Eligibility Requirements
The Ron Brown Scholar Program seeks to identify students who will make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential and make an impact on their communities through service to others.
Each year, 20 or more students are designated Ron Brown Scholars and receive $10,000 annually for four years, for a total of $40,000. The recipients may use the need and merit- based scholarships to attend any four-year accredited college/ university 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. Since 1996, 440 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.
To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, Black/African American and current high school seniors at the time of their application. Current college students are not eligible to apply. Applicants should demonstrate academic achievement, exhibit leadership ability, participate in community service activities and have a demonstrated financial need.
Ron Brown Scholars are selected in the spring prior to entering college. Applications are screened between November and February by Ron Brown Scholar Program staff. In March, finalists are invited to participate in a weekend selection process in Washington, DC, at the expense of the Ron Brown Scholar Fund. Finalists are interviewed by members of the Ron Brown National Selection Committee and are expected to participate in several weekend activities. Scholarship winners are selected on the basis of their application materials, interviews and participation in Selection Weekend activities.
Application Deadline
The Ron Brown Scholar Program currently has one deadline for applications (students must be current high school seniors at the time of their application):
January 9 (postmarked)—final deadline in order to be considered for the Ron Brown Scholar Program.
All materials should be submitted no later than January 9. It is highly encouraged, but not mandatory, that all application materials be sent in one package. Transcripts in a sealed envelope are acceptable to send with your application materials. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Only semifinalists and finalists will be notified by the Ron Brown Scholar Program office in March. Winners of the scholarship will be notified by April 1 and names will be posted on the Ron Brown Scholar Program website in May.