Black Scholars Program

The Black Scholars Program helps Black and African American students get through college and graduate by offering mentorship, community, and support services tailored to unique needs around racial identity.

When you join the Black Scholars program, you get a professional mentor, an academic advisor, a peer mentor, and an entire community committed to helping you succeed.

Are you Eligible?

1. To join the program, you must be a current or newly admitted student seeking a two-year degree or certificate.
2. You must identify with one of the following below:
   • Neither of your parents earned a Bachelor’s (four-year) degree
   • You filed your FAFSA/ WASFA and are eligible for a PellGrant
     • Does not apply to running start students
   • You have a documented disability on filewith SPSCC Access Services
   • You identify as a student of color
   
   *International students are not eligible for the Black Scholars Program.

How do you apply for the Black Scholars Program?

• If you are a new student, apply to SPSCC and apply for Financial Aid.
• If you are a current student, fill out the Black Scholars application.
• If you are a returning student to the program, please fill out the application form, and select Returning Student.
  *This applies to students that have not been enrolled at SPSCC for two or more quarters.

How to Stay Eligible for Black Scholars?

1. You must either attend weekly Friday Community Forums (currently by zoom).
   • These forums happen on Fridays 12pm-1pm, EXCEPT for first Fridays of the month, from 12-1:30pm).


2. OR
   You must be enrolled in the peer mentor program.

   In this program, you will complete biweekly mentee/mentor check-in forms and communicate with your mentor at least once every month by phone, email, text, or in person.

3. Meet with your Educational & Career Planner once a quarter.
4. Complete a Financial Aid application every year.
   • Does not apply to running start students.

What do you get?

• Community
• Educational Planner
• Peer Mentor
• Professional Mentor
• Laptop (if you need one)
• Textbooks
• Early registration to classes
• Access to the Student of Color Conference
• Black Scholars workshops about history, developing resiliency, and leadership
• $500 scholarship when you complete 45 credits within the program

Application Deadlines

We accept applications on an ongoing basis. However, it is your responsibility to finish the application process in a timely manner.