Juneteenth Scholarships that Celebrate Freedom

158 years ago, Juneteenth began as a day of celebration as Union Army troops let Texas slaves know they were free—President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation! As news of this positive change spread, southern Black Americans celebrated the freedom they now had as Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day) ended slavery in the United States. JUMP TO JUNETEENTH SCHOLARSHIPS While Juneteenth celebrations continued for decades in the U.S., it was just a few years ago—June 17, 2021—when President Joe Biden proclaimed Juneteenth as a National Independence Day. Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday since Martin Luther King Day (MLK Day) was named a national holiday in 1983. It is a day symbolic of hope, perseverance, and possibilities. Honoring Juneteenth, Fastweb is proud to feature the below scholarships for African Americans:

Juneteenth 2024 Scholarships

Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology Scholarship

Deadline: 6/15/24
Available to: Undergraduate Students
Award Amount: $3,000 The DFBSST Scholarship is available to African - American undergraduate students enrolled at predominately Black colleges and universities. You must be majoring in a scientific or technical field of study and demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this award.

Annie Ibok Scholarship

Deadline: 7/31/24
Available to: College Freshmen
Award Amount: Varies The Annie Ibok Scholarship is available to rising college freshmen who are attending HBCUs. You must be a resident of Washington State or California and have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for this award. Priority is given to recent high school graduates.

BESLA Scholarship Essay Competition

Deadline: 8/1/24 Available to: Law Students
Award Amount: Varies The BESLA Scholarship Essay Competition is open to law students who are seeking careers in entertainment, sports, and related industries. To be considered, you must submit a maximum five - page essay on one of the following topics: "Sports - Theft of Trade Secrets; Theft of Proprietary Information" or "Generative Artificial Intelligence in Film."

Sphinx Competition

Deadline: 10/20/24
Available to: 30 years of age and under
Award Amount: $3,000 - $50,000 The Sphinx Competition is open to Black and Latinx classical string players under the age of 30. To be considered, you must submit a video audition in one of the following categories: violin, viola, cello, or double bass.

UNCF General Scholarship

Deadline: 3/31/25 Available to: Undergraduate & Graduate Students
Award Amount: Varies The UNCF General Scholarship is available to full - time undergraduate and graduate students attending a UNCF member college or university. You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to be eligible for this award.

Geico HBCU Changemaker Award

Deadline: Varies
Available to: Undergraduate Students
Award Amount: $10,000 The Geico HBCU Changemaker Award is available to students who are National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) members. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for this award. Selection is based on academic merit, leadership, and service. The Changemaker Award is presented to a student who is using their talents to make a change on their campus or in their community.

Nearest Green Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: Varies Available to: College Freshmen
Award Amount: Full-Tuition The Nearest Green Legacy Scholarship is available to first - time college students. You must be a direct descendant of Nathan "Nearest" Green and have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for this award.

Morgan Stanley HBCU Scholars Program

Deadline: Varies
Available to: Undergraduate Students
Award Amount: Full-Tuition The Morgan Stanley HBCU Scholars Program is open to students attending Howard University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. Eligible students will be invited to apply through their schools.

How to Celebrate Juneteenth

Happy Juneteenth! How can you celebrate Sunday, June 19, 2024? Juneteenth is a day worthy of celebration and of remembrance. Below are five ways you can participate in the Juneteenth holiday:

Volunteer in your community. Make Juneteenth a day of service. Connect with organizations and causes that mean a lot to you. Choosing the way you want to give back is a great way to express the freedom Juneteenth symbolizes.

Visit an African American history museum. Hear the stories of Black scientists, baseball players and others that paved the way for America—despite racism and inequality.

Share your favorite Juneteenth quotes. Consider making a sign with the Juneteenth quote that means the most to you. Display it in a window, your yard, or connect with a local business to see if they would display your creation. If you'd like to avoid the crafty part, share a Juneteenth quote via your social media feeds.

Participate in a local Juneteenth festival. Want to get out of the house to meet new people for the Juneteenth holiday? A quick "Juneteenth events near me" Google search will highlight Juneteenth parades and events close to your home.

Fly an official Juneteenth flag. The Juneteenth flag was created in 1997, according to Oprah Daily. While its colors still remain red, white, and blue, the design was recently enhanced. The Juneteenth freedom flag is packed with meaning. Educate yourself on the symbolism and meanings behind the arc, star, burst and flag colors; you may have the chance to share this with people that ask about the flag's meaning—what a great way to honor and spread the meaning of Juneteenth!

More Scholarships to Help Pay for School

This scholarship list is just a glimpse of the scholarship possibilities available to students as a way to pay for college. There are opportunities here for high school, current college students, and graduate students. To find a list of scholarships you qualify for, create a free Fastweb profile. From scholarships for African American high school seniors to African American grants and scholarships, your profile will match you to financial aid opportunities that fit YOU.