Ron Brown Scholarships Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Ron Brown Scholarships Program

Overview

The Ron Brown Scholarship recognizes the legacy of Ronald H. Brown by supporting academically talented, community-minded African American students. The program is selective and emphasizes public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. Awards are intended to advance higher education opportunities for economically disadvantaged high school seniors. The scholarship supports scholars who demonstrate leadership, intellectual promise, and a commitment to serving others.

Description: A competitive scholarship program that provides multi-year financial support to outstanding Black/African American high school seniors who exemplify Ronald H. Brown’s values.

• Honors Ronald H. Brown’s legacy through scholarship and service.
• Focuses on community-minded, intellectually gifted students.
• Prioritizes candidates committed to public service and entrepreneurship.
• Targets economically disadvantaged high school seniors.

Award Details

The program awards 20 four-year scholarships of $40,000 each, paid at $10,000 per year and renewable for up to four years. Recipients may use the award at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States. The scholarship is not limited to a specific field of study and can support any academic discipline. Selection is competitive and intended to enable long-term educational and professional development.

Award Value: Twenty renewable scholarships of $40,000 total ($10,000 per year) for attendance at accredited U.S. four-year institutions.

• $40,000 total scholarship per recipient (renewable, $10,000/year).
• Twenty scholarships awarded through the program.
• Usable at any accredited U.S. four-year college or university.
• No restriction on field of study or career objective.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet specific demographic, academic, and service-related criteria to be considered for the Ron Brown Scholarship. The program requires that candidates demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, meaningful community service, and documented financial need. Applicants must also be Black/African American and hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. Only current high school seniors are eligible; college students may not apply.

Eligibility: Must be Black/African American, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a current high school senior, academically strong, engaged in community service, show leadership potential, and demonstrate financial need.

• Black/African American applicants only.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident required.
• Must be a current high school senior (college students ineligible).
• Demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, community service, and financial need.

History and Program Outcomes

The Ron Brown Scholar Program began in 1996 and has supported a substantial number of students since its inception. To date, the program has designated hundreds of Ron Brown Scholars who have pursued higher education across the United States. In addition to financial support, the program fosters an alumni and professional network that aids career development and mentorship. These outcomes reflect the program’s long-term investment in scholars’ academic and professional success.

History of the Award: Established in 1996; as of the program’s reporting, 683 students have been named Ron Brown Scholars.

• Program established in 1996.
• Hundreds of scholars supported since inception (683 to date).
• Offers a Leaders Network for mentorship, career development, and professional connections.
• Emphasizes long-term scholar success beyond initial financial aid.