Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Microsoft

Overview The Seattle Foundation and the Black at Microsoft Inclusion Network fund a scholarship program for current high school seniors who intend to enroll full time in a four‑year U.S. college or university to study Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or certain Business majors (Business Administration, Finance, Marketing). The goal is to support students with a demonstrated interest in technology and leadership in school or the community.

Who should apply (Eligibility)

• You must be a high school senior planning to start a four‑year U.S. college or university the fall after you graduate.
• Your intended full‑time major must be one of: Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Business Administration, Finance, or Marketing.
• Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Show a passion for technology and leadership in school or the community.
• International students are eligible if they will enroll at a U.S. college or university.
• Employees of Microsoft and their children are not eligible.

Awards

• Up to 55 awards will be made: five awards of $5,000 and fifty awards of $2,500.
• The five $5,000 awards are renewable for up to three additional years (or until a bachelor’s degree is earned), provided the recipient maintains a cumulative 3.0 GPA, full‑time enrollment, and continues in an eligible major.
• The fifty $2,500 awards are one‑time only; past recipients may not reapply.
• Awards apply to undergraduate study only.

How recipients are chosen Scholarship decisions consider:

• Academic performance
• Leadership and participation in school and community activities
• Work experience
• A written statement of educational and career goals
• Unusual personal or family circumstances
• A short essay (see topic below)
• One online recommendation submitted by school faculty or staff

Essay topic (required)

• Describe how you plan to engage in the technology industry in your career.
• Length limit: 2,000 characters (approximately 500 words or less).

Additional requirement: Demonstrated financial need (as calculated by Scholarship America) is required to receive an award.

Selection process

• Scholarship America selects finalists; Microsoft makes the final recipient selections. Not all applicants will be awarded scholarships. All decisions are final.

Application materials you must upload

• A current, complete high school transcript (grade reports are not accepted). Transcripts must show: student name, school name, grades, and credit hours for each course and term.
• If applicable (international applicants): upper secondary diploma/certificate and examination results.
• English translations for any non‑English documents.
• If SAT/ACT scores are not listed on your transcript, upload copies of the official score reports separately. (College transcripts that include scores are an exception.)
• One online recommendation from a faculty or staff member at your school. This recommendation must be submitted no later than three business days after the application deadline.

Important application notes

• Your application will be incomplete until all required materials are submitted electronically.
• All applicants will be notified by email in June. Use a personal email address (not a school or work address) when you create your applicant account.
• Add studentsupport@scholarshipamerica.org and the program’s email address (as listed in the application instructions) to your safe‑sender list to ensure you receive notifications.
• Scholarship payments are processed by Scholarship America on behalf of The Seattle Foundation and are mailed to the recipient’s school in early August.

Final advice from a teacher If this matches your plans and strengths, apply. Read the instructions carefully, gather your transcript and recommendation early, and proofread your essay so it clearly shows your motivation for a career in technology. Good luck.