Read all information before starting application.

In 2025, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) will continue its prestigious Scholarship Program. This initiative seeks to honor exceptional scholarship and leadership among minority students currently pursuing full-time education at accredited, traditional four-year colleges or universities, particularly those engaged in public service. 

NFBPA provides several scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students through its partnerships with corporate supporters, public sector organizations, and individual contributors.  

The Scholarship Program is an integral part of NFBPA’s goal of lending support to minority students interested in leadership roles in public service. Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships or other NFBPA financial awards. If selected, the applicant can receive only one award. 

APPLICATION & SELECTION SCHEDULE

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Current full-time undergraduate or graduate students 
  • Full-time undergraduate is enrollment in minimum of 12 current credits
  • Full-time graduate student is enrollment in minimum of 9 current credits (thesis/non-thesis masters; doctoral research credits can be counted in the 9 current credits)
• Currently enrolled in a U.S. based traditional four-year, accredited college or university
• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA 
  • Cigna and Aflac undergraduate scholarship requires minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA
  • Cigna and Aflac undergraduate scholarship applicants must also submit FAFSA/SAR and SAT or ACT score report during Step 6 of the online application (if your school requires either score)
• At least one full-time academic semester remaining this upcoming Fall
  • Cigna and Aflac undergraduate scholarship requires minimum of one full-time academic year remaining this upcoming Fall
• Applicant working 25 hours or less per week may apply
• Applicants receiving less than full tuition and stipends 
• Applicants who have not previously received an NFBPA scholarship 

SUMMARY OF SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Online Application
2. Official Transcript(s)
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Personal Statement
5. Headshot
6. Video of three minutes in response to NFBPA question
7. Cigna and Aflac - Applicant Specifics 

DETAILS OF SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Online Application

• Create account using school issued email
• Resumes not accepted
  

2. Official Transcript(s)

• Submitted by the college or university to scholarships@nfbpa.org
• Only official transcripts accepted
• Graduate students must have all colleges or universities they have attended submit both official undergraduate and graduate transcripts to scholarships@nfbpa.org
• Latest Transcripts: If the students application submission occurs prior to the conclusion of the Fall 2024 semester, the latest transcripts should be provided. However, Fall 2024 semester transcripts will be required once available.

3. Letters of Recommendation from two different professors at your current college or university who have taught you, or are currently teaching you, at your current college or university.

• Each recommendation letter to be submitted only by the recommending professor
• Each recommendation letter must be on original stationery or letterhead of college or university
• Each recommendation letter must be submitted by the professor to scholarships@nfbpa.org  

4. Personal Statement Using between 500 to 750 words, share why you are an outstanding candidate to receive a scholarship. Also include current student status, and other relevant information such as hometown, extra-curricular activities, volunteer activities, academic record, financial need, etc.

5. Headshot full frontal looking directly into the camera in jpg or similar format.

6. Video minimum two minute response, no more than three minute response to the question: What skills do you expect to develop through your degree program?

Complete and submit at Step 4 of the online application. 

Cigna and Aflac - Applicant Specifics

• An essay for both undergraduate and graduate scholarship submissions. Essay Question: What public leadership strategies can address rising inflation's impact on housing affordability for low-income families, ensuring transparency, accountability, and community engagement? Complete and submit at Step 2 of the online application.
• Undergraduate FAFSA/SAR and SAT or ACT score report (if your school requires either score)

**Application Evaluation Criteria **

**Send questions to scholarships@nfbpa.org or leave message with Admin Services 202-408-9300 ext. 101 Application and supporting documents, photos, etc. become the property of the NFBPA and cannot be returned.**