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Getting a higher education nowadays can be a costly investment. Many students are put off by the cost of tuition, housing, living expenses, and student loans, believing that they would be unable to afford a college education. The good news is that, while university tuition can be costly, there is a large universe of scholarships available to students of all types. The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship, for example, is one of them. This program could help you pay for your study. Let’s take a look at how you might be able to win the award.
About the Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship, or simply the Herbert Lehman Scholarship, is a highly competitive national scholarship that awards annually to qualified, outstanding undergraduate students. In appreciation of his honesty, courage, and persistence on behalf of several civil rights movements, the scholarship was founded in 1964 and is named after the former Governor and United States Senator from New York.
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship was created to assist African-American students in attending formerly segregated four-year schools and universities in the South, as well as to boost the number of African Americans in the legal profession. The Herbert Lehman Scholarship’s aim now is to help turn the promise of racial equality into a social, economic, and political reality by assisting bright undergraduate students with financial need in completing their bachelor’s degree.
Students that match the eligibility and reward criteria are currently eligible to participate in the program. In most cases, awards are limited to four years.
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. sponsors and administers the Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship. It is the nation’s leading legal group dedicated to racial equality. LDF works to enhance democracy, reduce inequities, and achieve racial justice in a society that lives up to the promise of equality for all Americans through litigation, advocacy, and public education. The nonprofit group also strives to improve the quality and diversity of judicial and executive nominations while defending the accomplishments and protections earned during 80 years of civil rights struggle.
Program Benefits
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship awards $3,000 per year, over four years, for a total of $12,000, provided funds are available. Although it is a renewable scholarship, scholars must remain in good academic standing and continue to meet the scholarship criteria in order to maintain eligibility.
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
If you are interested in applying for the Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship, you must review the following eligibility criteria before submitting your application.
First, the program is eligible only for U.S. citizens. In other words, LFD is not accepting applications from non-U.S. citizens at this time. Second, you must be a graduating high school senior, a first-year student in an accredited four-year college, or a student transferring into an accredited four-year college to be considered for the award. In short, students beginning as a junior are not eligible.
Demonstrated financial need is also a requirement for this scholarship application. Thus, you must have a combined family income of $65,000 or less to apply. There is no minimum test score or GPA requirement. However, the scholarship committee will take into account your GPA, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, financial needs, volunteer activities, and essays.
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship Application
To apply, you will have to visit the application portal. Most importantly, your application must include all items listed below:
- Completed scholarship application form;
- A copy of the acceptance letter to the college you will attend;
- Two recommendation letters;
- Resume
- A copy of your current school transcript (finalists will be required to submit an official transcript);
- A personal statement;
- An essay;
- A copy of your SAT and/or ACT test scores; and
- A copy of your Student Aid Report or FAFSA Form (the adjusted gross family income line of your FAFSA form must be completed showing a dollar amount; if not, a copy of your parent’s income tax return must be attached).
Additionally, finalists will be required to submit a recent professional photo. As a guideline, your face should take up approximately 60% of the frame.
Create an account here if you haven’t or log in here if you already have one. Be sure to fill out and complete your registration form with the required information and documents online. The scholarship committee does not accept application requests via phone or email.
Closing Date
The application period for the Herbert Lehman Scholarship is open from 30 November to 1 April. Submit your form by the deadline to be considered as one of the Herbert Lehman Scholarship Scholars.
Contact Details
If you need assistance with your application or suppose you have further questions regarding the program, please feel free to contact LDF at (212) 965-2200 or (202) 682-1300.
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship Official Website
Finally, apply to or learn more about this financial aid by visiting www.naacpldf.org. Looking for other resources to help you finance your undergraduate education? In that case, you may be interested in Henry David Thoreau Scholarship.
