Scholarship

● Minimum GPA: Require a competitive minimum grade point average (3.5/5.0) to ensure the recipients are academically strong.

● Standardized Test Scores: Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) is part of the evaluation process but not required. It can be used as a differentiator if two candidates have similar accomplishments.

Demonstrate Financial Need: Applicants must submit information about their financial situation

to assess their need for financial assistance.

Chicago Residency: Preference to students who are residents of Chicago to support local talent and encourage community engagement.

Intent to Attend an HBCU: Applicants should express a genuine interest in attending an HBCU and provide a list of HBCUs they are considering.

● Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in community service, leadership roles, or participation in clubs and organizations.

● Volunteer Work: Applicants, please highlight any volunteer work or community initiatives you have been part of.

Motivation and Goals: Essay or personal statement where applicants articulate their motivation for attending an HBCU, their career goals, and how the scholarship will contribute to their educational journey (min 300 words)

Academic and Community References: Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or community leaders who can speak to the applicant’s character, academic abilities, and community involvement.

Personal Interview: Interviews will be conducted with a shortlist of candidates to better understand their aspirations, commitment, and passion for attending an HBCU.

Alignment with Scholarship Goals: Preference to students pursuing majors or fields of study that align with the mission and values of the scholarship and 1911 Initiative. This majors include technology, engineering, business, marketing, and finance.

Maintain Academic Standing: Criteria for scholarship recipients to maintain a certain GPA (3.0/5.0) throughout their undergraduate studies to ensure ongoing eligibility.