BeyGOOD Scholarships: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, through her BeyGOOD initiative, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering economic equity and empowering marginalized communities. BeyGOOD focuses on economic equity by supporting marginalized and under-resourced programs, committed to serving people through educational scholarships, the advocacy of internships, and access to resources for advancing entrepreneurship and small business sustainability across the country and abroad. The various scholarship programs and grants offered through BeyGOOD aim to provide opportunities, knowledge, and resources that transform communities into places of economic prosperity and generational growth. This article delves into the requirements and opportunities presented by BeyGOOD scholarships, highlighting their impact on students and entrepreneurs.
Homecoming Scholars Award Program
Following the initial announcement of the Homecoming Scholars Award Program, Beyoncé, through her BeyGOOD initiative, partnered with Google to announce more scholarships for the 2018-2019 academic year. In a historic moment, Beyoncé, one of the most influential entertainers of her generation, became the first black woman to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in its 19-year run on April 14, 2018. This achievement underscored the importance of celebrating and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Scholarship Details
The Homecoming Scholars Award Program for 2018-19 expanded to all qualifying students at four UNCF-member institutions: Bethune-Cookman, Tuskegee, Xavier, and Wilberforce, regardless of gender. One winner from each school received $25,000 for the 2018-2019 academic year for study in various fields. These disciplines included literature, creative arts, African American studies, science, education, business, communications, social sciences, computer science, and engineering.
Institutional Perspectives
Interim President Hubert L. Grimes of Bethune-Cookman University expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, "I am truly grateful for this high honor in the legacy of our founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. This gift reminds us of the importance of HBCU’s and the support for our students from the entire community."
Renaissance Scholars Program
To continue Mrs. Carter's history of support for student education, the Renaissance Scholars program was introduced. Awarded scholarships are received from BeyGOOD by the University on behalf of the 2023/2024 Renaissance Scholars and will be applied against University tuition or related fees for books, supplies, or equipment required for courses at the University.
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Eligible Students and Universities
This scholarship opportunity for the 2018-2019 academic year focused on recognizing outstanding students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Eligible students included one student at each of the following universities: Xavier University, Wilberforce University, Tuskegee University, Bethune-Cookman University, Grambling State University, Texas Southern University, Fisk University, and Morehouse College. Eligible majors ranged from literature and creative arts to business and engineering.
Application Requirements
Applicants are typically required to provide a letter of recommendation from an academic or community representative. Additionally, applicants must upload an essay addressing specific topics, such as:
- How this scholarship can position you for even greater academic success to support family, school, community, civic, and state impact?
BeyGOOD Houston Scholarships and Grants
Houstonian superstar Beyoncé and her nonprofit, BeyGOOD, are providing an annual $500,000 in scholarships and salon business grants. A total of 25 $10,000 scholarships and 25 $10,000 business grants are given out.
Franklin Institute Partnership
In Houston, the Franklin Institute was selected as the only cosmetology school to partner for the scholarship; Beyonce’s mother, Tina Knowles is an alumna of the school. The Franklin Institute hosts in-person open houses to answer questions and assist potential students with the application process. A spokesperson for the Franklin Institute noted, "[Tina’s] connection to our school makes this honor even more special as we continue to celebrate 100 years of serving and training the Houston community."
Scholarship Details
There are five scholarships available per school. The $10,000 scholarship is intended to assist with tuition fees and other educational expenses. Recipients are required to maintain satisfactory academic performances and provide periodic updates on their educational progress and experiences.
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Cécred x BeyGOOD Salon & Barbershop Business Grant Program
Cécred and the BeyGOOD Foundation launched the second iteration of the Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund, deepening the investment in the beauty industry and the professionals who bring it to life. The Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund is proud to offer $370,000 of the $500,000 commitment to award $10,000 business grants to 37 salon and barbershop business owners who have demonstrated financial hardship. These grants are designed to empower licensed entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow and thrive. In addition to financial assistance, these grants are designed to provide access to critical business development tools, mentorship and resources provided by The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). An application form is typically required to apply for the Cécred x BeyGOOD Salon & Barbershop Business Grant Program.
Global Citizen Fellowship Program
This year marks the last year of the four-year Global Citizen Fellowship Program, powered by Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD. In this final year, the program expanded to Kenya. Over the last four years, Global Citizen and BeyGOOD have been helping to enrich young lives through the Africa-based fellowship program. Launched in 2019, following the success of commitments made at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 in December 2018, the fellowship is focused on Global Citizen’s vision of eliminating extreme poverty through providing young people with opportunities to gain experience working on social impact projects.
Program Details
This year, applications were open to three African countries, with young changemakers in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa being accepted. For this year’s fellowship program, Global Citizen accepted five fellows from each country to be part of the year-long experience. Each was provided with the skills and resources needed to help them secure work beyond their time with Global Citizen.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be based in Kenya, South Africa, or Nigeria and between the ages of 21 and 25 with a matric or secondary school certificate. The program ran from July 19, 2022, until June 30, 2023. Applicants must be able to house themselves in Johannesburg or Lagos for the duration of the program. Kenyan applicants can be based anywhere in the country and participate virtually. The Global Citizen Fellowship Program is funded by Tyler Perry through BeyGOOD.
General Scholarship Advice
There is a scholarship (or many scholarships) out there for everyone. Every student has some skill, interest, experience, or characteristic that may make them an attractive candidate for one scholarship or another. While scholarships are often referred to as “free money,” they don’t actually come for free. It takes work to thoughtfully consider your strengths and research the scholarships that might be most appropriate for you. The effort that goes into finding and winning scholarships may be akin to a part-time job.
Read also: Foundation Scholarship Details
BeyGOOD's Vision and Mission
BeyGOOD believes in a society where everyone has an opportunity to prosper. Our work helps organizations, institutions, and people work to transform their communities into places of well-being, economic prosperity, generosity, and justice. BeyGOOD focuses on economic equity by supporting marginalized and under-resourced programs, committed to serving people through educational scholarships, the advocacy of internships, and access to resources for advancing entrepreneurship and small business sustainability across the country and abroad. Equity remains at the center of all that we do; ensuring that we serve those who need the most support. When disasters strike, BeyGOOD has built a legacy of meeting emergency needs for marginalized and underserved communities.
Staying Updated
Staying updated on the latest news and events related to social impact initiatives, as well as opportunities to get involved and make a positive difference in your community is essential.
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