Scholarships for Marginalized College Students | EduMed.org
Historically and currently marginalized students often have a greater need for financial support to pay for college than other students. As a result, many providers offer scholarships specifically for students from marginalized backgrounds. This guide will introduce you to some of the best of those scholarships. We’ve additionally included valuable tips on how to make your scholarship application stand out, access to useful academic and career resources, and much more.
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Scholarships and Grants for Marginalized College Students
Scholarships and grants represent the most advantageous forms of financial aid because, unlike student loans, they provide free money for college that never needs to be repaid. These funding sources are particularly crucial for marginalized students as they help break down systemic barriers to higher education.
For marginalized students, scholarships can be transformative, offering not just financial support, but also validation, mentorship opportunities, and access to valuable networks.
Many scholarship programs specifically target underrepresented groups, helping to create more diverse and inclusive academic environments while addressing historical inequities in educational access.
To assist you in your search for funding options, EduMed has provided the following broad list of scholarship resources designed to support the education journeys of marginalized students.
ACB Scholarship Program
This scholarship is for legally blind students who attend school full-time and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Awards help cover tuition, room and board, fees, and costs associated with assistive technology.
To apply, submit proof of legal blindness, transcripts, and proof of college enrollment.
Amount: $2,000-$7,500
Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship
The Dent Graduate Student Scholarship is for racially/ethnically diverse individuals and full-time LGBTQ+ students enrolled in MPH, MHA, MBA in Healthcare Administration and similar healthcare programs. Submittals include a current resume, academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and an essay.
Amount: $5,000
Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund
Available to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, Queer, and Intersex students, as well as those with an LGBTQI parent. Must have been a resident for at least one year in the State of Oregon or in Skamania, Clark, Cowlitz, or Wahkiakum Counties in the state of Washington.
Amount: Up to $5,000
BHW Women in STEM Scholarship
Sponsored by the BHW Group, this scholarship is open to women pursuing undergraduate and master’s degrees in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics (STEM). U.S. citizens and international students studying in the United States are welcome to apply.
Amount: $3,000
Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grants
The Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grants are for LGBTQ+ students 25 and under who have overcome discrimination and/or adversities, prompting them to get involved with activism. To apply, submit a short film to the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival.
Amount: $15,000
Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Education Scholarships
These scholarships are available to scholastically gifted and highly driven full-time African American students attending undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields.
Amount: $2,500-$20,000
TheDream.US National Scholarship
The National Scholarship is for immigrant students (with or without DACA or TPS) to cover in-state tuition and fees at any of nearly 80 The Dream.US Partner Colleges. Applicant must have moved to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before November 1, 2020.
Amount: Up to $16,500 (associate degree); Up to $33,000 (bachelor’s degree)
Saryu and Jitu Desai Foundation Scholarship
Open to 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-year medical students in Philadelphia who are of South Asian Indian descent. Submittals include a completed application form, two reference letters, an official letter verifying present enrollment in medical school, and an essay.
Amount: $5,000
Ford Emerging Voices Scholarship
This Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) and Foundation scholarship is for female undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a major related to journalism or media with demonstrated academic prowess who can potentially create journalistic content for the AWM.
Amount: $5,000
Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program
Open to HBCU seniors who are good leaders, demonstrate a commitment to community service, have unmet financial need, and possess a minimum cumulative 3.5 or higher GPA.
Amount: $10,000
Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is open to African American, Asian Pacific Islander American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic American students. Requires a 3.3 or higher GPA and demonstrated financial need and leadership skills.
Amount: Full cost of attendance
Generation Google Scholarship (North America)
The Generation Google Scholarship program is offered to African Americans, Hispanics, women, and others who belong to specific marginalized groups and underrepresented demographics.
Applicant must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely-related technical field. Must demonstrate academic excellence.
Amount: $10,000
Against the Grain Groundbreaker Scholarship
The Against the Grain Groundbreaker Scholarship is offered to U.S. citizens who are at least 25% Asian or Pacific Islander, have a minimum 3.5 GPA, and demonstrate leadership skills.
Submittals include a completed application form, essay, resume, official transcript, personal statement, proof of citizenship, college acceptance letter, and video.
Amount: $1,500
McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship
Available to full-time undergraduate students attending HBCUs who have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher and demonstrate financial need and leadership skills. To apply, submit an application and a short video answering specific questions.
Amount: Up to $15,000
NANBPWC Scholarships
The NANBPWC offers disadvantaged Black students various scholarships to encourage and recognize community service and academic excellence. Eligibility requirements and amounts vary by specific scholarship.
Amount: Varies
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program
The NFB offers several scholarship opportunities to students who are legally blind in both eyes. Applicant must be 18 years or older and plan to enroll in a full-time post-secondary course of study in the fall of the application year.
Amount: $10,000
NBCUniversal Media Scholarship
NBC offers this scholarship to full-time Latino college sophomores and juniors enrolled in accredited programs. Applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an interest in the media and entertainment industry.
Amount: $5,000
PG&E Asian Employee Resource Group Scholarship
Offered to Asians of all majors with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to those studying in information technology, business, engineering, environmental, and energy-related fields.
To apply, register on PG&E’s website, complete a general application, and submit the required documents, references, and other supplemental materials.
Amount: Varies between $2,000-3,000
Point Foundation Scholarships—The LGBTQ Scholarship Fund
The Point Foundation offers these scholarships to full-time LGBTQ+ students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate studies at American four-year accredited colleges and universities. Apply online via the scholarship website.
Amount: Varies
Powering Education Scholarship
Sponsored by Alpha One Disability + Aging Solutions, this scholarship is available to students with disabilities pursuing a post-secondary education. To apply, submit an application, a short essay, letters of recommendation, and high school transcripts.
Amount: Up to $2,000
Pride Foundation Scholarship
The Pride Foundation Scholarship is for LGBTQ+ students and their allies living in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. Candidate must demonstrate financial need and describe how they have faced systemic barriers and would help others overcome such barriers with their degree.
Amount: Varies based on need and merit
Ron Brown Signature Scholarship
Available to African American high school seniors from low-income homes. Application includes sections to be completed by the applicant’s parents and a school counselor.
Amount: $40,000 ($10,000 per year for four years)
SAA Native American Undergraduate Archeology Scholarship
Offered by the Society for American Archeology, this scholarship is available to Native American undergraduate archeology students. Requirements include proof of Native identity, two letters of recommendation, an itemized budget, and personal statement.
Amount: Up to $6,000
Sealaska Scholarship
The Sealaska Scholarship is for Alaska Native students who are enrolled to (or are lineal descendants of Alaska Natives enrolled to) Sealaska Corporation. Must have a 2.0 or higher GPA and be accepted to or enrolled in a full-time program at an accredited post-secondary education institution.
Amount: Varies
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Scholarships
The SHPE offers a number of scholarships to applicants with Hispanic/Latino heritage who are seeking a STEM degree. Must be an SHPE member and possess a 2.5 or higher GPA.
Amount: Varies
Sports Clips Help a Hero Scholarship Program
These scholarships are for active duty or veteran military (E-5 or below) with demonstrated financial need attending a VA-approved school or program. Funds are strictly for tuition and fees only and are paid directly to the recipient’s school.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship is available to full-time Native American and Alaskan Native college sophomores and juniors pursuing careers in Native health care, tribal policy, or a related field. Requires recommendation from a Udall Faculty representative.
Amount: Up to $7,500
The Keys to Landing Your Scholarship
Identifying scholarships you are eligible for is an excellent first step, but it’s just that — the first step. You still have to win them.
And to do that, you’ll need to submit the very best applications possible. Here are five valuable tips you can follow to help ensure that your scholarship applications and submittal materials really shine:
Key #1: Start early.
Starting the application process as early as possible allows you plenty of time to perfect your application and submittal materials. It also offers the opportunity to get your application submitted earlier, allowing you to make an important first impression on the selection committee.
Key #2: Plan ahead for letters of recommendation.
If you need letters of recommendation, reach out as soon as possible to your academic and professional networks. And pick writers of reputation that can speak directly and effectively about your strengths and attributes.
Key #3: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Many scholarships require students to submit the FAFSA, the federal application used to demonstrate financial need. Explore EduMed’s FAFSA checklist, and then fill out the application well in advance of the deadline.
Key #4: Perfect your essay/personal statement.
Your essay or personal statement is the part of your application where you can really shine. Use storytelling, personal anecdotes, and concise language to demonstrate why you are right candidate to win the award.
Key #5: Follow all instructions.
It is absolutely critical that you follow all application instructions to the letter. Any error in doing so will likely lead to your immediate rejection.
Essential Funding Resources for Marginalized College Student Students
Being financially prepared for college and beyond requires a lot more than winning scholarships. It additionally includes finding ways to save money and develop a supportive professional community that understands your academic and career challenges.
To help you in this regard, here are several potential online resources to tap into:
American Indian College Fund
Those who identify as Native American will find a wealth of valuable resources on the AICF website, including financial aid opportunities and advice for creating and maintaining strong financial and academic wellness.
Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
Nonprofit organization that connects LGBT community members with resources, job openings, and professional development workshops to better navigate the higher education space.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
If you have a learning disability, this organization can connect you with resources and information about how to pay for and succeed in higher education.
NAACP
The NAACP is one of the largest providers of professional development resources, financial aid opportunities, and more for African American students.
Resources for Low Income Students
EduMed guide featuring 45 of the best free resources for low-income college students. Resources are organized into categories such as academic preparation, advice/mentorship, financial aid and scholarships, student housing, transportation, food and family services, and more.
Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services
The RAICES is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of free and low-cost legal and social services to immigrants and refugees.
College Scholarships & Resources for Women
This EduMed guide offers an abundance of information on valuable scholarship opportunities and online resources focused on helping women achieve their academic and career aspirations.
Guide to College Tuition Payment Plans
College tuition deferment and installment plans are great for making tuition costs more manageable. This EduMed guide details what these plans are all about.
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