CBC Spouses Education Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Background
In 1988, spouses of members of the Congressional Black Caucus created this scholarship to respond to reductions in federal funding for education and scholarship programs — cuts that have had a disproportionate impact on communities of color. The award supports academically strong, motivated Black/African American students who are seeking undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral study across a range of disciplines.

Eligibility
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Identify as Black or African American.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
- Live in or attend a school located within the congressional district of a Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Member.
- Be enrolled, or intend to enroll, full-time in an accredited college or university in an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program. Current high school seniors who will enter such programs are eligible to apply.
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Demonstrate leadership and active involvement in community service or civic activities.

Application overview and deadline
- Complete the required two-part online application. Applications must be submitted by April 13, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.
- Award amounts vary.

Required application materials
- Video personal statement (maximum 3 minutes).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Transcript(s) uploaded directly to the application (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
- Resume or curriculum vitae listing employment history, extracurricular activities, honors, community service, and special skills.
- A recent, publication-quality headshot (professional or professional-looking photo; formal attire preferred).
- All uploads should be clear, legible, and in the requested file formats (PDF where specified).

Supplemental items and instructions
1. Transcript (PDF): Upload a readable copy of your current transcript. The document must clearly show the academic institution’s name, the student’s name, courses, grades, and other standard transcript details. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable if legible.
2. Resume/CV (PDF): Provide a document that outlines academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, honors, employment, community service, and special skills.
3. Letter of Recommendation #1 (PDF): Include a letter with the recommender’s full name, professional title, email address, and telephone number.
4. Letter of Recommendation #2 (PDF): Include a second letter with the recommender’s full name, professional title, email address, and telephone number.
5. Video Response: Submit a brief video (up to 3 minutes) describing your academic interests and/or career goals and explaining how you plan to use your education to effect positive change in your community.
6. Name of U.S. Representative — permanent address: Provide the name of your U.S. Representative based on your permanent residence. Use your permanent address zip code to look up your Representative; if multiple Representatives appear for the zip code, enter your full permanent address.
7. Name of U.S. Representative — academic institution: Provide the name of your U.S. Representative based on the address of your academic institution. Use the institution’s zip code to determine the Representative; if multiple Representatives appear, enter the school’s full address.
8. Headshot for publication: Upload a recent high-resolution professional headshot suitable for use in reports and biographies (does not have to be taken by a professional photographer). Photographs should be high quality and appropriate for publication.

Contact and additional notes
- Ensure all required materials are uploaded before the April 13, 2024, 11:59 PM ET deadline. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
- Award amounts will vary by recipient.