Scholarship details
Charleston Family Trust Scholarships: A Tribute to Education, Honesty, and Hard Work
Education is the key to success, but not everyone has the same access to it. Many students face financial barriers that prevent them from pursuing higher education and achieving their full potential. That is why scholarships are so important, as they can make a difference in the lives of deserving students who need a helping hand.
One of the scholarships that can help students overcome these challenges is the Charleston Family Trust Scholarships. These scholarships are offered by the Charleston Family Trust and UNCF, in memory of Thomas and Lulu Charleston, a couple who valued education, honesty, hard work, and self-reliance. The Charleston Family Trust Scholarships aim to support excellence and diversity in the student body and to honor the legacy of the Charleston family.
About Charleston Family Trust
The Charleston Family Trust was established by Thomas and Lulu Charleston, who were both born and raised in the segregated South. The couple struggled financially to pursue higher education and a better life for their family. Mr. Charleston was a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a supporter of the Southern Poverty Law Center, The United Negro College Fund, and had a long and extensive career with the Department of Corrections in California, retiring as Assistant Warden at Folsom State Prison. Mrs. Charleston was a homemaker who raised six children and encouraged them to pursue their education and careers.
The Charleston family believed that education is paramount in one’s journey through life and that it can enrich the lives of those who receive it and those who give it. Their hope was to leave a part of their legacy to those who would otherwise be unable to pursue an education because they believed that “An education is paramount in one’s journey through life.” Their hope was to enrich the lives of those who receive this gift so that in turn, the recipient can do the same for the next generation.
Eligible Applicants
The Charleston Family Trust Scholarships are open to African-American students who are legal residents of the United States and who meet the following criteria:
- They have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and submit an official or unofficial current college academic transcript that demonstrates this GPA.
- They have completed a FAFSA and demonstrate a financial need based on the review of a Financial Aid office official.
- They are enrolled currently as a full-time undergraduate college student at any 4-year accredited institution.
- They complete an online application.
- They submit a one-page personal statement.
- They submit one letter of recommendation, to be submitted by reference via the online form.
Host Country
The Charleston Family Trust Scholarships are hosted by UNCF in the United States. UNCF is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization that supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates.
Scholarship Worth
The Charleston Family Trust Scholarships offer up to $3,000 per recipient for up to four recipients based on their unmet financial needs. The scholarship can be used to cover tuition fees, accommodation costs, health insurance, visa fees, travel expenses, books, or other study-related expenses.
Level and Field of Study
The Charleston Family Trust Scholarships cover any level and field of study at any 4-year accredited institution in the United States.
How to Apply
To apply for the Charleston Family Trust Scholarships, students need to follow these steps:
- Apply for admission or be already enrolled in a 4-year accredited institution in the United States.
- Complete the online scholarship application form on the official website of the scholarship program. The application form requires personal details, academic background, financial situation, motivation, and contribution to diversity.
- Submit an official or unofficial current college academic transcript which demonstrates a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Submit a one-page personal statement that explains why they deserve this scholarship and how they will use it to further their education and career goals.
- Submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, mentor, or employer who can attest to their academic achievements, character, and potential.
- Submit both applications before the deadline. The deadline for the 2022 scholarship is April 18th.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Charleston Family Trust Scholarships, students need to meet these criteria:
- They are African American and legal residents of the United States.
- They have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and submit an official or unofficial current college academic transcript which demonstrates this GPA.
- They have completed a FAFSA and demonstrate a financial need based on the review of a Financial Aid office official.
- They are enrolled currently as a full-time undergraduate college student at any 4-year accredited institution.
- They complete an online application.
- They submit a one-page personal statement.
- They submit one letter of recommendation, to be submitted by reference via the online form.
- They agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the scholarship program.
Scholarship Deadline
The deadline for the 2024 scholarship is April 18th. Only applications that are sent before that date will be considered.
Scholarship Link
For more information about the Charleston Family Trust Scholarships, please visit the official website of the scholarship program. You can also contact Pia Holland at [email protected] for any questions or inquiries.
