Excelling in Excellence: BLACK HISTORY MONTH EDITION

  • The LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship

    Overview:
    The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) Scholarship is designed to support African American students pursuing careers in advertising, marketing, and public relations. The scholarship aims to increase diversity in these industries by providing financial assistance, professional mentorship, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

    Benefits

    • Undergraduate students receive a $2,500 scholarship, and graduate students
      receive a $3,750 scholarship.
    • Scholars attend an all-expenses-paid career-building workshop in major cities
      such as New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles.
    • Access to mentorship and professional development opportunities with top
      industry executives.
    • Networking opportunities with past scholars, corporate partners, and industry
      professionals.
    • Resume and career guidance from experts in advertising, marketing, and public
      relations.

    Eligibility

    • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
    • Must be an African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, or Native American student.
    • Must be a full-time student at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S.
    • Must be pursuing a major in advertising, marketing, or public relations.
    • Undergraduates: Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be at least a junior at the time of application.
    • Graduates: Must be enrolled in a graduate program focusing on advertising, marketing, or public relations.
    • Must commit to a career in advertising, marketing, or public relations.
    • Must be available to participate in TLF’s career-building workshop if selected.

    Application Requirements:

    • A completed online application.
    • A personal statement outlining career goals and commitment to diversity in advertising, marketing, or PR.
    • Official transcripts verifying academic performance.
    • Two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or industry
      professionals.
    • A current resume highlighting relevant experience and leadership roles.

    National Deadline:

    • February 28th.
  • Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship

    Overview:

    The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship is a prestigious program funded by the U.S. Department of State, designed to prepare outstanding individuals—especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, including African Americans—for careers in the U.S. Foreign Service. The fellowship provides financial assistance, professional development, and mentorship to help students pursue a master’s degree in international affairs, public policy, political science, foreign languages, or related fields, ultimately leading to a career as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer.

      Benefits:

      • Up to $42,000 annually for two years of graduate study (tuition, fees, and living
        expenses).
      • Two fully funded summer internships:
        • Domestic internship at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
        • Overseas internship at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
      • Personalized mentoring from experienced Foreign Service Officers to support professional and academic growth.
      • Networking opportunities with diplomats, policymakers, and alumni of the fellowship.
      • Leadership and professional development workshops focused on diplomacy, public service, and global affairs.
      • Exclusive training sessions designed to help underrepresented students excel in the Foreign Service.
      • Guaranteed employment as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer (upon successful completion of the program and entry requirements, with a five-year service commitment).

      Eligibility:

      • Must be a U.S. citizen.
      • Must be seeking admission to a two-year master’s degree program in fields such as:
        • International Affairs
        • Public Policy
        • Political Science
        • Foreign Languages
        • Economics
        • Other related fields
      • Minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
      • Strong commitment to representing the U.S. internationally and promoting diplomacy.
      • African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Native American students are strongly encouraged to apply.
      • Demonstrated financial need is considered but not required.

      Application Requirements

      • Online application form.
      • Personal statement explaining interest in the Foreign Service, commitment to diversity, and career aspirations.
      • Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
      • Two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or professional mentors.
      • Résumé highlighting leadership, academic achievements, community service, and international experience.
      • Financial documents (if applicable) to demonstrate need.

      National Deadline:

      • September 2025
    • Ebell Scholarship

      Overview:
      The Ebell Scholarship is a merit-based and need-based scholarship program designed to support outstanding students—especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, including African Americans—who are pursuing degrees in law, social work, education, and related fields. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.

      Benefits:

      • Financial assistance covering tuition, fees, and educational expenses.
      • Renewable scholarship for multiple years based on academic performance.
      • Networking and mentorship opportunities with Ebell scholars and professionals in law, social work, and education.
      • Access to leadership and professional development workshops.
      • Community engagement opportunities with Ebell’s philanthropic initiatives. 

      Eligibility:

      • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
      • Must be a full-time student at an accredited college or university in the U.S.
      • Must be pursuing a degree in:
        • Law (J.D. or Pre-Law)
        • Social Work (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
        • Education (B.A., M.A., or Teaching Credential programs)
        • Other related fields committed to public service
      • Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
      • Demonstrated financial need.
      • African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Native American students are strongly encouraged to apply.
      • Must show a commitment to community service, leadership, and social impact.

      Application Requirements:

      • Completed online application.
      • Personal statement describing career goals, commitment to public service, and impact on the community.
      • Official transcripts verifying academic performance.
      • Two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or community leaders.
      • Résumé highlighting academic achievements, leadership roles, and service work.
      • Financial documents (if applicable) to demonstrate need.

      National Deadline:

      • March 1 2025
    • GrubStreet's Teaching Fellowship for Black Writers

      Overview:

      The GrubStreet Teaching Fellowship for Black Writers is a prestigious opportunity designed to support emerging Black writers who are passionate about teaching and community-building. This fellowship provides financial support, mentorship, and hands-on teaching experience at GrubStreet, one of the nation’s leading creative writing centers. The program aims to cultivate a diverse literary landscape by empowering Black writers to develop their craft, gain teaching experience, and build connections within the literary world.

      Benefits:

      • Stipend and teaching honorarium to support fellows during the program.
      • Comprehensive training and mentorship from experienced GrubStreet instructors.
      • Opportunities to teach creative writing workshops and gain hands-on classroom experience.
      • Professional development and networking within the literary and publishing industries.
      • Access to GrubStreet’s vibrant writing community, including events, resources, and expert guidance.
      • Publication and visibility opportunities through GrubStreet’s networks and
        platforms.

      Eligibility

      • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
      • Must identify as Black or of African descent.
      • Must be an emerging writer with a passion for teaching.
      • No prior teaching experience is required, but applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in leading writing workshops.
      • Must be able to commit to the fellowship’s training and teaching schedule.
      • Open to writers in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or other creative writing genres.

      Application Requirements:

      • Completed online application.
      • Personal statement outlining writing experience, teaching aspirations, and community engagement.
      • Writing sample (specific genre requirements may vary).
      • Résumé highlighting relevant literary experience, publications (if applicable), and leadership roles.
      • Two letters of recommendation from mentors, professors, or literary professionals.

      National Deadline:

      • May 31st 
    • National Medical Fellowships (NMF)

      Overview:

      The National Medical Fellowships (NMF) is a prestigious scholarship and professional development program designed to support historically underrepresented students—especially African Americans, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and Asian American/Pacific Islander students—who are pursuing careers in medicine, healthcare, and biomedical sciences. NMF provides financial aid, mentorship, and leadership training to help students excel in their medical and scientific careers while addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities.

      Benefits:

      • Financial scholarships and grants to support tuition, fees, and educational expenses.
      • Exclusive mentorship and networking opportunities with leading healthcare professionals and researchers.
      • Leadership training programs focused on healthcare equity and medical innovation.
      • Clinical and research opportunities in underserved communities.
      • Connections to a national network of NMF alumni and medical leaders.

      Eligibility:

      • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
      • Must identify as African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, or from another underrepresented group in medicine.
      • Must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school or healthcare-related graduate program.
      • Must demonstrate a commitment to serving medically underserved communities.
      • Must have strong academic performance and leadership experience.
      • Some awards may consider financial need as part of the selection process.

      Academic Requirements:

      • Completed online application.
      • Personal statement describing commitment to medicine, healthcare equity, and underserved communities.
      • Official transcripts verifying academic performance.
      • Two letters of recommendation from professors, medical professionals, or mentors.
      • Résumé or CV highlighting academic achievements, clinical experience, and community service.
      • Financial documents (if applicable) for need-based awards. 

      National Deadline:

      • February 23rd 2025
    • The Disruptors Fellowship

      The Disruptors Fellowship is a groundbreaking program designed to support emerging television writers from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), disabled, and LGBTQIA+ writers. The fellowship provides financial support, mentorship, and industry connections to help fellows break into the competitive world of television writing. Sponsored by the Center for Cultural Power and the Pop Culture Collaborative, the fellowship seeks to elevate diverse voices that challenge dominant narratives and create impactful storytelling in television.

      Benefits:

      • $5,000 stipend to support fellows during the program.
      • Mentorship from industry professionals, including established TV writers, showrunners, and executives.
      • Workshops and masterclasses on storytelling, pitching, and navigating the entertainment industry.
      • Networking opportunities with agents, producers, and other key figures in Hollywood.
      • Script development support, including feedback from industry mentors.
      • Exclusive industry showcases to present work to executives and producers.

      Eligibility:

      • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
      • Must identify as Black, Indigenous, a Person of Color (BIPOC), disabled, and/or LGBTQIA+.
      • Must be an emerging television writer (no major credits required, but some writing experience is preferred).
      • Must have a strong commitment to storytelling that challenges dominant narratives and uplifts underrepresented voices.
      • Must be able to commit to the fellowship’s training schedule.

      Application Requirements:

      • Completed online application.
      • Personal statement describing background, storytelling vision, and career aspirations.
      • Writing sample (TV pilot script or screenplay preferred).
      • Résumé highlighting relevant writing experience, education, and creative work.
      • Two letters of recommendation from industry professionals, professors, or mentors.

      National Deadline:

      • June 14th 2025