The Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship is a powerful initiative that supports Black and African American students pursuing higher education in technology and related fields. Sponsored by Microsoft Corporation, this scholarship aims to increase representation in the tech industry by empowering students with financial assistance, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.
Country of Origin
United States of America (USA)
Host Organization
The scholarship is hosted by Microsoft through its employee network, Blacks at Microsoft (BAM).
What is the Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship?
The BAM Scholarship is designed for high school seniors of African descent who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for technology. It not only provides financial aid but also encourages students to pursue careers in the technology industry, including computer science, engineering, IT, and related fields.
Scholarship Benefits
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Financial assistance toward tuition and academic expenses.
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Networking opportunities with Microsoft professionals.
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Encouragement and mentorship from the BAM community.
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Recognition from a global leader in technology.
Scholarship Amount
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$5,000 renewable scholarship, awarded annually for up to 4 years (totaling up to $20,000).
Number of Scholarships
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Each year, Microsoft awards multiple BAM scholarships across the U.S.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be a high school senior of African descent (African American, African, or Ethiopian).
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Plan to attend a 4-year college or university in the U.S. immediately after high school.
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Demonstrate financial need.
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Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
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Plan to pursue a degree in technology-related fields such as:
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Computer Science
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Computer Engineering
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Information Technology
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Business Programs (with a tech focus)
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Scholarship Requirements
Required Documents
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Completed application form.
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Résumé highlighting academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
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Two letters of recommendation (from teachers, counselors, or mentors).
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Transcript of grades.
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Essay (one-page essay on career goals in technology).
Language Requirements
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Application must be submitted in English.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply
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Visit the Official BAM Scholarship Page: Access the application through Microsoft’s scholarship portal.
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Prepare Documents: Collect transcripts, résumé, recommendation letters, and essays.
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Complete Application Form: Enter personal, academic, and extracurricular details.
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Upload Required Files: Attach your documents to the portal.
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Submit Before Deadline: Ensure the application is complete and submitted on time.
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Await Notification: Selected students are notified in spring.
Deadline
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The application deadline is usually March 31 each year.
Available Fields of Study
The scholarship supports majors in:
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Computer Science
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Computer Engineering
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Information Technology
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Business (with technology focus)
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Related technical fields
How to Apply
Apply directly on the official Microsoft scholarship page:
Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship – Microsoft
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can international students apply?
No. Applicants must be U.S. high school seniors planning to study in the U.S.
Q2: Is financial need required?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Q3: Can the scholarship be renewed?
Yes, it is renewable for up to 4 years ($20,000 total).
Q4: Do I need to be accepted into college before applying?
No, but you must plan to attend a 4-year program immediately after high school.
Q5: When are winners announced?
Recipients are usually announced by June.
⭐ In summary: The Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for Black and African American students passionate about technology. With financial aid, mentorship, and career-building support, this program helps the next generation of innovators thrive in the tech industry.
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