The Black at Microsoft Scholarship Program 2026 is an initiative designed to support high-achieving Black high school seniors pursuing undergraduate studies in STEM or Business fields at accredited four-year universities across the United States. Established by The Seattle Foundation in partnership with the Black at Microsoft Inclusion Network, this scholarship aims to empower future leaders with financial support, mentorship, and recognition as they prepare for careers in technology and business.
Scholarship Overview
The Black at Microsoft Scholarship provides awards ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, with up to 55 scholarships available. Selected students will be recognized for their academic performance, leadership, and dedication to technology and community engagement.
- Five awards of $5,000: Renewable for up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, contingent on maintaining a 3.0 GPA, full-time enrollment, and continued study in an eligible STEM or Business major.
- Fifty awards of $2,500: One-time awards for undergraduate study. Past recipients are not eligible to reapply.
The scholarship program is administered by Scholarship America®, a leading organization managing education support programs for corporations and foundations nationwide. Scholarship payments are made directly to the recipient’s school in early August, ensuring smooth disbursement of funds.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a high school senior planning to enroll full-time at a U.S. four-year college or university in the fall following graduation.
- Plan to pursue a major in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or Business programs such as Business Administration, Finance, or Marketing.
- Demonstrate a strong passion for technology and leadership within school or community activities.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent.
- International students are eligible if enrolled in a U.S. college or university.
- Microsoft employees and their children are not eligible.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents electronically by the deadline: March 16, 2026, 3:00 PM CT:
- Complete Transcript – Must include student name, school name, grades, and credit hours. International applicants must also provide translated documents and examination results. SAT/ACT scores not listed on transcripts must be uploaded separately.
- Online Recommendation – One recommendation from faculty or school staff submitted no later than three business days after the application deadline.
- Essay (max 2,000 characters / ~500 words) – Describe your career goals and how you plan to engage in the technology industry.
- Evidence of Financial Need – Assessed by Scholarship America for eligibility consideration.
Selection Process
Recipients are selected based on a combination of:
- Academic excellence and performance records
- Leadership skills and community involvement
- Work experience and extracurricular activities
- Personal and educational goals expressed in the essay
- Unique personal or family circumstances that demonstrate resilience or motivation
Scholarship America evaluates applications and recommends finalists, while Microsoft makes the final selection. All applicants agree to accept the final decisions.
Notification and Award Distribution
All applicants will be notified by June 2026 via email. To avoid delivery issues, students should use an active personal email address instead of school or work emails and add studentsupport@scholarshipamerica.org and black-at-microsoft@scholarshipamerica.org to their safe sender list.
Why Apply
The Black at Microsoft Scholarship Program provides a significant opportunity to:
- Gain financial support for college tuition and expenses
- Receive recognition for leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to technology
- Strengthen your resume for future internships, jobs, or scholarships
- Join a network of talented students supported by Microsoft and the Seattle Foundation
This program is a stepping stone for aspiring Black students to pursue careers in technology and business, creating opportunities for personal growth and professional success.
For more information, visit the Black at Microsoft Scholarship now.
