Being a member of a minority should not be the reason to stop reaching your goals. Aside from the government’s effort to increase the budget for education for minorities, concerned groups and institutions give free scholarship grants for deserving individuals. It is good to know some free scholarship applications for you to be aware of deadlines and important requirements.
Scholarship for African-Americans
Despite their so-called freedom from racism in the 1960s, African-Americans still suffered the effects of stereotyping and dampening their spirit to excel in school. For years now, scholarships like the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships are trying alleviate the problem. Interested applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Further, they should have documents to support their financial status. Annually, the grant is giving some 450 grants for qualified applicants. There are grants that award money to the winners. Such grants include The Sallie Mae Fund American Dream Scholarship which awards $500-$5000; the Abercrombie & Fitch Scholarship Program which gives $3000 every year and the Malcolm X Scholarship for Exceptional Courage which awards $4000 Study in China.
Native American Scholarships
Native American students with exceptional scholastic records may also apply for tribal funds provided by the government and some private institutions. The Allogan Slagle Scholarship is a famous program initiated by the American Indian Affairs for students who trace their roots among the 561 recognized native tribes. Interested applicants may also apply for federal-sponsored scholarships sponsored by the Department of Education. Other options include state-based, minority and corporate scholarships and organization scholarships for native Americans.
Asian Scholarships
Students with Asian affiliations who are about to enter their freshmen year have a chance to join the Mitsuyuki Yonemura Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship needs documents like proof of JACL membership, a personal statement, letter of recommendation, official transcripts and a resume. Students who are on grades 9-12 with writing capabilities may also join the OCA-KFC National Essay Contest. This contest requires applicants to write an essay composed with 800-1000 words. Members of the Chinese community may also apply for scholarships offered by the Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc. (OCA). To date, there are at least eight qualified scholars are awarded with $2000 each.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) Scholarships
It is good to have a survey on colleges that have a LGBT Resource Center if you’re a gay and are looking for educational funds and scholarships. Examples of these scholarships include the SOLGA Kenneth W. Payne Student Prize Competition, Deaf Queer Youth Scholarship, Lee Dubin Scholarsihp Fund and the Live Out Loud Annual Scholarship which gives cash awards and slots in a university.
Multi-racial or multicultural Scholarships
There are also grants for multi-racial individuals. Some of them include the Bureau of Indian Affairs scholarships, multi-racial James E. Burr Minority Scholarship, Multiracial Student Scholarship Fund and the Ohio University Multicultural Scholarships.