Scholarship
The Ron Brown Signature Scholarship
Sponsored by Ron Brown Scholar Program
1About this scholarship
The Ron Brown Scholarship honors Ronald H. Brown's legacy through a selective program for community-minded and intellectually gifted African American high school seniors. It awards 20 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year) usable at accredited four-year US colleges in any field. The page says the 2027 application is open, with a final deadline of December 1st.
2Eligibility requirements
- Applicant must be Black/African American, a US citizen or permanent resident, and a current high school senior at time of application
- Must be Black/African American
- Must excel academically
- Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential
- Must participate in community service activities
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card
Education level: High school senior
Geographic eligibility: National
Financial need is required
3Academic requirements
- Must be a current high school senior at time of application; current college students are not eligible
4Application requirements
- Online application
- Three essays of approximately 500 words each
- Two letters of recommendation
- School transcripts
- Parents' tax return information
5Essays and recommendations
Essay: required — Three essays of about 500 words each; the first two answer specific questions and the third can be on any topic.
Recommendations: required — Two letters; at least one from a high school counselor, teacher or principal; the second from someone who knows you well (employer, mentor or coach), not a family member.
6Award amount and payment
- Amount
- Up to $40,000
- Type
- Renewable
7Application deadline
- Deadline
- Not published by the sponsor
- Recurring
- Yes, this scholarship is offered each cycle
8How to apply
Applications are only accepted online; they may not be faxed and late applications cannot be accepted. Transcripts and letters of recommendation are due by December 15th.
9Official application link
10Sponsor
Ron Brown Scholar Program
11Source of this information
Official source: https://ronbrown.org/ron-brown-scholarship/ (opens in a new tab)
Always confirm details with the sponsor before applying. The Giboney Foundation does not administer this scholarship.
12Last verification
Last verified November 11, 2026