Wade Scholarship Program Offers $50K for Black Students Pursuing STEM Master’s Degrees

Wade Scholarship Program Offers $50K for Black Students Pursuing STEM Master’s Degrees

Application Deadline: January 17, 2025

If you’re a Black student aiming for a master’s degree in STEM, the Wade Scholarship Program (WSP) could be your gateway to a fully funded education. The application deadline for the Fall 2025 academic year is January 17, 2025. Ensure you check the specific deadlines of your chosen graduate school, as WSP aligns with those dates.

Imagine a world where financial barriers don’t stand between you and your dream of advancing your education in engineering. For Black students passionate about STEM, that world is within reach thanks to the Wade Scholarship Program. If you’re eyeing a master’s degree in engineering, this scholarship offers up to $50,000 to cover tuition, housing, and more, giving you the freedom to focus on what matters: your studies and your future. But first things first—let’s talk deadlines, because timing is everything when it comes to seizing this opportunity.

What Is the Wade Scholarship Program?

Established by the Wade Institute of Technology (WIT), the Wade Scholarship Program is a transformative initiative designed to support Black students pursuing master’s degrees in engineering. The program addresses the underrepresentation of Black individuals in STEM fields by providing financial assistance and fostering leadership development.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the WSP, applicants must:

• Be of African descent (African American or other Black applicants of African descent)
• Be residing in the United States
• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline from any accredited college or university in the U.S. or abroad
• Have been admitted to a master’s degree program in engineering at one of the following:
  • A U.S. graduate school of engineering ranked within the Top 30 by U.S. News & World Report
  • A graduate engineering program at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)

Please note that WSP does not assist with obtaining U.S. visas for international students.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

WSP provides comprehensive financial support for up to three semesters (or five quarters) of master’s-level coursework. The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition – Say goodbye to tuition worries. The scholarship covers the entire cost of your master’s program, no matter the school.
• On-campus housing – You’ll get funding for on-campus living, so you can stay close to your classes and campus resources without stressing about rent.
• Food allowance – A stipend for meals keeps you fueled for those late-night study sessions and lab work.
• Instructional supplies and other academic expenses – Textbooks, lab equipment, software—whatever you need for your coursework, the scholarship has you covered.
• A maximum award of $50,000 per student

This support spans the typical duration of a master’s program—about 3 semesters (1.5 years) on a semester system or 5 quarters if your school uses quarters. That’s enough time to dive deep into your studies, tackle ground-breaking research, or even lead a student project—all without the financial strain that holds so many back.

With the Wade Scholarship Program, you’re not just getting funding—you’re getting the freedom to chase your ambitions full throttle.

This funding aims to alleviate the financial burdens that often deter Black students from pursuing advanced degrees in STEM.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated based on a holistic review of the following factors:

• Independence of Thought: Demonstrates intellectual curiosity, originality, and the ability to think critically.
• Purposeful Leadership: Exhibits self-awareness, resilience, and the capacity to inspire and lead others.
• Civic Mindset: Shows humility, kindness, and a commitment to supporting and embracing diversity.
• Undergraduate Achievements: Includes strong academic performance, involvement in extracurricular activities, and compelling letters of recommendation and statement of purpose.

While the GRE is not required for most disciplines, applicants who have taken the exam may choose to submit their scores.

Why Apply?

The Wade Scholarship Program is more than just financial aid; it’s an investment in your future as a leader in STEM. By becoming a WSP Scholar, you join a network of individuals dedicated to innovation, diversity, and excellence in engineering.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official WSP application portal at wadescholarship.org. Ensure you have the following documents ready:

• A copy of your application to at least one eligible graduate school.
• Your undergraduate transcripts.
• A personal statement outlining your goals and motivations.
• Letters of recommendation.

Remember, the application deadline is January 17, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your education and career in STEM.

Apply Now: wadescholarship.org

FAQs: Your Questions About the Wade Scholarship Program Answered

Got questions? You’re not alone. Here are some common ones about the Wade Scholarship Program, straight from the source:

• Can I apply if my bachelor’s is from outside the US?
  Absolutely, as long as it’s from an accredited institution and in a STEM field. Just make sure you’re in the US when you apply.

• Is there an age limit?
  Not exactly, but your bachelor’s should be no more than 10 years old. This keeps the focus on recent grads ready to jump into grad school.

• What about undocumented students?
  It depends on your target schools. The scholarship requires admission to an eligible university, so check their policies on undocumented applicants.

• Can I apply with a non-STEM graduate degree?
  If you’ve got a STEM bachelor’s and are pursuing an engineering master’s, you’re good to go—even if you have a grad degree in something else.

Still curious? The official Wade Scholarship Program website has more details, or you can reach out to their team directly.

Tips for a Standout Wade Scholarship Application

Want to boost your chances? Here’s how to make your Wade Scholarship Program application shine:

• Show Your Passion: Explain why engineering matters to you. Maybe it’s a problem you want to solve or a community you want to uplift—let that drive shine through.

• Highlight Leadership: Whether it’s a club you led, a project you spearheaded, or a job where you stepped up, show how you take charge.

• Polish Your Materials: Proofread everything. A clean, clear application reflects your attention to detail—a big deal in engineering.

• Start Early: Give yourself time to refine your university apps and scholarship submission. Rushing leads to mistakes.

You’ve got this. The Wade Scholarship Program is looking for students like you—determined, talented, and ready to lead.

The Long-Term Impact of Being a Wade Scholar

Picture this: you’re a Wade Scholar, finishing your master’s debt-free, with a degree from a top engineering school. What’s next? The possibilities are endless. Maybe you’re designing sustainable infrastructure, coding the next big tech breakthrough, or mentoring the next generation of Black STEM leaders. The Wade Scholarship Program doesn’t just fund your education—it sets you up to shape the future.

And it’s not just about you. By stepping into STEM, you’re paving the way for others, proving that Black excellence belongs at the forefront of innovation. That’s the ripple effect of this scholarship—one scholar’s success lifts up entire communities.

Ready to Apply? Your Next Steps

If the Wade Scholarship Program sounds like your kind of opportunity, don’t wait. Here’s what to do:

1. Research Eligible Schools: Find the top 30 US engineering grad schools or HBCUs that match your goals. Check their deadlines ASAP.

2. Prep Your Applications: Get your university apps rolling and gather what you need for the scholarship.

3. Apply by January 17, 2025: Beat the deadline—earlier if your schools require it—and submit everything through the official site.

APPLY HERE.