The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) General Scholarship program for 2024 has opened its mission of supporting minority students in their pursuit of higher education. Since its founding, the UNCF organization has raised over $4.5 billion to help more than 500,000 students. By doing so, it has given college degrees, meaning UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members.
In 2024, the organization plans to award over $100 million in scholarships, benefiting students of more than 1,100 schools and its prestigious network of 37 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). UNCF has distributed more funds to help minorities attend school than any entity outside the U.S. government.
In the last 75 years, the organization has helped over half a million students by raising over $5 billion for each college degree. So, it is an excellent opportunity for needy students looking for higher education but needing help arranging college fees and other expenditures.
In February 2024, the UNCF collaborated with the Walt Disney Company and announced a new scholarship program called the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program.
UNCF scholarships cater to a wide range of scholarship programs such as the Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars Program, UNCF/Koch Scholars Program, K-12 Education Fellowship, the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program, and many more for the students, offering both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
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Purpose of the UNCF General Scholarship
The primary objective of the UNCF General Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to needy students looking for higher education to improve their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to community service. It raised funds for those needy recipients to empower them as future leaders and foster positive societal change.
Report Published By U.S. Department of Education
A 2011-2012 study published by the U.S. Department of Education found a significant gap between financial aid and the actual cost of college for many students. This “unfulfilled need” ranged from $7,500 to $13,500, depending on the institution. This report implies that students from low-income families cannot pay graduate fees or pursue graduate degree courses.
Eligibility Criteria for UNCF General Scholarship 2024
| SL No | Eligibility | Description |
| 1 | Minimum GPA | 2.50/4 Scale |
| 2 | Residency Criteria | USA (African American) |
| 3 | Pursued Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Law Degree, MBA, MFA, PhD |
| 4 | Scholarship Type | Need Based |
| 5 | Essay Required | No |
| 6 | Enrollment Type | Full time enrollment with 37 UNCF member colleges or universities |
| 7 | FAFSA | Yes |
List of 37 Black colleges and universities
| SL No | College/University Name | SL NO | College/University Name |
| 1 | Allen University | 20 | Morris College |
| 2 | Benedict College | 21 | Oakwood University |
| 3 | Bennett College | 22 | Paine College |
| 4 | Bethune-Cookman University | 23 | Philander Smith College |
| 5 | Claflin University | 24 | Rust College |
| 6 | Clark Atlanta University | 25 | Shaw University |
| 7 | Dillard University | 26 | Spelman College |
| 8 | Edward Waters College | 27 | St. Augustine’s University |
| 9 | Fisk University | 28 | Stillman College |
| 10 | Florida Memorial University | 29 | Talladega College |
| 11 | Huston-Tillotson University | 30 | Texas College |
| 12 | Interdenominational Theological Center | 31 | Tougaloo College |
| 13 | Jarvis Christian College | 32 | Tuskegee University |
| 14 | Johnson C. Smith University | 33 | Virginia Union University |
| 15 | Lane College | 34 | Voorhees College |
| 16 | LeMoyne-Owen College | 35 | Wilberforce University |
| 17 | Livingstone College | 36 | Wiley College |
| 18 | Miles College | 37 | Xavier University |
| 19 | Morehouse College | 38 | Saint Augustine’s University |
Types of Scholarships Offered by UNCF
The UNCF is giving 3 different types of scholarships such as :
1. Merit-based Scholarships
Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic, athletic, or artistic abilities, as well as connections to specific groups or organizations.
2. Need-based Scholarships:
Need-based scholarships is based on financial need, requiring applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
3. Specific Program Scholarships
UNCF also gives scholarships for students looking for specific fields such as STEM, business, education, and the arts.
Required Documents for UNCF General Scholarship 2024
To apply for the UNCF General Scholarship in 2024, you must submit various documents to complete the application form. So, for that, you need to submit the following documents:
1. Completed Application Form: To apply for this application, first you go to the below given “Apply Now” tab and find the “Apply” button to fill out the application.
2. Transcripts: An official transcript is required to verify your academic performance, which your GPA determines. This document demonstrates your academic achievements and readiness for college-level work
3. FAFSA: To apply for this program, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is necessary to determine your financial need.
4. Proof of Enrollment: For those looking for enrollment or already enrolled in college, proof of full-time enrollment may be required. This can include an enrollment verification letter or current class schedule.
5. Financial Information: You need to provide documentation that provides a detailed analysis of your financial situation, such as your and your parents’ income and assets, for need-based scholarships.
6. Recommendation Letters: You must submit letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, or other adults who can verify your character, achievements, and potential. These letters imply your personal qualities and how you engage with your community and peers.
7. Personal Essay or Statement of Purpose: A well-crafted essay or statement that tells about your educational goals, career aspirations, why you deserve the scholarship, etc., you need to describe according to your personal observation.
8. ID Card or Passport: You must also provide a copy of your identification document, such as an ID card or passport, to verify your identity.
Deadline for UNCF General Scholarship 2024
| Application Opens | 6/1/2023 |
| Application Closes | 3/28/2024 |
Contact Information
Phone: (202) 810-0254
Email: scholarships@uncf.org
