Frederick Douglass Scholarship: Opportunities and Requirements

The Frederick Douglass Scholarship stands as a beacon of opportunity for students dedicated to academic excellence and positive societal impact. These scholarships, named in honor of the abolitionist, suffragist, author, and agent of change Frederick Douglass, aim to support students who embody his spirit and legacy.

Types of Frederick Douglass Scholarships

Several institutions and organizations offer scholarships in the name of Frederick Douglass, each with its own specific focus and eligibility criteria. Here's an overview of some prominent scholarships:

University of Maryland - College Park: Frederick Douglass Scholarship (FDS)

The Frederick Douglass Scholarship (FDS) at the University of Maryland - College Park is a prestigious merit-based scholarship designed for academically talented transfer students from Maryland community colleges. It recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a commitment to their communities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the FDS at the University of Maryland, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Residency: Be a Maryland resident at the time of applying. Residency is determined by the applicant's responses to the residency questions on the admission application.
Admission Status: Be an admitted UMD student for the current spring semester or a transfer applicant with a completed and submitted application (including all required documents) for the upcoming fall semester with no previous degree-seeking status at the university.
Academic Standing: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Educational Background: Earned an associate’s degree from a Maryland community college or be in the process of completing 56 college credits, with the most recent 30 credits earned at a Maryland community college. Students completing their 56th credit at the time of applying must reflect that courses are in progress on their transcript or the transfer application.

Application Requirements

A completed application for the FDS at the University of Maryland includes the following:

Read also: The Legacy of Frederick Richards

A completed transfer application for admission to the University of Maryland.
A completed FDS application submitted online by March 1 to be considered for the scholarship.
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
An activities and awards list or resume detailing extracurricular and personal activities, including dates, and describing involvement and participation.
A 500-word, typed and double-spaced essay on the following topic: "Describe the neighborhood or community you grew up in. How has it shaped your dreams and aspirations, and how do you intend to use your educational and professional goals to impact UMD and beyond?"
Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a community college faculty member and one from an individual of your choosing.

Award Details

The University of Maryland's Frederick Douglass Scholarship awards 30 full and 15 partial tuition scholarships, and selected students will be invited to interview in late March or early April as part of the final scholarship review process. Scholarship recipients will be notified by the end of April.

American University: Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars (FDDS) Program

The Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars (FDDS) program at American University was developed to serve exceptional students, preparing them for graduate/professional school, career management, and socially responsible leadership.

Eligibility and Focus

American University annually awards one of its most selective, merit-based scholarships (covering tuition, housing, meal plan, books, mandatory fees, and public transportation) to five incoming first-year student leaders. These students are expected to be ambitious, introspective, and optimistic, possessing curiosity, strong academic records, outstanding self-awareness, demonstrated leadership experience, creative ability, and an interest in having a meaningful impact as servant leaders.

Program Status

Notably, the program admitted its last class of scholars in 2022, who will graduate from the program in 2026.

Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program

To honor the 2018 bicentennial of Frederick Douglass's birth, the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program was established to support students attending accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide.

Background

Tony Signore, founder and chairman of the program, established the scholarship out of deep admiration for Douglass. The program aims to provide $20,000 in scholarships each year to students enrolled in four-year HBCUs.

Participating HBCUs

The scholarship is available to students attending a wide range of HBCUs, including:

Alabama A&M University
Alabama State University
Albany State University
Alcorn State University
Allen University
American Baptist College
Arkansas Baptist College
Benedict College
Bennett College
Bethune-Cookman University
Bluefield State College
Bowie State University
Central State University
Cheyney University
Claflin University
Clark Atlanta University
Clinton College
Coppin State College
Delaware State University
Dillard University
Edward Waters College
Elizabeth City State University
Fayetteville State University
Fisk University
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Florida Memorial University
Fort Valley State University
Grambling State University
Hampton University
Harris-Stowe State University
Howard University
Huston-Tillotson University
Interdenominational Theological Center
Jackson State University
Jarvis Christian College
Johnson C. Smith University
Kentucky State University
Lane College
Langston University
LeMoyne-Owen College
Lincoln University
Lincoln University of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Livingstone College
Meharry Medical College
Miles College
Mississippi Valley State University
Morehouse College
Morehouse School of Medicine
Morgan State University
Morris College
Norfolk State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
North Carolina Central University
Oakwood University
Paine College
Paul Quinn College
Philander Smith College
Prairie View A&M University
Rust College
Savannah State University
Selma University
Shaw University
Simmons College
South Carolina State University
Southern University Law Center
Southern University and A&M College
Southern University at New Orleans
Southwestern Christian College
Spelman College
St. Augustine's University
Stillman College
Talladega College
Tennessee State University
Texas College
Texas Southern University
Tougaloo College
Tuskegee University
University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff
University of Maryland - Eastern Shore
University of the District of Columbia
University of the Virgin Islands - Albert A. Sheen - St. Croix Campus
University of the Virgin Islands - St. Thomas Campus
Virginia State University
Virginia Union University
Virginia University of Lynchburg
Voorhees College
West Virginia State University
Wilberforce University
Wiley College
Winston-Salem State University
Xavier University

The inaugural application opened during the 2018-19 academic year, with annual applications opening each year through the 2038-39 academic year.

General Scholarship Information

Some general guidelines and considerations apply to many scholarship programs, including the Frederick Douglass Scholarships:

Maintaining Eligibility

Many scholarships require students to maintain a minimum GPA and complete a certain number of credits each academic year. For instance, a student might need to maintain a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA and successfully complete 30 credits per academic year to retain a scholarship.

If a student's GPA falls below the minimum requirement, they may be placed on probation for a semester to raise their GPA. Scholarships typically do not cover the cost of winter and summer courses, although students may take courses during these terms to improve their GPA or make up credits.

Financial Aid and Taxation

Scholarships and grants that cover tuition and mandatory fees are generally tax-free. However, scholarship money used for books, supplies, and equipment may also be tax-free if these items are required for all students in the course. Scholarship funds received for room and board are typically considered taxable income. It's essential for students to consult tax professionals to understand their specific tax liabilities.

Combining Scholarships and Financial Aid Adjustments

Scholarships may not be combined in such a way that the total aid a student receives exceeds the cost of attendance. If a student receives funds exceeding the cost of attendance, the scholarship amount may be reduced. The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) typically determines the cost of attendance and may modify financial assistance at any time.

Study Abroad and Co-op Programs

Students planning to participate in university-sponsored Study Abroad Programs or Co-op programs may be eligible to receive the Frederick Douglass Scholarship with prior approval from their program advisor and OSFA. In some cases, students may defer receipt of the scholarship during Co-op programs.

Refunds and Withdrawals

If a student fully withdraws from courses and receives a refund for tuition, mandatory fees, room, or board, their scholarship may be adjusted during the semester of withdrawal.

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