Among the indicators used by the United Nations in measuring non-economic factors, the Human Development Index (HDI) includes life expectancy and educational attainment. A country’s level of prosperity which is measured by two factors which are the economic and non-economic factors, ensures a high HDI correspondingly equates to an improved standard of living which guarantees easy access to education, healthcare, and a reasonable means of earning income.

Education as one of the HDI non-economic factors has constantly been a potent tool for many governments to leverage in providing access to opportunities and possibilities for its citizens. With the rising cost of access to quality education, many countries, organizations, and groups have taken steps to scholarship opportunities more so for Black students who face considerable barriers to higher education.

These scholarship opportunities go a long way in easing the financial strain on many Black families that are struggling and also ensure that talented and capable Black men and women are not deprived of opportunities to apply their talent and creativity in impacting society.

In the past, due to the athletic prowess of Black students, many have leveraged athletic scholarships as a way to not only further their education but also seize the opportunity to climb the economic ladder.

With growing recognition of the need for more diversity and inclusion, especially amongst minority ethnic groups, many foundations, institutions, corporate bodies, and organizations have provided scholarship opportunities that have addressed discriminatory barriers in academia.

With a simple Google search, several scholarships targeted at Black and African Americans can easily be viewed and leveraged by students seeking avenues to further their education but constrained financially to do so.

An example of some of these scholarships are the Ron Brown Scholarship, the American Association of Blacks in Energy Scholarship, Fontana Transport Inc. Scholarship, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Herbert Lehman Scholarship, the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Scholarship, Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship (Source: Black Student Scholarships, BestColleges.com) amongst many others.

With the growing advancement in STEM fields, many Black students from various academic backgrounds are exploring various scholarship opportunities such as the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship. Others are the Pacific Gas & Electric Company Black ERG Scholarship, 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County, Inc. Scholarship, Bill H. James Foundation for Aspiring African American Engineers, Massport STEM Scholarship Program, ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship, Mae & Mary Legacy Foundation, Inc. Scholarship (Source: Top 10 STEM Scholarships for Black High School Students, Rishab Academy).

With the increased number of scholarships now available for Black students, organizations that cater to the interests of Black people and communities must find effective ways to not only communicate these opportunities but also guide young Black men and women to apply for and access these financial aids. Also, with the increased use of digital devices, Black students can easily be directed to resource materials that would help them succeed in their application for these scholarships.

Scholarship opportunities will remain a source of empowerment and inclusion for Black students giving them an opportunity to advance their education, climb the economic ladder succeed in achieving their full potential, and become model citizens for their communities.

Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.oniccima@gmail.com