United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Achievement Capstone Scholarship Program honors graduating seniors whose record of undergraduate accomplishment, both within education institutions and beyond, holds the promise of realizing the aspirations of under-represented Americans and building a better society on the foundation of the rights granted by the 1964 Civil Rights Act. It recognizes the outstanding academic accomplishments of its recipients at the cum laude level or above and it will provide them with financial awards that support and encourage them in the careers on which they are about to embark.


Program Details

• One–time award ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 which can be used to retire the balance of educational costs of undergraduate study at the recipient’s institution or for future educational expenses
  
  
• Participation in a Capstone Scholar Alumni community that features peer networking, graduate and professional school opportunities, career opportunities, peer interaction and more

 

Eligibility & Criteria

• African American
• A graduating senior attending an accredited, four-year, degree granting HBCU or predominantly black institution and majoring in any academic discipline
• Nominated by the institution from which the student will graduate (institutions may nominate more than one candidate)
• High academic performance leading to the eligibility for this designation of cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude
• Demonstrated leadership and campus involvement in ways that honor the legacy of the 1964 Civil Rights Act

For additional information visit the UNCF Achievement Capstone Scholarship Program website.
 

How to Apply

Complete the Domestic Competitive Awards Eligibility form. Once your eligibility is confirmed you will be sent a link to the Prestigious Awards Canvas page where you will submit your application materials, listed below, by the second Monday in November. You are encouraged to work with a Faculty Mentor during the application.

Your supporting materials should be uploaded to the UNCF Capstone section of the Prestigious Awards Canvas page as PDFs and must include:

• A letter/statement from the nominee (see guidelines below)
• A copy your unofficial transcript
• A copy of your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume

Recommendations

• Two (2) letters of recommendation
  • one (1) from a faculty member who has worked directly with the nominee in a classroom setting
  • one (1) from a professional who can speak to your leadership and community engagement
    
    

You will provided recommender information on the eligibility form, and they will receive a link from us to upload their recommendation letter. Please confirm their ability to provide a letter on your behalf and let them know the letters are due the fourth Monday in November. Applicants do not manage the recommendation process.
 

Interviews

• Interviews are scheduled in mid-December. The Spelman Committee can nominate up to five (5) scholars to advance. Nominees will be contacted by UNCF in late January/early February to complete the final application process. One (1) scholar will be selected. Spelman is your primary point of contact, DO NOT contact the UNCF Capstone Program directly regarding the scholarship.
  
  

Applicant Letter/Statement Guidelines

The UNCF Achievement Capstone Committee seeks candidates who exhibit impactful individual leadership. Among characteristics that include outstanding personal qualities and sound ethical behavior, these exceptional young people may have served as advocates for others whose voices are unheard, may have fostered collaboration or built alliances between disparate groups, may have created circumstances in which opportunity and access is afforded to others, and may have served as champions for equality. Your letter should highlight how you exemplify the characteristics listed above and address the ways in which your undergraduate career and plans for the future reflect the legacy of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, highlighting your service to the campus and wider communities.