With college tuition costs on the rise, scholarships are more important than ever for high-achieving students. As an African American student passionate about technology, you may be eligible for the prestigious Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship. This annual award provides selected scholars with financial assistance during college to pursue education in technology-related fields. In this article, you will learn all about the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship, including eligibility requirements, application materials, and tips for crafting a competitive submission. With focus and diligent preparation, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for this generous scholarship supporting African American students in STEM. The deadline is approaching, so read on to gain the key information you need to submit a polished, compelling application.
Overview of the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship, you must be a high school senior of African descent with a minimum 3.3 GPA. You must plan to enroll full-time at a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical field.Award Details
The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship awards recipients with a $5,000 renewable scholarship for up to four years. This funding can be applied toward tuition, room and board, books, and other educational expenses. In addition to financial assistance, scholars gain access to mentoring, networking opportunities, and internship placement within Microsoft.Application Process
The application period for the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship is from October 1st to March 1st each year. Interested students should begin by visiting the official scholarship webpage to review eligibility criteria and access the online application. Applicants will need to provide biographical information, a current high school transcript, a list of extracurricular activities, community service involvement, honors and awards received, and a 500-word essay on their future goals in the technology field.Selection Criteria
A selection committee will evaluate all complete and eligible applications based on the following criteria:- Academic achievement and potential for success in a technical field as evidenced by GPA, coursework, and standardized test scores.
- Leadership and participation in school activities, community organizations, or other extracurricular programs.
- Financial need for scholarship assistance.
- Strength and clarity of the 500-word essay in articulating future goals and career ambitions.
Eligibility Requirements for the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship
Citizenship and Ethnicity
To be eligible for the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship, you must be of African descent, which includes African Americans, Caribbean Americans and first or second generation African immigrants, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Blacks at Microsoft aims to support students in the African diaspora, so individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.Enrollment Status
You must be currently enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or university in the U.S. or Canada. Both incoming first-year and current undergraduate students may apply. However, the scholarship is not available for graduate study.Field of Study
The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship is open to students in all majors and fields of study. Whether you are pursuing degrees in business, engineering, humanities or sciences, you are welcome to apply for this scholarship.Financial Need
Applicants must demonstrate financial need to be considered for the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship. The scholarship aims to help underrepresented students with limited financial means to pursue higher education. Though not required, applicants are encouraged to submit the Student Aid Report (SAR) from filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to provide information on their financial standing.Application Requirements
To be considered for the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship, you must submit a completed online application, including a personal essay and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor, by the deadline. Finalists may be asked to interview via phone or video call. Review all requirements and apply at www.blacksatmicrosoftscholarship.com. In summary, if you meet the citizenship, enrollment, field of study and financial need criteria, and are able to submit a compelling application with all required materials, you have an excellent chance to become a Blacks at Microsoft Scholar.How to Apply for the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship
The Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship aims to encourage and enable black students to pursue careers in technology. To apply for this prestigious scholarship, you must meet the eligibility criteria and go through a competitive application process.Eligibility
To be eligible for the BAM scholarship, you must:- Identify as black or African American
- Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a four-year college or university in the U.S. or Canada
- Have a minimum 3.3 GPA
- Be majoring in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field
- Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in technology
Application Process
The BAM scholarship application process consists of two rounds:- Initial online application: You will submit an initial application providing your biographical information, transcript, resume, and answers to essay questions. The essay questions will assess your interest in technology, relevant experiences, future goals, and how you plan to contribute to the black community.
- Phone interview: If selected from the initial pool of applicants, you will participate in a 30-minute phone interview with members of the BAM Scholarship Committee. The interview will allow the committee to further evaluate your passion and motivation for a career in tech.
Award Details
The BAM scholarship awards recipients with:- $5,000 USD for undergraduate studies
- Paid internship opportunities at Microsoft
- Access to Microsoft’s technical and leadership development programs
- Opportunity to build a mentorship relationship with Microsoft employees
