CBCF Reducing the Financial Barrier Scholarship (Need-Based)

CBCF Reducing the Financial Barrier Scholarship (Need-Based)
The cost of pursuing a higher education degree in America leaves scholars with an enormous financial burden. This financial debt does not provide scholars with a leveled foundation from which to begin their professional life. Hence, The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation created this needs-based scholarship to assist scholars with reducing their financial debt during their matriculation. This opportunity will award academically talented and highly motivated scholars who demonstrate financial need due to the rising cost of attendance in pursuing a higher education degree with financial support.

Eligibility Requirements:
• Scholar must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Scholar must demonstrate financial need
• Scholar must have a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Scholar must be enrolled full-time in a degree program pursuing a Bachelors
• Open to all discipline areas

Application Requirements: (All required materials are uploaded in the opportunity application)
ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE SUBMITTED BY May 8, 2026, 11:59 pm ET. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Complete 2-part online application. Application deadline: May 8, 2026, 11:59 pm ET.
• Submit a written personal statement addressing how the scholarship aid in reducing the debt incurred from the pursuit of higher education
• Submit academic transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable)
• Submit resume demonstrating academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, honors, community services, and special skills
• Submit 1 letter of recommendation (must be uploaded directly to the application portal BY APPLICANT). Letter must be on a formal, professional letterhead and include contact information; pdf format; include recommender’s signature; emailed copies of letters will NOT be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE:
You must complete the General Application to gain access to the opportunities. If, for any reason, you are unable to access the opportunities, it may be because you are unqualified for the opportunity. Please reach out to scholarships@cbcfinc.org for assistance as necessary. Note that application materials are *not accepted via email*.

Additional Note: Former interns, immediate relatives of a CBCF employee, CBC Member, CBC Spouse, a staff person of a CBC Member or Spouse, a member of the CBCF Board of Directors, Corporate Advisory Council Member of CBCF, or any CBCF-sponsoring entity are not eligible for CBCF internship programs.

Notification Process:
Please do not contact the office regarding your application status. Selected applicants will be notified by June 12, 2026. Non-selected applicants will be notified by June 26, 2026. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applicants.