944, UNCF has supported more than 500,000 students working toward their college degree by raising over five billion dollars. At the end of the day, scholarships for African Americans aim to increase access to education, support underrepresented communities and reduce disparities. The NAACP and UNCF are two of the largest organizations that offer African American scholarships, but they certainly aren’t the only ones!

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Founded in 1973, the Jackie Robinson Foundation has helped more than 2,000 students pursue their higher education goals. JFR’s scholarships for African Americans award up to $35,000 over four-years to eligible students. Scholars receive mentoring throughout their time in college, including support as they navigate their post-graduation goals and decisions. They also have access to comprehensive support services that provide guidance for everything from practical life skills to securing an internship and career placement.

Applicants need to turn in their application, letter of recommendation, and CSS Profile by 5pm EST January 7th. Additionally, it’s important to note that JRF Scholars must complete community service throughout their time in college. This commitment to community and service is an integral part of the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s core values: discipline, integrity, humility, compassion, and courage.

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Since its founding in 1996, this program has helped provide countless scholarships for African American students, as well as leadership development and guidance. While the Ron Brown Scholar Program isn’t among the full ride scholarships for African Americans, it’s still a sizable monetary award. Scholars receive $40,000 over four years.

The application is available starting August 1st each year, and students have until December 1st to complete and submit their application. Transcripts and letters of recommendation should be submitted by December 15th at the latest. Applicants are also required to submit two essays, so plan ahead to allow enough time for all materials. To qualify for the Ron Brown Scholarship, students must be Black/African American, US citizens or permanent residents, and a current high school senior planning to attend a four-year school in the United States. Applicants may aim to pursue any academic discipline, as the scholarship isn’t major- or field-specific.

NAACP Scholarships

Another great place to look for scholarships for African Americans is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The NAACP has been offering African American scholarships for decades, and a wide range of scholarships are available to eligible members. All of the scholarships listed below are, of course, scholarships for African Americans.

Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship: This \$2,000 scholarship is intended for NAACP members pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. Applicants must be under 25 at the time of application and be enrolled at (or accepted to) an accredited American university.
Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship Powered By Walmart: This scholarship awards $10,000 to its winner. Similar to the Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship, this award requires applicants to be NAACP members with at least a 3.0 GPA. However, the scholarship is not available to graduate students. This scholarship is open to students who will matriculate full-time enrollment at an accredited academic institution.
Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship: This scholarship gives $5,000 to a formerly incarcerated or recently convicted person furthering their education. Applicants must have no serious disciplinary incidents in the preceding 12 months, and have received all other government grants and loans available.
NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship: This award grants fifteen $1,500 scholarships for African Americans annually. Eligible applicants must be male and be either a graduating high school senior or in their first two years of undergraduate studies.
Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship: This \$3,000 scholarship is intended for male students graduating high school or in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program. Similar to other scholarships, it requires a GPA or 3.0 or above.
The Ed Dwight Scholarship: This \$2,500 award honors Ed Dwight, the first Black astronaut candidate and a trailblazer with a long, storied career. Eligible applicants must be a high school or undergraduate student under 25, and they must have demonstrated financial need.
NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship: This scholarship awards several $1,000 or $2,000 scholarships for African Americans to pursue studies in the visual or performing arts. To be eligible, applicants must be graduating high school seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Dearmont-Dyas Scholarship: The final and largest award in this list, the Dearmont-Dyas Scholarship awards $25,000 to an eligible applicant in any field. To qualify, applicants must be under 25 when applying and be a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student.

In applying for NAACP African American scholarships, applicants should demonstrate leadership, activism, and community engagement.

UNCF Scholarships and Programs

For over 80 years, UNCF has funded scholarships for African Americans and other minority scholarship opportunities. Impressively, they award over $100 million in scholarships for African Americans and other minorities every year. In addition to scholarships, UNCF also supports a network of 37 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Read also: Explore JCU's History and Programs

The Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars Program: offers up to $25,000 to qualifying applicants. Each year, several scholarships for African Americans are provided through this program. Scholars receive $2,500 per academic year as freshmen and sophomores, then $5,000 a year as juniors and seniors. Scholars whose programs require a fifth year receive a further $5,000.
The Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program: is for students attending four-year HBCUs. The program awards two $10,000 scholarships for African American students in their final year at an HBCU. Applicants must have at least a 3.5 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to community service. Additionally, they must have verifiable unmet financial need.
UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship: This program does not offer financial support, but instead functions as a talent development program for those interested in education reform. Applicants must be rising seniors with a 3.0 GPA, as well as demonstrated experience in leadership and community service. After being selected as a fellow in spring, recipients attend a UNCF Student Leadership Conference for leadership and professional development. In the summer, they do a paid summer internship and participate in an education reform case competition in groups. At the end of the summer, there is an alumni and closing conference, filled with networking and recruiting opportunities to prepare for senior year.

In addition to managing certain programs and scholarships for African Americans, UNCF manages a large minority scholarships database. The database is constantly updated with new scholarships, internships, fellowships, and grants, so it’s a great resource for African American scholarships.

Navigating General Scholarship Requirements

If you’re applying to a lot of scholarships for African Americans or scholarships in general, you should understand some general requirements. Typically, scholarships for college require at least a 2.5 GPA (if they have a GPA requirement). They don’t always require demonstrated financial need, but they do usually require a submitted FAFSA.

The Significance of HBCUs

As mentioned above, HBCU stands for “Historically Black College or University.” As of 2025, there are 107 HBCUs in the United States, of which 56 are private and 51 public. Before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed racial segregation in American classrooms, HBCUs were the main path to higher education for African Americans. As you may expect, there’s a large number of scholarships for African Americans attending or accepted to HBCUs.

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