Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarships

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The technology industry thrives on innovation, and diversity is the bedrock of true innovation. Recognising the underrepresentation of African Americans and Black individuals in STEM fields, the Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) employee resource group established a dedicated scholarship program. This initiative goes beyond simple financial aid; it is a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for the global tech landscape. By specifically targeting high school seniors, the BAM Scholarship aims to build a pipeline of diverse talent from the earliest stages of higher education.

The mission of the BAM Scholarship is to actively encourage and enable Black high school students to pursue higher education, realise the profound impact of technology on the modern world, and ultimately target rewarding careers within the technology sector. The scholarship is championed and primarily funded by Microsoft employees themselves, demonstrating a powerful internal dedication to mentorship, development, and community investment within the Black tech community.

Recipients of this competitive award are selected based on a holistic review that assesses academic standing, demonstrated passion for technology, and strong leadership capabilities both within the school environment and the broader community. The goal is to support future leaders who not only excel in their studies but who will also drive positive change and contribute unique perspectives to one of the world’s most influential industries.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Undergraduate
Location: United States.
Institution(s): Any accredited four-year college or university in the U.S.
Program Period: Up to four years (renewable awards) or one-time (non-renewable awards).
Course Offered: Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or select Business programs (e.g., Finance, Business Administration, Marketing).
Deadline: Typically mid-March (e.g., March 13th). Check the official website for the exact date of the current cycle.

Scholarship Coverage

The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship offers two primary tiers of awards:

Renewable Awards: Five (5) selected applicants receive $5,000 per year, renewable for up to three additional years (a potential total of $20,000), provided the recipient maintains satisfactory academic performance and continues to meet the criteria.
One-Time Awards: Approximately 45-50 additional applicants receive a $2,500 non-renewable, one-time scholarship.

All funds are paid directly to the recipient’s school’s Financial Aid Office to help cover the costs of tuition, books, fees, and other educational expenses. Recipients of the renewable award may also be considered for potential Microsoft internship opportunities, although placement is not guaranteed.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship, applicants must meet the following strict criteria:

Status: Be a High School Senior in the United States at the time of application.
Descent: Be of African descent (e.g., African-American, African, Ethiopian, etc.).
Enrollment Plan: Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S. immediately following high school graduation.
Major: Plan to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or an approved Business program (Finance, Business Administration, or Marketing).
Academics: Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
Need: Demonstrate a need for financial assistance to attend college.
Passion/Leadership: Exhibit a passion for technology and demonstrate strong leadership in school or community activities.

Application Process

The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship application is typically administered by an external partner, such as Scholarship America. The entire process is conducted online and requires the careful submission of multiple documents:

Online Application Form: Complete the online profile and application on the designated scholarship management portal (e.g., Scholarship America Hub). This form collects personal, demographic, academic, and financial information.
Current, Complete Transcript: Submit an official or current, complete copy of your high school transcript. Grade reports are usually not accepted. The transcript must display your name, school name, grades, and credit hours for all courses.
Resume: Prepare and submit a professional resume detailing your work experience, extracurricular activities (both school and community-related), and any honors or awards, especially those related to STEM or technology.
Essay Submission (2,000 character limit): Applicants must write a concise essay addressing a specific prompt. The most common prompt focuses on your career aspirations: “Describe how you plan to engage in the technology industry in your career.” This is a critical component for demonstrating your passion and vision.
Financial Need Statement (Optional/Required): Some application cycles require a separate, short statement (e.g., 250 words) to demonstrate financial need for the scholarship.
One Letter of Recommendation: At least one online recommendation must be submitted on your behalf by a faculty or staff member at your high school (a teacher, counselor, or administrator). The recommender must submit their letter through the online portal by the deadline.
Photo: A current, high-quality color headshot is usually required for recipient publicity.

Crucial Note: It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials, including the letter of recommendation, are submitted electronically by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

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