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Paying for college can be the most stressful and challenging part of pursuing a degree. Luckily, many organizations today offer scholarships and financial aid programs that allow students to focus on their studies. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is one example of a nonprofit that is driven to help ease the financial burden of an education, especially for students of African descent.
The financial opportunities that UNCF offers can also help reduce racial inequality and disparities in higher education. In fact, the organization has helped more than 500,000 African American and Black students earn their college degrees since its founding. Moreover, it is the largest private scholarship provider in the United States for members of minority groups. One of its prestigious programs is the Boule Foundation Scholarship.
Suppose you are looking for opportunities that will provide you with the necessary financial support to attend the college or university of your dreams. In that case, we strongly encourage you to apply for the Boule Foundation Scholarship and utilize this type of funding for your tuition payments. Accordingly, this guide details the resources available to African American and Black freshmen. Keep reading to learn about the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines of the notable scholarship.
About the Boule Foundation Scholarship
The Boule Foundation Scholarship is a generous program that was created in collaboration with the Boule Foundation and the United Negro College Fund. Together, the two award merit-based scholarships annually to African American and Black freshmen entering college. The initiative stems from the challenges students of African descent face in pursuing their higher education.
According to financial aid data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Black students require more financial aid than any other race, with over 95% of Black students obtaining some sort of assistance in 2016. This disparity reflects a scarcity of resources and financial assistance in Black communities.
Another significant obstacle is underrepresentation. Black students make up only 6% of first-year students at some of the country’s best schools. It is a number that is stayed the same since 1980. Due to underrepresentation in colleges and universities, there are more inequities in the workforce and more financial difficulties for Black students.
However, thanks to the Boule Foundation Scholarship, the diversity of college and university campuses and the workforce has increased. In addition, it also helps relieve debt more than most sources because it does not require repayment. Ultimately, it helps relieve financial stress after graduation.
It is a merit-based scholarship awarded to students based on their academic, athletic, or artistic abilities. Since most merit scholarships generally also require applicants to complete the FAFSA, those interested in this scholarship should begin their application process by completing the important first step of filling out an FAFSA.
Program Benefits
Qualified recipients will receive a scholarship of $4,000. They can reapply for the award the following year as it is a renewable program. However, students must be able to meet the eligibility criteria in order to continue receiving the financial aid. Generally, freshmen can use this funding towards their tuition payments, including room and board, books, and other school supplies.
Boule Foundation Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the criteria listed below to be considered for an award.
First, students must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Most importantly, as mentioned earlier, they must be of African descent. Applicants must also graduate from high school in the spring and enter college as full-time freshmen in the fall.
Next, they must be permanent residents or citizens of the United States of America from one of the areas indicated below or residents of London, England, or citizens of the Bahamas:
- Area 1: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, London, United Kingdom, Vermont, and Virginia.
- Area 2: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Nassau Bahamas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
- Area 3: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
- Area 4: Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
- Area 5: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington.
Meanwhile, students seeking renewal must maintain a 2.7 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale and enroll full-time at accredited four-year colleges or universities.
Application for Boule Foundation Scholarship
In order to apply to this program, students will need to complete an online application. This process will require them to submit a letter of recommendation and answer essay questions. In addition, they must indicate their participation in extracurricular activities, academic/civil honors and awards, community service, and work experience (if any).
As mentioned earlier, a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or a high school administrator is required to complete this application. Students must make the letter through the online applicant system. Then, it must be received by the application due date. Take note that emailed documents will not be accepted.
Applicants should give the recommender ample time to complete the letter by entering all recommender information (name and email) as early as possible. The recommender will be sent automated instructions at the email address provided to submit the letter in the applicant system. Next, applicants will receive “Invite References” reminders until a recommender is invited.
Last but not least, students must answer the following two essay questions:
- Describe an experience you have had, a person who has influenced you, or an obstacle you have overcome, and why this was meaningful to you.
- Provide a one-page statement of your career interest.
Make sure to give yourself time to review everything before you submit your application. Enlist help from parents, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults who can serve as another pair of eyes to make sure your work is strong and error-free. Also, it is best to keep your essay real and personal. Share an important experience from your life that will help the reader understand what makes you, you.
Need some help writing a killer essay? Feel free to refer to our guide on how to write a good scholarship essay.
Closing Date
Applications for the Boule Foundation Scholarship take place from January 28 to March 31. Keep your eyes open so you don’t miss the deadline. Stay organized and create your own timeline, just as you would when applying to colleges or universities.
Also, make sure you only submit complete applications. Once you have submitted your application, the scholarship committee will contact you within eight weeks of the application closing date. Alternatively, you can contact the email address below if you need information regarding the scholarship decision.
Contact Details
If you have any questions regarding this scholarship or technical assistance when applying, please contact wwilson@uncf.org.
Boule Foundation Scholarship Official Website
Finally, apply to or find more information about this program by visiting the official website at https://uncf.org/. Looking for more resources for Black students? Check out our guide to the Jack and Jill of America Scholarship.
