Organizations Providing Scholarships for African American Women
Summary: Several National, Regional and State Organizations are dedicated to the advancement and success of African American women. One way in which these organizations further their mission is by supporting educational opportunities through scholarships for women of African American descent.
There are many different scholarships that are tailored specifically for the African American woman. These scholarships include programs for the athlete, the exceptional student, or the truly dedicated person.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA for short, is one of the most dedicated associations for the promotion of female and minority scholarships in the sports field. The NCAA offers a scholarship known as the Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Postgraduate Scholarship for Careers in Athletics. This scholarship can be awarded to any minority female that is attending school for a field related to sports.
The Black Women in Sports Foundation can provide additional scholarship assistance for those African American women looking to attend college. The Black Women in Sports Foundation offers the Madeline Kountze Dugger-Kelly Scholarship which assists African American women who are currently enrolled in college and have been active in sports. This scholarship is awarded based upon the community service and character of the student.
BISA, or Black Women in Sisterhood for Action, began in 1980 to assist African American women with education and career advancement. BISA assists African American women of disadvantaged backgrounds in obtaining an education so that they can in turn get a better career. The scholarships are awarded to those candidates who show exceptional leadership skills, academics, and career goals. BISA also can provide transportation, life coaching, and tutoring for those who are in its programs.
NHBW, National Black Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc, began in 1973 as a way for African American women and their families to find assistance in areas such as the arts, culture, and health. This organization funds scholarships through the Sister to Sister program. The recipients of this scholarship are minority women who are going back to school without the financial support of their family. There are also scholarship programs that are geared for black women who are about to or have already graduated high school and wish to further their educations.
The Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey (ABWL-NJ), founded in 1975, is a state-specific association that offers scholarships for women living in the New Jersey area. Eligible candidates are African American women who are currently pursuing a law degree. Applicants are evaluated based on their community service and financial need.
The ABWP, or Association of Black Women Physicians is an organization that was founded in 1982. This association attempts to improve the health of the African American community through public outreach programs. This association offers the Rebecca Lee, MD scholarship which assists African American students who either reside in Southern California or attend school there, studying medicine All recipients are awarded this scholarship based upon academic standings, financial need, and community service projects.
Whether you are a minority woman looking to pursue an education in the liberal arts, medical sciences, justice system or athletic administration, there are many African American organizations striving to promote the advancement of black women through educational scholarships.
