Black Alumni Scholarship

The Western Illinois University (WIU) Black Alumni Council Scholarship Award was established in 2007. The award is intended to provide financial assistance to deserving and qualified African American students enrolled full-time at the university.

Criteria:
New Freshmen and Transfer students
1. Must be enrolled as a new first-year freshman student at WIU.
2. Enrolled as a full-time student and have a high school/college GPA of 2.5 or better.
3. Have a completed Scholarship Application on file at WIU.
4. Have a record of community service.
5. Required Supporting Documents include:
● Completed scholarship application
● 500-word essay about the importance of obtaining a college degree. Essay Question: In the 21st century a college education has become a necessity. Knowing that, “What are your reasons for going to college, and what impact will the WIU Black Alumni Council’s Scholarship Award have in your financial plans?”
● Proof of community service involvement
6. Award recipients are to provide the BAC a headshot photo
7. Award recipients are to provide the BAC with a 1-2 minutes video telling the impact of being awarded the scholarship

Continuing/Currently Enrolled students
1. Must be enrolled full-time at WIU.
2. Have a minimum of 24 credit hours completed at the time of application.
3. Have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 or better.
4. Have a record of community service.
5. Required Supporting Documents include:
● Completed scholarship application
● 500-word essay about the importance of obtaining a college degree. Essay Question: In the 21st century a college education has become a necessity. Knowing that, “What are your reasons for going to college, and what impact will the WIU Black Alumni Council’s Scholarship Award have in your financial plans?”
● Proof of membership in student organization (s) and/or campus-based activities- include statements from advisor or event organizer along with their contact information.
6. Award recipients are to provide the BAC a headshot photo
7. Award recipients are to provide the BAC with a 1-2 minutes video telling the impact of being awarded the scholarship

Award
$500.00
Questions regarding eligibility? Contact:
Multicultural Center
Deadline
03/01/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. Please submit a 500-word essay in response to the following essay question: In the 21st century a college education has become a necessity. Knowing that, "What are your reasons for going to college, and what impact will the WIU Black Alumni Council's Scholarship Award have in your financial plans?"