The Ron Brown Scholarship is a prestigious program aimed at supporting academically talented and community-oriented African American high school seniors. Here are the key details regarding the scholarship:
Overview of the Ron Brown Scholarship
- Award Amount: Each scholarship provides a total of $40,000, distributed as $10,000 per year over four years.
- Number of Awards: Approximately 45 to 50 scholarships are awarded annually.
- Purpose: The scholarship supports students who demonstrate a commitment to public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements
- Ethnicity: Applicants must identify as Black/African American.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Academic Status: Applicants must be current high school seniors at the time of application.
- Financial Need: Demonstrated financial need is required, but there is no specific income cutoff.
Application Process
- Application Timeline:
- Applications open on August 1 and close on December 1 of the applicant’s senior year.
- Finalists are notified in early March and invited for an interview in Washington, D.C.
- Required Materials:
- Application Form: Complete the online application available on the Ron Brown Scholar Program website.
- Essays: Applicants must submit two essays, each approximately 500 words.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are required, one from a high school counselor or teacher and another from someone who can speak to the applicant’s character and achievements.
- Transcripts: Official high school transcripts must be submitted.
- Selection Criteria:
- Academic achievement, leadership potential, community service involvement, and the quality of essays are considered in the selection process.
How the Scholarship Can Be Used
The Ron Brown Scholarship can be applied toward various college-related expenses, including:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Books and supplies
- Health insurance
- Study abroad programs
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