There are many scholarships and grants designed specifically for minority applicants. Below, we’ve compiled a list of six of these scholarships. Some of these awards also focus on certain characteristics, such as an interest in marketing or STEM fields. Read the descriptions below and set aside some time to submit your applications before the corresponding deadlines. Remember, every scholarship awarded will reduce your out-of-pocket college costs.
Wyeth-Aryst/AHP Endowed Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application, including a letter of recommendation, a current official college transcript, and a one-page essay that expresses your career goals and future plans.
Eligibility: Open to students attending a UNCF 36 affiliated member institution or one of the Diversity Schools listed, majoring in a health-related field or medical business administration
Amount: Varies based on financial need
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Website: https://opportunities.uncf.org/s/program-landing-page?id=a2iVJ00000iqRIvYAM
Humanize LLC Gives in Honor of Shirley Kelley Scholarship
How to Apply: In 400–600 words, address the prompt, “Please tell us a bit about yourself and how being raised by a guardian and/or grandparent had an effect on your upbringing. Additionally, how did this affect your future goals?”
Eligibility: Must be a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who was raised by a guardian or grandparent and is an underrepresented minority
Amount: $600
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/humanize-llc-gives-in-honor-of-shirley-kelley-scholarship/
Minority Women in STEM Scholarship
How to Apply: Write an essay between 400 and 600 words on what you hope to achieve through your future career in STEM and how winning the scholarship would help you to achieve your goals.
Eligibility: Open to any female BIPOC high school senior who will pursue a four-year degree in STEM; must also be a first-generation college student
Amount: Three winners of $5,000 each
Deadline: December 2, 2026
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/minority-women-in-STEM-scholarship/
Private (PVT) Henry Walker Minority Scholarship
How to Apply: In 400–600 words, answer the question, “If given the opportunity, what would you do to improve your community and why is that important to you?”
Eligibility: Open to any African American undergraduate student, with a GPA of 2.8 or above, who is attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and has volunteering experience
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December 9, 2026
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/private-henry-walker-minority-scholarship/
Bright Lights Scholarship
How to Apply: Write an essay between 400 and 600 words on your plans for the future and how this scholarship will help you.
Eligibility: Open to underrepresented minority and/or first-generation high school or undergraduate students
Amount: Two winners of $550 each
Deadline: December 10, 2026
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/bright-lights-scholarship/
The LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application, including submission of a reference letter, your resume, your unofficial transcripts, a headshot, and an essay.
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident majoring in a field of study that has an emphasis in advertising, marketing, public relations
Amount: Undergraduate student winners (30 total) receive $2,500 and graduate student winners (20 total) receive $3,750
Deadline: February 15, 2027
Website: https://lagrantfoundation.org/scholarship-application-process/
American Indian College Fund Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application, including submission of a digital headshot and transcript.
Eligibility: Must be an enrolled member of a federally or state-recognized tribe, or a descendent of an enrolled member, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
Amount: Between $2,000 and $3,000
Deadline: May 31, 2027
Website: https://collegefund.org/students/scholarships/
Please note, most scholarship recipients receive $2,500 or less, and only 0.1% of undergraduate students receive $25,000 or more in scholarship funds. Scholarships are one of many sources of funding for college, including savings, current income, and federal and private loans. To learn about the variety of ways to pay for college, visit our Paying for College webpage.
