What is the Ron Brown Scholar Program?
The Ron Brown Scholar Program is a scholarship worth $40,000 over four years ($10,000 per year) from Ron Brown Scholar Fund. The Ron Brown Scholar Program awards twenty four-year scholarships of $40,000 each ($10,000 per year) to Black or African American high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, exceptional leadership potential, financial need, and a record of community service. Applications close December 1 each year, with counselor recommendation letters due December 15 and winners notified April 1. Current college students are not eligible; applicants must apply during their senior year of high school.
Who is eligible for the Ron Brown Scholar Program?
Ron Brown Scholar Fund requires that applicants be Black/African American, along with 6 further requirements: be a US citizen or permanent resident; be a current high school senior at the time of application; demonstrate financial need; excel academically; exhibit exceptional leadership potential; participate in community service activities. The sponsor's own eligibility criteria specifically name Black or African American students.
What is the deadline for the Ron Brown Scholar Program?
This award does not have a fixed published deadline. Its usual cycle is: Annually, December 1. The 2026 competition has closed. The program's published timeline puts the next application deadline at December 1, with counselor recommendations due December 15 and winners notified April 1.
Is there a GPA requirement for the Ron Brown Scholar Program?
Ron Brown Scholar Fund does not publish a minimum GPA for this award. That usually means applications are assessed holistically, with essays, financial need, recommendations, and community involvement weighed alongside grades.
Is the Ron Brown Scholar Program only for Black students?
Yes. Ron Brown Scholar Fund's own eligibility criteria specifically name Black or African American students.