Best Grants for Minorities in Oklahoma

Oklahoma NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association to create full-time, entry-level athletics administration internships for ethnic minorities and women. Awards of US $30,000 support intern salary plus US $3,000 for professional development over one academic year, advancing diversity in athletics leadership.

Oklahoma NCAA Division II conferences and institutions seeking to improve ethnic minority and women’s representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support full-time positions with responsibilities such as strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare over a five-year commitment.

With a mission to expand diversity in athletic coaching, National Collegiate Athletic Association provides Oklahoma NCAA Division II member schools with multi-year support to create new assistant coaching positions. Eligible institutions committed to increasing ethnic minority and gender representation in any NCAA-sponsored sport may receive up to US $48,000 toward salary, wages, and benefits.

Oklahoma minority health and physical education professionals with long-term SHAPE America membership who advance scholarship, mentorship, and service for underserved populations can be honored through the E.B. Henderson Award. This national Society of Health and Physical Educators recognition highlights leaders increasing minority involvement in HPERD fields and may interest educators serving diverse communities.

Oklahoma Presbyterian undergraduates seeking their first associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. college may be eligible for scholarships supporting full-time study, including minority students. Grants from Presbyterian Mission Agency help Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) members, including Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian American students, with up to US $6,000 in undergraduate financial aid for 2025–2026.

Nonprofit organizations with a 5+ year track record serving Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls can seek funding to recruit and retain them in college-level computing programs, including in Oklahoma. Reboot Representation Tech Coalition prioritizes multi-geo, research-backed initiatives leveraging existing infrastructure to expand higher education and computer science opportunities for underrepresented minorities.

Undergraduate engineering students from marginalized ethnic or gender groups in Oklahoma can apply for the Architecture Foundation of Oregon’s PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship, awarding up to US $20,000 for tuition and other direct educational costs. Eligible students study mechanical, electrical, renewable energy, architectural, or civil engineering at a 4-year U.S. university with a focus on climate justice.

Students of color pursuing higher education, including those from Oklahoma, can seek scholarship support for college costs such as tuition, fees, and room and board. With a mission to support students of color, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts provides up to US $3,000 for one academic year, with the option to reapply annually.

Focused on supporting minority students, Innovia Foundation invites Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color in Oklahoma to apply for the Diversity in Advertising Scholarship. Eligible students must live in Innovia’s 20-county service region and study marketing, advertising, design, or computer science at an accredited institution, with academic achievement and community involvement valued.

Minority high school seniors and recent graduates pursuing postsecondary education can receive scholarship support for technical schools, HBCUs, or other accredited colleges through the John E. Thomasson Scholarship from The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond. Students of African American or other minority heritage may benefit, particularly those interested in Black American services and higher education pathways.

GED students and graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education, primarily students of color who have overcome obstacles and show commitment to others, may receive scholarship support, including those from Oklahoma. The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound’s Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship offers US $3,000, renewable for up to three additional undergraduate years with reapplication and demonstrated financial need.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in STEM starting a PhD program can apply for Montana State University's LSAMP Bridge to Doctorate support, offering US $88,000 in stipends and education allowances. Eligible U.S. citizens who previously participated in an LSAMP program, including those from Oklahoma, may benefit from this minority-focused graduate opportunity.

Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, including those from Oklahoma, can apply for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society’s Indian Motorcycle Academic Scholarship, awarding US $5,000 per year for academic expenses. Eligible applicants must be AISES members with a 3.0+ GPA and tribal, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Indigenous Canadian heritage.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Lynne Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher.

The purpose of the Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students attending full-time at an accredited institution pursuing mathematics, Medicine, or life sciences are eligible to apply.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Native Forward Student Relief Funding

Native Forward Scholars Fund established the Student Relief Funding to assist Native students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief award. The fund will be utilized to help support students in emergency situations that includes, but is not limited to, food insecurity, emergency travel costs, emergency housing costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, or other educational expenses.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. pursuing Indigenous languages, natural resources, land management, conservation, or cultural preservation degrees can receive need-based scholarships, including students from Oklahoma. With a mission to support Indigenous services, Native Forward Scholars Fund provides awards from $100 to $30,000 per year for eligible Tribal-affiliated students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Degree-seeking Native American and Alaska Native students in Oklahoma facing financial hardship can apply for Native Forward Scholars Fund’s KuuKuupa In Memoriam Endowed Fund; awards $100 to $30,000 per academic year for emergency needs. Funding supports food, housing, utilities, educational technology, and other urgent costs for students at accredited U.S. institutions who document Tribal affiliation.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in literature, communication, journalism, or related fields can receive need-based tuition support for full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help eligible students, including Tribal descendants, with financial aid that may benefit Indigenous scholars from Oklahoma and beyond.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of the NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation scholarship, in partnership with NextEra Energy Foundation, is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in environment, energy, cultural sustainability, or a major in a STEM or STEM-related discipline. Native American students pursuing degrees that prepare them for the renewable energy workforce are encouraged to apply. 

This program will award 16 scholarships in the amount of $5,000 per academic year. This opportunity is a need-based award.

With a mission to support higher education access, Native Forward Scholars Fund provides Oklahoma Indigenous students with need-based scholarships for full-time graduate study at accredited U.S. institutions. American Indian and Alaska Native students, including eligible descendants who can document Tribal affiliation, may receive $100 to $30,000 per year through the Katharine Scallan Scholarship.

Eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing full-time library science degrees at accredited U.S. institutions can receive need-based support through the Jeanette Elmer Scholarship, including students from Oklahoma. With a mission to advance Indigenous education, Native Forward Scholars Fund provides this scholarship to members and descendants of federally or state-recognized Tribes who document Tribal affiliation.

American Indian and Alaska Native vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students in Oklahoma pursuing arts-related degrees can apply for Native Forward Scholars Fund’s Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund Scholarship, with awards from $100 to $30,000 per year. Funding supports fine and performing arts, creative writing, film, photography, culinary arts, fashion, and related fields at accredited U.S. institutions.

Latino high school and college-bound students pursuing higher education in Oklahoma can receive scholarship support for full-time study through the Latinos Count Scholarship, which offers more than US $1,000 for accredited 2- or 4-year institutions. Legacy Foundation pays awards directly to schools or for book reimbursement; some scholarships are renewable for up to four undergraduate years.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Inez Peppers Lovett and Charlie Ellington Scholarship Fund

Founded by Inez Peppers Lovett and Charlie Lovett Ellington, this scholarship is available to African-American graduating senior from any Palm Beach County high school who will be pursuing a career in elementary education.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Randy and Tina Harris Family Scholarship Fund

The Randy and Tina Harris Family Scholarship Fund is responsive to workforce readiness needs. This scholarship will be available on a rolling basis, students may apply at any time. Randy, a member of the Board of Governors at The Community Foundation starting in June 2022, owned two businesses in the area until 2021, Ultimate Subaru and Ultimate Buick GMC. As an active businessperson, philanthropist and retiree, he seeks to give back to the community he calls home. Tina and Randy have been friends to the foundation through leadership and participation, also contributing to the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits and through the Randy and Tina Harris Family Charitable Fund. 

Apply for a Scholarship

While it is common for students to go to college after high school, earning a college degree isn’t the only option after high school, nor is it the right option for everyone.

The trades are vital, though often underappreciated, career fields that are essential for the functioning of society. Skilled trades are the backbone of our society and can be lucrative, stable career opportunities. In areas like construction, manufacturing, technology and medicine there are trades where people are able to make significant contributions to our world.

African Americans are very underrepresented in these fields. To ensure the brightest future possible, it’s crucial for African Americans interested in the trades to have the financial resources necessary to further their education.

Randy’s father, James Harris, had a successful career as a machinist and welder. He demonstrated that a college degree was not a necessity for a successful career. This scholarship was created for those African American students like James Harris, who are inspired to develop their talents in trades or taking non-traditional paths to further their education.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

Rappahannock Industrial Academy Alumni Association Scholarship

Rappahannock Industrial Academy Alumni Association Scholarship Fund was established in 2004 by the Academy’s alumni to provide educational scholarships to qualifying African American students residing in one of the following counties: Essex, King and Queen and Middlesex. Students may attend public or private school.

Recipients will be encouraged to use this educational opportunity to enrich the lives of others in their home community. The Rappahannock Industrial Academy opened its doors on January 1, 1902 to provide secondary education for African American residents in the area. The Alumni Association has for many years awarded scholarships to students from Essex, Middlesex, and King and Queen Counties. 

Fund the Dream Scholarship

The Fund the Dream Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 by the Hispanic Alliance, GA. The purpose of this scholarship is to ‘Build the Dream, One Graduate at a Time.’ Minority students from first-generation/low-income backgrounds face systemic roadblocks while navigating the college admissions process. Graduating seniors coming from low-income families are seven times more likely to drop out than those from families with higher income. In addition, 74% of Latino students enrolled in colleges and universities in the U.S. cut their education short due to the financial pressures of supporting their families. To help mitigate the educational opportunity gap and student debt crisis, the Hispanic Alliance Georgia Fund the Dream Scholarship will support one student who has huge aspirations for their life and is willing to work through anything to achieve them. This scholarship is funded by proceeds from the annual Latino Fest in Gainesville, Georgia and is part of our commitment to making academic and scholarship support more accessible for all students.

When choosing a recipient, the selection committee will take into consideration factors such as the applicant’s academic achievement, financial need, immigration status, volunteering efforts, future educational goals, and responses to essay question. Special consideration will be given to students participating in the Latino Youth Leadership Academy. The 2026 scholarship will be a one-time award of $1,500.