Scholarships and Awards

As an African Studies student, you will be eligible for a variety of scholarships and awards. Whether supporting research in the field or celebrating academic achievement, the awards below are given annually. Apply every year.

“Africana Studies provided me with a better understanding of history and encouraged me to want to exceed in everything I do. This journey has taught me that life doesn’t give you handouts. Good grades, internships, and jobs don’t just fall in your lap. Dreams don’t just happen. I learned that I had to work hard every day to make these things a reality. There is a wealth of resources and faculty supports waiting to help you, best thing you can do is reach out and connect with people but remember to have fun along the way.” – Jamal Abdulrasheed, BA ’16

Africana Studies Program Scholarships

The Africana Studies Program offers several scholarships and awards to those who have excelled in our program. Some of these awards recognize outstanding academic achievement and performance, while others support students engaging in research related travel and students demonstrating financial need. These are given annually each spring. Details and application instructions appear below.

Academic Achievement Award for Africana Studies
The Preston Eagleson Award
Turner-Wright Scholarship in African American Studies

IU Indianapolis Scholarships

Olaniyan Scholars Program

The Olaniyan (Oh-lawn-eee-yawn) Scholars Program promotes the development of undergraduate research in the humanities and social sciences (or the School of Liberal Arts) facilitated through the interdisciplinary lens of Africana Studies, or the study of African peoples still living in Africa and those populations scattered around the globe since slavery and colonization.

Apply by Feb. 15.

Sam Jones Service Scholarship Program

If you like to volunteer, care what happens in the city, or want to get others more involved with our community, you should apply online for the Sam H. Jones Community Service Scholarship.

Eligible applicants have at least a 2.75 GPA and previous experience in the community through service or leadership activities. Awards range up to $4500.

Applications are due March 1 for most programs at Center for Service & Learning. For more information, contact the Center for Service and Learning in Hine Hall 243, csl@iu.edu, 317.278.2662.

National Urban League Summer Internship Program

  • The National Urban League Summer Internship Program provides insight into the world of non-profit management for college students in the New York City metropolitan area and in Washington, DC. The National Urban League is looking for candidates interested in a career in the not-for-profit sector, or in understanding the connection between non-profits, corporations, and government in the work of our nation.
  • This is an eight-week paid program (June 10th through August 1st).
  • Send all application materials to:
    National Urban League Internship Program
    Attention: Dale Y. Johnson – Talent Management Department
    120 Wall Street, 8TH Fl.
    New York, NY 10005
    Fax 866-532-4638
    Email: recruitment1@nul.org

Norman Brown Diversity & Leadership Scholars Program

The Scholars Program supports the university’s strong commitment to diversity through the recruitment and retention of students from populations historically underrepresented in institutions of higher education. Scholarship recipients are required to participate in the Norman Brown Scholars’ protocol which encourages academic success, leadership development, civic-engagement, and diversity education.

Eligible applicants must be permanent US residents or US citizens and historically underrepresented students and have a minimum GPA of 3.2.

Feb. 15 deadline. Apply here.

School of Liberal Arts Scholarships

African Studies students may also be eligible for other school and campus scholarships and awards. See the School of Liberal Arts Scholarships and Awards for more information.