The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) HBCU Scholars Program is a one-week residential summer program for high-achieving current high school juniors (rising seniors). This program will be held on the campuses of Alabama State University (host) and Trenholm State Community College.

The program aims to serve students by providing a unique opportunity to learn about HBCU and HBCC institutions, college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship resources. The program also allows students to explore academic majors and career pathways. This program is free to all participants.

• Eligibility: Current high school juniors (Class of 2026). Eligible students must participate in the program during the summer before their senior year.
• Program Dates: June 22 – 27, 2025
• To apply – Applicants must provide the following:
• Completed Application
• Academic Documents:
• Official high school transcript
• ACT/SAT scores (if taken)
• One Letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or college advisor
• One short essay (250 words max) on the following question:
• What is motivating you to pursue education at a collegiate level?

The deadline to apply is April 18, 2025.

Apply here or scan this QR code.

 

FAQs

What are the program dates?  The program dates are June 22 – June 27, 2025. 
 
What is the cost of the program? The cost of the program is FREE to all participants.  The program will cover most expenses associated with the program, including housing, meals, materials, supplies, and activities.  Travel expenses are not covered by the program. 

Where will students reside while in the program? During the week-long program, 100 participants will reside on the campus of Alabama State University.    

What activities will students be involved in during the program? During the week-long program, 100 participants will reside in one of the residence halls.  Students will participate in seminars, develop team presentations, network with business professionals and HBCU alumni, interact with college students, and participate in workshops on college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, HBCUs, and more.

Is this program only for students interested in attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)?  No, the program is open to all students interested in various types of colleges and universities, including HBCUs, community colleges, trade schools, etc. 
 
Who may apply? The TMCF HBCU Scholars Program is open to students during the summer of their junior year in high school (class of 2026).   

Can students participate virtually? Students are unable to participate virtually since it is a residential program.

Who will supervise the students? All participants will be supervised by qualified and trained staff from multiple disciplines and at various levels of the university. Additionally, professional staff members will also live in the residence hall.
 
What are the requirements to apply? 

• Must be a member of the graduating class of 2026
• Must have a minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Share information about extracurricular activities including school and community involvement, clubs, organizations and work experience
• Write a personal statement (250-300 words) responding to one of the following prompts:
  • Option 1: What are your short-term and long-term goals after high school? How can your participation in the TMCF SOAR Program assist you in achieving these goals?
  • Option 2: Describe what motivates you to pursue higher education or a career after high school. How have your experiences shaped your aspirations?

Please note that to complete your application submission, you must upload your transcript and Personal Statement.

On the next page, upload your Personal Statement (option 1 or 2 above) to the first section labled "RESUME." Upload your transcript to the section labeled "TRANSCRIPT."

Please note that no other documents need to be uploaded in the other sections.

 How can students apply?  Students may apply by completing the online application here. 

What is the application deadline?   The application deadline is April 18, 2025.  All supporting documents must be received by April 30, 2025.   

Where can I get more information? Anyone interested in learning more about the TMCF HBCU Scholars Program at ASU should contacting Patina Moss, Operations Coordinator, at 334-604-8384 or email pmoss@alasu.edu .