Black Community Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Sponsored by Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Introduction This scholarship program was created by the Black Community Fund Board of Directors to support African-American students from the Greater Kansas City region who are pursuing a college or university degree or an accredited certificate program in disciplines and fields designated by the Board. Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following: - Be of African-American heritage. - At the time of application, live in the six-county Kansas City metropolitan area: Jackson, Platte, Clay, and Cass counties in Missouri, or Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas. - Be one of the following: a graduating high school senior, a current college student, or an adult seeking career or educational advancement through an accredited two- or four-year college program and/or a nonprofit technical/certificate program. Award requirements and expectations - Recipients accept the obligation to complete a total of 16 hours of community service within one year. This is typically fulfilled as eight (8) hours per semester with an organization mutually approved by the student and the Black Community Fund Board of Directors. - The Board expects scholars to remain engaged with and give back to their communities through time, talent, and resources. - Selection will take into account academic performance, civic involvement, community service history, and the quality of the applicant’s essay. Payment and academic standing - Scholarships are granted annually and paid in two installments, one before each semester. - Awardees must continue attending classes regularly and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (or the equivalent at their institution) to retain funding. Supplemental application items (required) 1. Personal statement (500 words or fewer): Describe your current academic or professional status, your career objectives, how the proposed education/training will help you reach those goals, unpaid experiences that influenced your decisions, and any volunteer or leadership roles and service awards you have received. 2. Acknowledgment of service obligation: Confirm you understand that, if selected, you must complete eight (8) hours of community service per semester for one academic year with an organization approved by the Black Community Fund Board of Directors (total of 16 hours). 3. Provide a copy of your college acceptance letter. 4. Permission to share: Indicate whether the Black Community Fund may share your application with other scholarship funders and review committees beyond this specific award. 5. If applicable, list your spouse’s or partner’s employer and job title. Contact the Black Community Fund Board of Directors with any questions about program fields, eligible institutions, or the application process.