How to Apply for a UNCF / Sallie Mae American Dream Scholarship

African-American students who demonstrate a financial need by meeting Pell Grant guidelines can apply for a Sallie Mae/United Negro College Fund American Dream Scholarship.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. *Determine your Eligibility
   
   In order to be eligible for the American Dream scholarship, students must be of African-American heritage and have financial need. Additionally, students must have at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale to apply. Applicants may be entering college or may be college students. Since the scholarship is not renewable, applications are accepted as long as students are entering or remaining in school in the fall of the next academic year.
   
   American Dream scholarships require full time enrollment in an accredited undergraduate 2-4 year college, university, technical school, or vocational school.

2. *Apply
   
   After eligibility is determined, applicants should apply to the program during the open application period. Applications are accepted in mid spring of each academic year and close after a few weeks. Therefore, it's important to get applications in early to be considered for the program.
   
   Applicants must complete an online application that includes an essay. Applicants who become finalists for consideration are then asked to send transcripts and letters of recommendation.

3. *Wait for Notification
   
   Sallie Mae/UNCF American Dream scholarship recipients receive notification early in the summer before the start of the fall semester in which funds are distributed. The scholarship awards range between Awards between $500 and $5000.