Due Dec 1, 2026
Ron Brown Scholar Program
Direct application
$10,000
25 winners
Eligibility
Demographics
Black or African American
Education level
High school
Year of study
Final year
Status
United States
Financial
Financial need
Activities
Leadership
About this scholarship
Black or African American U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are current high school seniors with academic excellence, leadership, community service, and financial need may apply for the Ron Brown Scholar Program.
Up to 25 scholars receive $10,000 awards. Funds may be applied at any four-year U.S. college in any discipline.
Submit two essays of approximately 500 words each, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and family tax information. Finalists participate in a weekend selection process in Washington, D.C.
Essay questions
What else to submit
- Two essays of approximately 500 words each
- Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a high school guidance counselor, teacher, or principal
- Official high school transcript with current semester course load and school profile
- Family/parent or guardian financial information
- SAT verbal and math or ACT composite score recorded on the application
- List of extracurricular, community, and employment activities plus awards and honors
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Must be Black/African American
- Must be a current high school senior at time of application (college students not eligible)
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a high school guidance counselor, teacher, or principal; cannot be a parent/guardian)
- Official high school transcript with most current semester courseload and school profile
- SAT (Verbal and Math) or ACT (composite) scores recorded on the application
- List of extracurricular/community/employment activities in order of importance, plus significant awards/honors
- Parent/guardian financial data (adjusted gross income); financial need is considered
- Application must be mailed in one packet (no online, emailed, or faxed applications); postmark deadlines Nov 1 and Jan 9
- College students are not eligible.
- Finalists participate in a weekend selection process in Washington, D.C.
- Application must be mailed as one packet; online, email, and fax submissions are not accepted.