Across the nation, numerous scholarships—like the Ron Brown Scholarship—recognize young leaders who are making a difference through community service. For high school and college students passionate about giving back, these opportunities can help reduce their education costs.
The Ron Brown Scholarship, in particular, offers substantial financial support for college.
In this guide, readers will discover community service project ideas that could catch the eye of scholarship committees, along with information on other community service scholarships that can help turn service into significant college cash.
The Ron Brown Scholarship
The Ron Brown Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for African American students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to public service. Named in honor of Ronald H. Brown, a trailblazer in public service and global advocacy, this scholarship awards $40,000 to 20-25 outstanding students each year.
Designed to support students passionate about community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship, the Ron Brown Scholarship aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will drive change in their communities and beyond.
For those dedicated to making a positive impact, this scholarship provides not only financial support for higher education but also a platform to showcase leadership and service. Whether through academic excellence, community involvement, or entrepreneurial endeavors, the Ron Brown Scholarship celebrates those who are shaping the future.
Students ready to showcase their community service impact should be sure to mark their calendars with these important dates for the Ron Brown Scholarship application process.
What You Need to Apply
Here’s what’s needed to apply:
- Application Overview: Applicants should list their extracurricular activities, community involvement, and employment in order of importance. For each, be sure to include the duration, role, and hours per week committed. This section helps demonstrate time management skills and how applicants prioritize activities outside the classroom.
- Academic and Extracurricular Achievements: Applicants should include any significant awards or honors received during high school that highlight their academic or extracurricular excellence.
- Essays: Two essays, each no longer than 500 words:
- Essay A: Discuss the activity listed as most important and explain its significance.
- Essay B: Provide an essay written for college applications or choose a new topic. This is a chance to show depth and personal insight.
- Letters of Recommendation: Applicants should ask two individuals who know them well to vouch for their character and abilities. At least one letter should be from someone at the applicant’s school, such as a teacher or counselor.
- Official Transcript and School Profile: Applicants should include their most recent semester’s grades, along with a high school profile. School counselors typically provide this information. If a profile is not available, it will not negatively affect the application.
Ron Brown Scholarship Application Link
Students looking for ways to strengthen their Ron Brown Scholarship or other community service scholarship applications can explore other service ideas. These projects not only contribute to the community but can also highlight leadership, initiative, and problem-solving skills—qualities that scholarship committees value.
Application and Decision Timeline
December 1st: Application deadline
December 15th: Deadline for submitting transcripts and recommendations
Mid-February: Notification for semifinalists
Early March: Finalists invited for interviews
Early May: Winners announced on the website
Meaningful Community Service Ideas
Looking for ways to make a lasting impact while standing out in your application? Applicants can consider these innovative and meaningful community service activities:
- Organize a “Green Day” for Community Clean-up: Coordinate a local event to clean and beautify parks, streets, or public spaces. This initiative promotes environmental stewardship and community pride.
- Start a Peer Tutoring Program: Set up a tutoring initiative where high school students help younger peers or elementary students with subjects they’re struggling with. This promotes academic success and mentorship.
- Lead a Tech Workshop for Seniors: Offer a series of workshops teaching elderly community members how to use smartphones, navigate social media, and stay connected online. This bridges the digital divide and enhances intergenerational connections.
- Create an Art Therapy Program for Children in Hospitals: Design an art program where hospitalized children can express themselves creatively, providing emotional relief during difficult times. This combines creativity with social impact.
- Establish a Community Garden for Local Food Banks: Build a garden that produces fresh vegetables to be donated to food banks. This addresses food insecurity while promoting sustainability and teamwork.
- Develop a School-wide Recycling Program: Implement a recycling initiative at your school that raises awareness about environmental issues while encouraging sustainable practices.
- Organize a Book Drive for Underfunded Schools: Collect books for donation to schools in need, helping to promote literacy and access to educational resources.
- Host a Health and Wellness Day: Organize a community event that offers free fitness classes, nutrition workshops, and wellness screenings. This initiative promotes a healthy lifestyle and community well-being.
- Plan a Cultural Awareness Festival: Host an event that celebrates diverse cultures through food, music, and art. This fosters inclusivity and broadens cultural understanding within the community.
- Launch a Personal Safety Workshop: Lead workshops focused on personal safety, including self-defense, emergency preparedness, and safety in the digital age, for children and elderly residents.
Other Community Service Scholarship Opportunities
For those inspired by the Ron Brown Scholarship, there are several other opportunities that recognize and reward community service. Here are some scholarships that honor students for their leadership, dedication, and impact in their communities:
- MoreWithUs Scholarship is designed to support students who have learned valuable skills through everyday jobs or volunteer positions. Whether as a camp counselor, tutor, or pizza delivery driver, applicants are encouraged to share the lessons they’ve learned and how they plan to apply those experiences to their future career ambitions. The scholarship awards $500 to help cover books, tuition, or other school-related expenses.
Deadline: December 15, 2024 - Striving for Justice Scholarship is awarded to a student who can best articulate their efforts in fighting for justice and standing up for others in their local community. Applicants must submit an essay detailing the injustices they are working to address and how others can get involved. The winner will receive $1,000 to support their education.
Deadline: December 30, 2024 - Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate a commitment to community service, leadership, and academic excellence. This scholarship is designed to support students who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. The scholarship awards $5,000 to help cover college expenses, with a focus on supporting students dedicated to social responsibility and civic engagement. Deadline: December 31, 2024
Want more scholarship opportunities?
Whether preparing your Ron Brown Scholarship application or exploring other opportunities, turning your passion for community service into scholarship dollars is a powerful way to fund your education and create lasting change. To make your scholarship search even easier, consider becoming a paid member of the HBCU Money Guide platform. With the platform, you can search scholarships using filters, easily bookmark and save scholarships of interest, and access detailed application information and tips. Plus, get direct links to applications and watch helpful videos with advice from past winners. Start maximizing your chances today and take the first step toward securing.
