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College Discussion Panel
December 14, 2011
Ron Brown Scholars Program
December 14, 2011
The Ron Brown Scholar Program seeks to identify African-American high school seniors who will make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service activities and demonstrate financial need. The applicant must be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card. Current college students are not eligible to apply.
Each year, a minimum of ten students will be designated Ron Brown Scholars and will receive $10,000 annually for four years, for a total of $40,000. The recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown Scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. More than 250 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars since the inception of the Program.
Ron Brown Scholars are selected in the spring prior to entering college. Applications are screened during the month of February by Ron Brown Scholar Program staff. In March, finalists are invited to participate in a weekend selection process in Washington, D.C. at the expense of the CAP Charitable Foundation. Finalists are interviewed by members of the Ron Brown Selection Committee and are expected to participate in several Selection Weekend activities. Scholarship winners are selected on the basis of their applications, interviews and participation in Selection Weekend activities. Notification follows immediately.
Application Deadline
The Ron Brown Scholar Program currently has two deadlines for applications (students must be current high school seniors at the time of their application):
November 1st – application will be considered for the Ron Brown Scholar Program AND forwarded to a select and limited number of additional scholarship providers.
January 9th – final postmarked deadline in order to be considered for only the Ron Brown Scholar Program ONLY.
Application materials must be mailed in one packet. Transcripts and letters of recommendation should not be sent under separate cover. Incomplete, e-mailed or faxed applications will not be considered.
Below is the timeline for interested applicants to plan the submission of their application to the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP) as well as key dates when eligible applicants will be notified:
- August – January: Interested applicants can begin to complete and submit the RBSP scholarship application.
- November 1: Early Applicant Deadline: Interested applicants who complete their applications by November 1st will be considered for the Ron Brown Scholar Program and will be eligible to have their contact information forwarded to a select number of additional colleges and scholarship providers. Students who apply under this deadline must make the appropriate designation on their application. Applicants are still responsible for submitting materials to any colleges, universities and scholarship programs for which they are interested.
- January 9: Final postmarked deadline in order to be considered for the Ron Brown Scholar Program ONLY.
- January – March: Applications are reviewed by the Program staff.
- Mid-February: Semi-finalists are notified.
- Early March: Finalists are notified and invited to participate in a weekend selection process in Washington, D.C. at the expense of the Ron Brown Scholar Program. Finalists are interviewed by members of the RBSP National Selection Committee and are expected to participate in several activities during the weekend. Scholarship winners are selected on the basis of their application materials, interviews and participation in weekend activities.
- April 1 – Winners in the competition are notified.
Due to the volume of applications received, the Ron Brown Scholar Program can only notify semi-finalists and finalists of their status in the competition.This notification will be made in February and March. Winners of the scholarship will be notified by April 1st and names will be posted on the Ron Brown Scholar Program web site in late April/early May.
Ron Brown Scholarships may be used to supplement benefits from the college or university a student plans to attend and from other foundations or organizations. Scholars may use the scholarship to cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, room and board, computers, health insurance, and other college-related expenses.
For further information, please contact us:
Ron Brown Scholar Program
1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 206
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Phone: 434 964 1588
Fax: 434 964 1589
E-mail: info@ronbrown.org
Web site: www.ronbrown.org
100 Scholarships for Students of Color
December 12, 2011
Studylands.com has for its mission to facilitate students exchanges at the global level by promoting international education and intercultural exchange.
An education web directory where students and educators of all nations can meet
Our first education web directory, SpainExchange.com, was created in June of 1999 when we sought to meet the need for a comprehensive, free, and impartial source of information online for students from other countries planning to study in Spain. Our original objective was to facilitate student exchanges to and from Spain, but shortly after we decided to develop a directory for all schools and students around the world that also included exchange students, language exchanges, secondary school exchanges and student housing listings.
In 2014 we moved a portion of SpainExchange.com and rebranded it as Studylands.com. This new site is focused solely on listing educational institutions from around the world.
We have gathered a comprehensive listing of the top 100 Scholarships for students of color, including:
- Ralph J. Bunche Scholarship
- Ron Brown Scholar Program
- Ronald McDonald House Charity
- Jackie Robinson Foundation, and more…
Click here for links to 100 Scholarships…
Scholarships.com
December 12, 2011This section on the Scholarship.com website contains a listing of scholarships for African-American students that will prove useful to a large audience of African-American students who need additional scholarship money to help pay for school.
This section on the Scholarship.com website contains a listing of scholarships for minorities. These include African American Scholarships, Native American Scholarships, Hispanic Scholarships and many more. Students of a wide variety of ethnicities will find they qualify for at least one of the scholarships for minorities listed on our site. A number of large scholarship funds exist to benefit members of specific ethnic groups, such as African American scholarships and Native American scholarships. Not all scholarships for minorities target United States-specific groups, either. For example, students in Canada may qualify for a number of aboriginal scholarships, whether they study at home or abroad. There are also many general scholarships for minorities, open to students from any underrepresented group.
The Gates Scholarship
December 12, 2011About The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.
To learn more watch this video.
Award
Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance* that is not already covered by other financial aid and the Student Aid Index, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university.
*Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and may include other personal costs.
Basic Eligibility
To apply, students must be:
- A high school senior
- From at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
- Pell-eligible
- A US citizen, national, or permanent resident
- In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
Additionally, a student must plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.
*For American Indian/Alaska Native, proof of tribal enrollment will be required.
Ideal Candidate
An ideal candidate will have:
- An outstanding academic record in high school (in the top 10% of his/her graduating class)
- Demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities)
- Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.)
Visit website: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship
UNCF Internships and Fellowships
December 12, 2011UNCF Internships and Fellowships
UNCF Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP), born from the long-standing traditions of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), works diligently to create connections between the diverse, high-performing workforce of the minority education community and private industry to address the nation’s imperatives.
While equally committed to the minority education community through our strong partnership with UNCF, UNCFSP operates as a separate and independent 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization with our own Board of Directors.
Our minority education constituency includes Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Other Minority Institutions (OMIs).
Visit the website for a broad range of internship and fellowship opportunities.
UNCF Merck Science Initiative
December 12, 2011
Every year, scholarships and fellowships are awarded through a national competition. Over 550 students & scholars in the biological and chemical sciences have found support, knowledge, careers and advancement.
Scholarships/Internships/Fellowships
The UNCF / Merck Science Initiative awards scholarships and fellowships at three levels:
UNCF/ Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship Awards are intended to help African American undergraduate students who are interested in science to further their science education and potentially pursue science and engineering careers. The UNCF /Merck awards provide tuition support and opportunities for research experience in a state-of-the-art research facility.
UNCF /Merck Graduate Science Research Dissertation Fellowships will help African American graduate students complete coursework, conduct research, and prepare the dissertation required for a doctoral degree in the biomedically relevant life or physical sciences and engineering.
UNCF /Merck Postdoctoral Science Research Fellowships are intended to provide support to African American post-graduate students to obtain postdoctoral training and to prepare for a career in biomedical research.
UNCF /Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship Awards
Awards up to $30,000. At least 15 scholarship awards will be granted each year. Each award provides up to $30,000, which includes up to $25,000 towards tuition, room and board, and billable fees. This award is not transferable.
Each UNCF / Merck Undergraduate Fellow will be mentored by a Merck scientist and will receive a Summer Research Internship with a stipend of at least $5,000, if eligible. One internship will take place during the summer following the junior year and the other following graduation. The 10-12 week summer internship will take place at a Merck facility.
The recipient’s department may apply for a Department Grant of up to $10,000. The actual amount of this grant is continent upon funds remaining in the scholarship portion of the award after all tuition, room and board, and billable fees are paid.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for a UNCF/Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship Award, you must be:
- African American (Black)
- Enrolled full-time in any four-year college or university in the United States
- A junior who will be a B.S. or B.A. degree candidate in the academic year
- A life sciences, physical sciences, or engineering major. (Applicants majoring in the physical sciences must have completed two semesters of organic chemistry by the end of the academic year). First professional (Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.D.S., etc.) majors are ineligible
- A student with a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Committed to and eligible for the summer internship at a Merck facility
- A citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
A UNCF /Merck selection committee consisting of Merck scientists and engineers will evaluate the applicants. Award recipients will be selected based on their GPA, their demonstrated interest in their own scientific education and a career in scientific research or engineering, and their ability to perform in a laboratory or engineering environment.
UNCF/ Merck Graduate Science Research Dissertation Fellowships
Awards up to $53,500. At least 12 dissertation fellowships will be awarded in 2012. Each fellowship provides up to a maximum of $53,500, which includes a Stipend of up to $43,500 for the Fellow and a Research Grant of up to $10,000 to support the research needs of the Fellow. The fellowship stipend is intended to cover from 12-24 months of fellowship tenure. A maximum of $30,000 in stipend may be received in any 12 month period. The Fellow must be engaged in and within 1-3 years of completing the dissertation research having successfully completed all qualifying exams by September 1.
Each UNCF / Merck Graduate Fellow will be mentored by a Merck scientist or engineer and will be expected to maintain regular contact with his/her mentor. Each Fellow will present a progress report of research work during the last half of the fellowship tenure. Each Fellow must also submit a two-page research summary of their fellowship research and updated Curriculum Vitea to UNCF at the end of their fellowship tenure. UNCF must be notified upon receipt of the degree.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for a UNCF / Merck Graduate Science Research Dissertation Fellowship, you must be:
- African American (Black)
- Enrolled full-time in a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree program majoring in a life science, physical science or engineering. M.D./Ph.D. degree candidates are eligible
- Engaged in and within 1-3 years of completing dissertation research, and must successfully complete all qualifying exams by September 1
- A citizen or permanent resident of the United States
A UNCF/Merck Selection Committee consisting of educators, Merck scientists and engineers will select the awardees based on academic ability, record of accomplishment, and the soundness of the proposed doctoral research plan.
UNCF / Merck Postdoctoral Science Research Fellowships
Awards up to $92,000. At least 10 postdoctoral fellowships will be awarded in 2012. Each fellowship provides a maximum of $92,000, which includes a Stipend of up to $77,000 and a Research Grant of up to $15,000 to the hosting department. The stipend is intended to provide 12-24 months of fellowship tenure. A maximum of $55,000 of stipend may be received in any 12 month period. The Research Grant is intended to support the research needs of the Fellow.
Each UNCF/ Merck Postdoctoral Fellow will be mentored by a Merck scientist. Fellows are expected to maintain frequent contact with their Merck mentor. Each Fellow is also required to visit the Merck Research Laboratories to present a progress report to the Merck research staff during the last half of the fellowship tenure. Each Fellow must also submit a two-page research summary of their fellowship research and updated Curriculum Vitae to UNCF at the end of their fellowship tenure.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for a UNCF / Merck Postdoctoral Science Research Fellowship, you must be:
- African American (Black)
- A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree recipient in a life or physical science by the end of academic year
- Appointed as a new or continuing postdoctoral fellow by the end of the calendar year at an academic or non-academic research institution in the USA (private industrial laboratories are excluded). This postdoctoral appointment must be for a minimum of 12 months
- A citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
A UNCF/ Merck Selection Committee consisting of educators and Merck scientists will select the award winners based on ability, record of accomplishment, and the soundness of the proposed postdoctoral research.
UNCF Scholarships
December 12, 2011The UNCF Program Services Department manages various scholarship programs. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, open/close dates and required documentation. To apply for a UNCF scholarship, you must apply through the on-line application process.
To apply for any of these scholarships, click one of the links for the eligibility requirements, and go to the on-line application:
AFSCME/UNCF/Harvard University LWP Union Scholars Program 2011
Alaska Scholarship Program
AT&T Foundation Scholarship 2012-13
AT&T/UNCF Community Network Scholarship Program
BNSF Railway Scholarship Program 2011-12
Brinker International, Inc 2011-12
CDM/UNCF Scholars Program 2011-12
Detroit Student Aid Scholarship 2011-12
Douglas Palmer – Trenton/UNCF Scholarship 2011
EMC / UNCF STEM Scholars Program 2011-2012
Etta Grey Memorial Funds 2011-12
Gateway to Leadership Internship Program ( GTL)
GlaxoSmithKline Scholarship Program – 2011
Hershey’s Scholarship Program 2011
Indiana Student Aid Fund 2011-12
Intel Scholarship Program – 2011-12
Jack & Jill of America Foundation 2011-2012
KIPP College Account Program Scholarship
Kroger Michigan 2011
Marriott Scholars Program (2012)
Oracle/UNCF Corporate Scholars Program 2011
Ronald H. Brown Summer Law School Prep Program 2012
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater North Texas 2011
Ryan Howard Family Foundation Scholarship 2011
Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program, 2012
Toyota/UNCF Scholarship 2011-12
UNCF General Scholarship Program 2011-12
United Water Corporate Scholars Program 2011
Wisconsin Student Aid 2011-12
WXIA 11 Alive Scholarship
If you are a student attending a UNCF-member college or university, it is highly recommended that you also complete the UNCF general scholarship application. Once a student completes the application, the information will be used to match you to many of the specific programs administered by UNCF. The general application, however, does not apply to scholarship programs that require a separate application.
Your Facebook Page Can Keep You From Getting Accepted!
December 12, 2011
According to a Kaplan Test Prep survey of college admissions officers, Facebook and social networking sites can influence a college’s admissions decision:
- 24 percent indicated that they have visited applicants’ Facebook or other social networking pages to learn more about the applicant, up from 10 percent just 3 years ago.
- 20 percent indicated that they had Googled applicants
- 12 percent indicated that what they found had a negative impact on an applicant’s chances for admission
Some of the negative information that admission officers found included essay plagiarism, vulgarities, alcohol consumption in photos, and other types of “illegal activities.” The survey also found that colleges are increasingly using online tools and social networking as a recruitment tool:
- 85 percent of colleges use Facebook
- 66 percent use YouTube
College admission officers surveyed also indicated some important points for applicants to consider:
- 53 percent indicated that the biggest applicant killer was a low high school GPA
- 19 percent indicated that the second biggest applicant killer was a low SAT or ACT score
- 4 percent indicated that nearly half of students “overreach” in applying to college
- 42 percent indicated that the best way for applicants to get off of the waitlist is to demonstrate that they improved their GPA during the second half of their senior year
Get an Education so That You Can Get a Job!
December 12, 2011
Do not become one of the thousands of students going off to acquire a very expensive college education only to find themselves 4-6 years later unable to find a job and thousands of dollars in student loan debt. A recent study by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, “Closing the Gap between Career Education & Employer Expectations” found that:
- Only 7 percent of employers believe that colleges do an “Excellent” job in preparing students for the workplace with 39 percent indicating that students are “Fairly” of “Poorly” prepared
- Only 16 percent of employers believe that applicants are “Very Well Prepared” while 21 percent indicate that applicants are “Unprepared”
- 54 percent indicated difficulty in finding applicants with the necessary skills and knowledge
Most employers believe that college students simply fail to adequately prepare themselves to enter the workplace. They do not take the necessary classes to prepare for the workplace, they barely receive passing grades in classes such as business writing, Statistics, Calculus, and business communications, they do not gain the necessary job experience while in college, and they do not take advantage of the many summer internship opportunities available to them.
When selecting colleges today, students should be focused on where the jobs will be when they receive their degrees. Students should more carefully select the type of classes they take in college and the type of internships they experienced each summer to best prepare them for the job market after graduating from college. Students should keep in mind that a college degree only has value if the person holding the degree can bring value to an employer’s organization.
I received my BS from Northeastern University, which has one of the largest cooperative education programs in the world. At graduation, I had 18 months of full-time on-the-job experience with Andersen Consulting and found myself highly recruited by such companies as Andersen Consulting (now Accenture), Price Waterhouse Coopers, Touche and Deloitte, and IBM. I eventually accepted a job offer with the IBM General Products Division in San Jose, California as a systems design engineer.
College Co-op Programs provide an excellent opportunity for students to gain a significant competitive edge upon graduation. Students may learn about cooperative education programs at the National Commission on Cooperative Education website and the NASA Co-Op Education Program website. When considering potential colleges ask about the types of employers participating in their cooperative education program, available internships, and visit the college’s recruitment office to see the type of jobs their graduates are entering into and the types of companies that they are working for.