Ethnicity, Nationality and/or Identity
Scholarships for specific Ethnicities and Nationalities
Unless otherwise noted, UIC Scholarships at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) does not administer or sponsor the programs listed on its website. The content of these pages are merely a guide for current undergraduate and professional school students at UIC. For questions or contact information, please refer to the website that the short description is linked to.
August
The Armenian American Medical Society will be awarded to students enrolled in a US accredited medical, pharmacy, dental, physician assistant, nursing or other professional healthcare school. Students of Armenian descent, or with special interest in Armenian Medical Causes may apply.
The Italian Catholic Federation seeks to help those students interested in Italian Studies and, by doing so, keep the history and heritage of the Italian culture alive. The Mario Cugia scholarship has been established to encourage and support majors in Italian studies.
NIH Heart, Lung & Blood Institute Funding and Awards for underrepresented undergraduates and graduate students, paid research training at NIH over 2 years
Ozyegin University Summer Program in Turkey (NOT affiliated with UIC Study Abroad) - four-week summer program in Istanbul designed to provide international students (e.g. Americans) an opportunity to learn about Istanbul’s pivotal role in history, as well as the Ottoman Empire and Turkish literature with an analysis of formation of modern Turkish identity; scholarships for program costs available to minority students (African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans)
Current undergraduate and high school students who identify as a minority or woman who are interested in technology, computer science and engineering may apply for the Perlego Future Leaders in Tech Scholarship.
September
The Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship looks for medical, nursing, dental, public health, pharmacy, and health policy students with outstanding academic records, leadership, and who are committed to serving the Hispanic community may apply.
NAACP Scholarships (Fall Deadlines) - several scholarships, variety of fields; some require membership in the NAACP
October
Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation (FOR STUDENTS IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS ONLY)
- for full-time undergraduate Latino students whose home residence is in Illinois and are attending an Illinois college or university; awards of $2,000
La Unidad Latina Foundation (Fall Deadline) -educational scholarships are awarded to Hispanic students on a competitive basis and range from $250 to $1000
November
AANAPISI Scholarship for Summer, Fall, or Academic Year (Interested students must contact the Office of External Fellowships) – funding for current undergraduate Asian American and Pacific Islander students at UIC; must have a 2.25 GPA or higher and some level of financial need.
The American Indian Services College Scholarship is awarded to Native American students who are enrolled members of a U.S. Federally Recognized American Indian or Alaska Native Tribe. Applicants may be part-time or full-time status.
Ford Foundation Scholarships (Interested students must contact the Office of External Fellowships) - meant to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students; Alaska Natives (Aleut, Eskimo and other Indigenous People of Alaska); African Americans; Mexican Americans or Chicanos(as); Native American Indians; Native Pacific Islanders (Hawaiian/Polynesian/Micronesian); and Puerto Ricans
The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans offers the Frank J. Vigilante Scholarship to students who are of Italian heritage demonstrating high academic performance and financial need.
National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC) Fellowships- emphasizes recruitment of women and underrepresented minorities into doctoral degree programs within the physical sciences, biochemistry, computer science, and related fields of science and engineering
The National GEM Consortium Fellowships-engineering, natural and physical sciences; for master's and PhD-level work; African American, Native American Indian, and Hispanic students
The Nick & Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship is offered to students of Italian heritage with preference given towards students majoring in music or related field and students that are orphaned or have lived in foster homes.
December
Islamic Scholarship Fund- awards for Muslim students studying social sciences, humanities and law, and are active in their communities
Lambda Theta Nu Sorority offers a scholarship to Latina students who demonstrate financial need. Incoming, undergraduate, and graduate students may apply.
Barrios Virgüez’s Young Hispanic Leader Scholarship offers financial assistance to students anticipating or returning to college.
January
AIA/F Diversity Advancement Scholarship is designed to help minority students pursue a successful career in architecture.
American Psychological Association Minority Fellowships Program minority students with a dedication to a career in mental health research or services relevant to ethnic and racial minority groups
American Sociological Association Minority Fellowships Program supports the development and training of sociologists of color in mental illness and disorders and related co-morbidities (i.e. alcohol and drug abuse)
Barrios Virgüez’s Young Hispanic Leader Scholarship offers financial assistance to students anticipating or returning to college.
Udall Native American Congressional Internship - internship positions for Native American Indians and Alaska Natives in Washington, DC, for a summer; college juniors, seniors or recent graduates and graduate or law students
February
The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. offers a scholarship with the purpose to provide economic opportunities to African American students. Incoming and undergraduate students may apply.
Asian Pacific Fund various fields; 9 different scholarships supporting undergraduate and graduate students of Asian & Pacific Islander backgrounds
Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) funding for Asian American students to complete summer internships in Washington, DC
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation General Mills Health Scholarship for students preparing to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree full-time OR a current full-time student in good academic standing at an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in the fields of medicine, engineering, technology, nutrition, or other health-related studies; minimum 2.5 GPA on 4.0 scale and exhibit leadership ability and participate in community service activities
Daughters of the American Revolution Indian Scholarship-awards for Native American college students; all majors welcome; D.A.R. membership not necessary
The Edward M Nagel Scholarship is open to undergraduate students pursuing studies in business (and business-related majors)
Institute for Responsible Citizenship summer fellowships in Washington, DC, and NYC for African-American males; college sophomores only
Educational scholarship funds from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago are available for Jewish college and graduate students who are pursuing careers in the helping professions
Kosciuszko Foundation | Dr. Marie E. Zakrzewski Medical Scholarship awarded annually to one young woman of Polish ancestry in her first, second, or third year of medical studies at an accredited school of medicine in the United States; award of $3,500; first preference given to residents of Massachusetts or New England at-large
Lagrant Foundation Scholarship for Graduate Students for African American, Asian American or Pacific Islander, Hispanic and Native American students enrolled in a graduate program concentrating in advertising, marketing or public relations
Lagrant Foundation Scholarship for Undergraduatesfor African American, Asian American or Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Native American continuing undergrads studying advertising, marketing or public relations or minoring in communications
The Muslim Women’s Alliance Scholarship is designed to empower women and to allow them to become self-sufficient. Applicants must be pursuing an Associate’s degree, a first Bachelor’s degree, or pursuing technical or vocational training at an accredited school.
National Association of Black Journalists Scholarship must be a student member of NABJ; for journalism majors or those pursuing careers in journalism
Semiconductor Research Corporation GRC Master's Scholarship-for women and underrepresented minority groups (African American, Hispanic, Native American) pursuing graduate study in microelectronics
Udall Scholarships for Undergraduates (Interested students must contact the Office of External Fellowships) - for Native American or Alaska Native college juniors who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to tribal public policy; or who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to Native health care
March
The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. offers a scholarship with the purpose to provide economic opportunities to African American students. Incoming and undergraduate students may apply.
The ACS Scholars Program awards renewable scholarships to undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups in the chemical sciences, majoring in chemistry-related disciplines, and intending to pursue chemistry-related careers.
The Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship is offered to provide financial aid to racially/ethnically students in healthcare management graduate programs to help offset tuition costs, student loans and expenses.
The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship promotes diversity within the profession through an annual scholarship program for Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American and Pacific Islander students. The scholarship award recognizes and encourages the academic achievements of full-time undergraduate students pursuing a degree that may lead to a career in the actuarial profession.
The Against the Grain Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship is for students who identify as Asian or Pacific Islander and can demonstrate their groundbreaking work and leadership. Applicants can be high school seniors, undergraduate, or graduate students continuing their education.
AICPA Scholarship For Minority Accounting Students provides financial assistance to outstanding minority students to encourage their pursuit of accounting as a major and their ultimate entry into the profession.
The Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship is offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives. This is an annual scholarship to minority students enrolled in a healthcare management graduate program. Graduate students may apply.
American Chemical Society Minority Scholars Program high school seniors and continuing undergraduate students intent on majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a chemically related field; African American, Hispanic and Native American students
American Political Science Association Minority Fellowship Program- for pursuit of doctoral degrees in political science; African Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Latinos/as, and Native Americans
Chinese American Medical Society Scholarship awards 3-5 scholarships annually to medical students, dentistry students or scientists of Chinese descent
The National Association of Colored Women's Club offers its annual Hallie Q. Brown Scholarship to a student recommended by active NACWC members. Incoming and undergraduate students may apply.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund various fields, awards and deadlines, for Hispanic students in high school, community college, or at a four-year university
Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Scholarship for recent college graduates interested in developing leadership and public policy experience
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National Scholarship Fund- Hispanic students; must apply through a local LULAC council (info on website)
The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship by the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice is offering financial support to African American students interested in a career in Criminal Justice.
April
The American Association of Blacks in Energy proudly supports the academic achievements of students who desire careers in the energy industry, by awarding scholarships to those students who meet the minimum scholarship qualifications.
Sponsored by Chevron, a scholarship is awarded in memory of Ann Seki, an original member of the Chevron Hispanic Recruiting Team. For 30 years, she had a determined viewpoint in ensuring Chevron met diversity hiring goals and was instrumental in developing a process to identify and select Chevron employees for higher recognition outside Chevron.
Microsoft offers the Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarships, which are annually awarded to high school graduates of African descent. These students must be pursuing engineering, computer science, computer information systems or a business degree. Incoming students may apply.
The CME Group Foundation Scholars Program is open to low-income, underrepresented minority students majoring in finance, computer science, information technology, math, cyber security, data science, statistics, or financial engineering. Applicants should be rising sophomores, juniors and seniors.
The EMPOWER Scholarship, administered by Courage Kenny Foundation, encourages and supports ethnically diverse students who are pursuing a career in a medical or rehabilitation field. The scholarship is made possible by a generous gift from the David M. Hersey Endowment Fund of the Courage Kenny Foundation.
Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education (ILACHE) Scholarship various fields; Hispanic students currently enrolled full-time at a four-year college or university in Illinois
Islamic Society of North America Scholarships scholarships and fellowships for Muslim American students pursuing a college education in the United States
Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarships To honor Arab-American students who excel in Media Studies. Amount for $1,000. Eligible for college students majoring in journalism, radio, television, and/or film, and who are juniors, seniors, or in graduate school.
Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Fellowships for recent college graduates interested in developing leadership and public policy experience
The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans offers its John Fischetti Scholarship to Italian undergraduate students studying journalism or communications
The Joint Civic Committee of Italian American’s Women’s Division offers this scholarship to graduating high school students who identify as women and are of Italian descent. Applicants must be Illinois residents
Kay Kongcope Scholarship | National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association for tuition assistance to an LGBT student of color who plans a career in journalism and is committed to furthering NLGJA’s mission of fair and accurate coverage of the LGBT community
NIH Heart, Lung & Blood Institute Funding and Awards for underrepresented undergraduates and graduate students, paid research training at NIH over 2 years
The General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad is accepting applications for its second Philoxenia Trip Program to Greece aimed to further enhance the bonds between twenty U.S. and Canadian students of Greek descent and their country of origin.
Polish National Alliance Scholarship Program any field, for current undergraduate students of Polish descent, who are members of the alliance
UIC Latin Recruitment and Educational Services Program (LARES) scholarship listings for UIC Latino and Latina students
Worldstudio Foundation Scholarships students in studio design and the visual arts; minority students are particularly encouraged to apply
May
Adelante! Scholarships for current Hispanic undergraduate students majoring in international business, general business, economics, finance, accounting, marketing, public relations, communications or sales.
The Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship provides financial assistance and promotion of Asian-American college students pursuing a major in the performing, visual arts, journalism and/or mass communications.
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) A.T Anderson Scholarship is offered to undergraduate and graduate STEM students. Students must have a membership to AISES and be an enrolled citizen or descendent of an enrolled citizen of a federal or state-recognized American Indian Tribe, Alaska Native village, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Indigenous person of Canada.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Louis Stokes Health Scholars Program awards (10) scholarships of up to $8,000 each for U.S. citizens or legal U.S. residents who have a GPA of 3.0 or above; must be currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or technical school in a subject that will lead to a career in a health field; preference to students at two-year institutions who plan to complete a four-year degree and seek work in an underserved community
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Spouses Education Scholarship for students preparing to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree full-time OR already current full-time students in good academic standing at an accredited college or university; must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale; exhibit leadership ability and participate in community service activities
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Spouses Heineken USA Performing Arts Scholarship for students pursuing an undergraduate degree full-time in good academic standing at an accredited college or university; planning to pursue a degree in a field that will lead to a career in the performing arts (drama, music, dance, opera, marching bands and other musical ensembles); have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; exhibit leadership ability and participate in community service activities; awards of up to $3,000 to (10) students
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship for students pursuing an undergraduate degree full-time in good academic standing at an accredited college or university; planning to pursue a degree in a field that will lead to a career in the visual arts (architecture, ceramics, drawing, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interior design, painting, photography, sketching, video production and other decorative arts); have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; exhibit leadership ability and participate in community service activities; awards of up to $3,000 to (10) students
QuantHub offers an annual Diversity in Data Science Scholarship to students who identify with a minority group and are pursuing a career in the data science field (business analytics, statistics, computer science). Incoming, undergraduate, and graduate students are encouraged to apply.
The American Indian College Fund offers the Full Circle Scholarship to Native American U.S. citizens affiliated with a state or federally recognized tribe. Students in any discipline may apply.
HACU-Southwest Airlines Lanzate Travel Grant funding air travel for undergraduate and graduate students who go to school away from home
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation offers its annual scholarship to Illinois residents pursuing an undergraduate degree. Undergraduate students may apply.
Iranian-America Scholarship Fund for current undergraduate and graduate students (no freshmen or PhD students) with verifiable Iranian heritage who are current U.S. citizens or permanent residents; demonstrated financial need and commitment to community service
Kosciuszko Foundation | Dr. Marie E. Zakrzewski Medical Scholarship awarded annually to one young woman of Polish ancestry in her first, second, or third year of medical studies at an accredited school of medicine in the United States; award of $3,500; first preference given to residents of Massachusetts or New England at-large
Kosciuszko Foundation Scholarships various fields; for undergraduate, professional and graduate students who are Polish-American
The Actuarial Foundation Actuary Diversity Scholarship for Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American and Pacific Islander students; must be a full-time undergraduate students pursuing a degree that may lead to a career in the actuarial profession; awards $1,000 to high school seniors applying for freshmen year; $2,000 to college freshmen applying for sophomore year/sophomore applying for junior year; and $3,000 to college juniors applying for senior year
Yivo Institute-Bard College Summer Yiddish Program- summer study program of Yiddish language, and an in-depth exploration of the literature and culture of East European/American Jewry
June
The Actuarial Foundation’s Actuarial Diversity Scholarship is offered to full-time undergraduate students who are of Black/African American, Latinx, Native North American, or Pacific Islander descent. Applicants must be interested in a career in the actuarial profession.
The American Indian Nurse Scholarship is offered to students of American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian heritage pursuing a degree in nursing or a similar healthcare field. Students should desire to use their education to provide for the needs of their community.
Korean American Scholarship Foundation various fields; for high school seniors, undergraduates and graduate/professional school students
The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) – Midwestern Regional Chapter (MWRC) is for full-time undergraduate students in a midwestern state
The Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA) offers financial assistance to Undergraduate, Graduate and Professional students. Applications for the PRCUA Education Fund Scholarship Program consists of five different scholarship opportunities.
Prime Foundation Scholarship offers various awards to students who have impacted the Asian and Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ communities. Applicants can identify with either or both communities and be an ally.
July
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) offers the Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship to students in all fields of study. NAACP membership is required. Incoming, undergraduate, and graduate students may apply.
The American Indian Services College Scholarship is awarded to Native American students who are enrolled members of a U.S. Federally Recognized American Indian or Alaska Native Tribe. Applicants may be part-time or full-time status.
The Armenian Educational Foundation has offered a helping hand to hundreds of students in more than a dozen nations throughout the world. Through the formation of more scholarship funds, the AEF is providing support to a larger number of students in colleges and universities in the United States.
Cafe del Futuro Scholarship Essay Contest- essay competition for Latino/a students
Cintas Fellowship in Visual Arts and Music Composition visual photography, arts, literature; artists with Cuban citizenship or of direct descent (Cuban parent or grandparent)
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Environmental Studies Scholarship two awards of $10,000 each to minority and women college students pursuing a degree in environmental science or other related fields of study; must have junior class standing in college with a declared major in environmental science or a related field, with a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and be a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) offers the Hubert W.V. Williems Scholarship for Male Students to students majoring in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematical Sciences. NAACP membership preferred. Incoming, undergraduate, and graduate students may apply.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) offers the James Weldon Scholarship Award to assist students with their education so they on focus on becoming leaders in their communities. Incoming and undergraduate students may apply.
The NBCUniversal/LNESC Scholarship assists and encourage undergraduate Latinx students interested in the media and entertainment industry. College sophomores and juniors may apply.
Deadline Varies
American Meteorological Society Scholarships and Graduate Fellowships-outstanding undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in the atmospheric and related oceanic or hydrologic sciences
Chicago Society of the Polish National Alliance (PNA)various fields; for undergraduate, professional and graduate students who are Polish-American
HIAS Chicago Graduate Scholarship for full-time students who are Jewish immigrants to the U.S. and applied for Permanent Residency (i.e. a “Green Card”) or Citizenship with the assistance of HIAS Chicago between January 1, 2001 and the present; must have lived in the U.S. since March 1, 2010 or earlier and demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, assistance to your community, and a well thought out educational plan
HIAS Chicago Undergraduate Scholarship for full-time graduate or professional students who are Jewish immigrants to the U.S. and received assistance from HIAS Chicago at any time; must have lived in U.S. for at least two years and demonstrate financial need
Indian Health Service Scholarship Fund documented Native American Indian and Alaskan Native undergraduate students pursuing degree programs leading to the health fields
Indicorps students of Indian (South Asian) origin who have completed a bachelor's degree or 5 years work experience; for community and identity development in India
National Medical Fellowships merit-based awards recognizing outstanding minority medical students, recommended by their medical schools; offered primarily to third- and fourth-year medical students
Robert B. Bailey Scholarship for Study Abroad for undergraduate students participating in a CIEE study abroad program; must self-identify as a member of a minority group or a group traditionally underrepresented in study abroad
NAACP Scholarships several scholarships, variety of fields; some require membership in the NAACP
Islamic Development Bank Scholarship This program is unique as the IDB scholarship is a grant from the IDB to the Muslim community and is offered as an interest-free loan to the students, to be refunded in easy installments, for the future use of other needy students in the community. Five scholarships of $15,000 each year for four years will be awarded. This scholarship is for students entering their first year of professional (graduate level) study.