Minority Scholarships: Funding for Underrepresented Students

What Are Minority Scholarships?

Minority scholarships are financial awards that provide support to students who belong to racial, ethnic, or cultural groups that historically face barriers in accessing higher education. These awards may be offered by educational institutions, national and community organizations, nonprofits, corporations, and professional associations.

While each scholarship has unique criteria, many focus on empowering students from communities such as African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian American, Black, Indigenous, multiracial groups, and other underrepresented populations. Minority scholarships may be based on merit, financial need, leadership, field of study, or community involvement.

Types of Minority Scholarships

Race & Ethnicity Scholarships

Funding for students who identify with a specific racial or ethnic community (e.g., African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian American, Multiracial, Indigenous).

Cultural & Legacy Scholarships

Scholarships rooted in cultural heritage, family legacy, or community recognition.

Guided Scholarship Mapping for Minority Students

Identity-Driven Scholarship Pathways

Instead of one generic list, think in terms of identity pathways:

1. African American & Black — Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) alliances, national Black professional associations, community organizations.
2. Hispanic/Latinx — Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) partnerships, Latinx cultural foundations, business and STEM affinity groups.
3. Asian American & Pacific Islander — Cultural community foundations, arts and STEM associations, affinity professional groups.
4. Indigenous & Native Students — Tribal scholarships, Native community funds, arts and language preservation awards.
5. Multiracial & Other Underrepresented Groups — Intersectional awards recognizing unique blended identities and contributions.

Mapping your search by identity pathway unlocks more relevant opportunities and avoids one-size-fits-all searches.