Henry Izuu 
The Ron Brown Scholar Program: $40,000 Award for African-American Leaders
Hey, high school seniors! If you identify as African-American, rock a killer academic record, and are deeply invested in making a real difference in your community, listen up. The college application process can be stressful, but scoring the Ron Brown Scholar Program scholarship is the ultimate game-changer.
This isn’t just another small grant; the Ron Brown Scholar Program is one of the most prestigious and highly funded undergraduate awards in the U.S. It’s designed to honour the legacy of Ronald H. Brown, the first African-American U.S. Secretary of Commerce, by supporting future leaders who embody service, integrity, and global citizenship.
Think you have what it takes? We’ve broken down exactly what the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP) is, how much money you can get, and every step you need to take before the looming December 1st deadline.
What’s the Big Deal? Understanding the Ron Brown Scholar Program Legacy
The Ron Brown Scholar Program recognizes intellectually gifted and community-minded African Americans, supporting their higher education journey. Since 1996, the program has supported more than 650 scholars.
The Ron Brown Scholar Program focuses on students who demonstrate a keen interest in four crucial areas that defined Ronald H. Brown’s mission:
- Public service
- Community engagement
- Business entrepreneurship
- Global citizenship
Ron Brown Scholar Program Eligibility: Could This Be You?
The Ron Brown Scholar Program is highly competitive—around 5,000 students apply each year for only 20–25 awards. Before you dive into the application, make sure you meet the core requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Ethnicity | You must identify as Black or African-American |
| Citizenship | You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (hold a permanent resident visa card) |
| School Status | You must be a current high school senior when you apply (Sorry, college students are not eligible) |
| College Plans | You must plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university within the U.S. The award can be used for any major |
| Academics | You need to excel academically and show serious intellectual curiosity. While test scores are optional, successful applicants demonstrate commitment through high GPAs, course rigor, and class rank |
| Leadership | You must show exceptional leadership potential and have a strong record of community service or volunteerism |
| Financial Need | You must demonstrate financial need to pursue higher education |
Ron Brown Scholar Program Benefits: Money and Your Professional Squad
Getting the Ron Brown Scholar Program scholarship is like receiving a turbo-boost for your college career and beyond.
Financial Boost: The $40,000 Award
Each Ron Brown Scholar receives a total of $40,000 in funding. This money is typically distributed as $10,000 per year for four years. You can use these renewable funds for almost anything related to education, including tuition, books, fees, and room and board.
Non-Financial Game-Changers: The Ron Brown Leaders Network
The money is great, but the Ron Brown Leaders Network is arguably the most valuable part of the Ron Brown Scholar Program. This is your professional support system—a dynamic community that provides:
- Mentorship: You get paired with accomplished professionals who offer generous guidance throughout your academic and career life
- Leadership Development: The program offers annual gatherings, workshops, and development opportunities to build your leadership capacity
- Professional Networking: The network connects you with valuable internship and career opportunities
Ron Brown Scholars have an incredible 99% graduation rate. Many alumni go on to attend prestigious graduate programs and become leaders in fields like business, law, and public policy.
P.S.: Even if you don’t win the full scholarship… The Ron Brown Scholar Program names about 200 students as Ron Brown Captains. As a Captain, you are invited to join the Ron Brown Leaders Network and receive personal and professional development opportunities.
How to Apply to the Ron Brown Scholar Program: Your Complete Checklist
The Ron Brown Scholar Program application is completed entirely online and involves gathering several crucial documents. Applications open after September 3rd of your senior year.
Step 1: Start Your Ron Brown Scholar Program Application Now!
Visit the official Ron Brown Scholar Program application page to begin. The system lets you save your progress, so you don’t have to finish it all in one sitting.
Step 2: Gather Your Core Materials
You need to submit the following for your Ron Brown Scholar Program application:
- High School Transcripts
- Two Personal Essays: Each essay should be about 500 words. The first essay must answer a specific question provided in the application, and the second can be on any topic—maybe one you already wrote for a class or another college application
- A Detailed Record of Extracurricular and Community Involvement
- Proof of Citizenship or Permanent Residency
- Financial Documentation: Initially, you list the income of both parents/legal guardians (including the non-custodial parent, if applicable). If you become a semifinalist, you will then be required to provide verification of income, including copies of federal income tax returns
- Letters of Recommendation (Two Required):
- At least one letter must come from your high school counselor, teacher, or principal
- The second letter can be from someone who knows your character, leadership, or academic achievement well, like an employer, mentor, or coach. It cannot be a family member
- Test Scores (Optional): SAT or ACT scores are not required. If you have taken AP/IB exams and want to report the scores, you may submit those results
Step 3: Hit Submit Early!
This is key! The biggest tip from the program is to submit your Ron Brown Scholar Program application early. Why? Because your counselors and teachers will not be asked to submit their recommendation letters and transcripts until after you submit your main application. Give them plenty of time to meet their own deadline. All supporting documents must be submitted electronically.
Ron Brown Scholar Program Deadlines and Selection Timeline
Mark these dates in your calendar! The Ron Brown Scholar Program selection process involves multiple rounds of review by staff, former admissions officers, and external industry professionals.
| Milestone | Date/Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student Application Deadline | December 1 | This is the final day to submit your Ron Brown Scholar Program application |
| Supporting Documents Deadline | December 15 | Deadline for counselors/teachers to submit transcripts and recommendation letters |
| Semifinalist Notification | Mid-February | You will be contacted if you move forward. Semifinalists participate in virtual interviews (Zoom) |
| Finalist Notification | March 1 | Finalists are notified |
| Finalist Interviews | March | Includes virtual conversations and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for interviews with the National Selection Committee |
| Winners Notified | April 1 | The 20 Ron Brown Scholars are notified |
| Ron Brown Captains Notified | Following Selection | Around 200 top applicants are named Captains and invited to the Leaders Network |
Your Turn to Lead with the Ron Brown Scholar Program
The Ron Brown Scholar Program is a chance to secure not just financial stability for college, but also a network that will support your dreams long after graduation. Past Ron Brown Scholars have built incredible careers and are committed to service. If you’re an exceptional African-American high school senior who’s ready to make an impact, don’t miss this opportunity to join the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through the Ron Brown Scholar Program.
Ready to start your journey? The Ron Brown Scholar Program application deadline is December 1st, 2025.
Need More Opportunities?
While the Ron Brown Scholar Program is a phenomenal award, remember that maximizing your college funding means exploring every option available. We strongly encourage you to explore other scholarship opportunities on MyScholarshipGuide.net to further boost your financial aid portfolio.
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Disclaimer
Unless otherwise stated, www.myscholarshipguide.net is not affiliated with any of the scholarship providers listed on our website, nor do we process applications on behalf of any organization. The content provided is for informational purposes only, and visitors are encouraged to use this information at their own discretion.
