Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program-Apply Now
To honor and commemorate the 2018 bicentennial of the birth of Frederick Douglass, The Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program was established in support of students attending accredited historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) nationwide. The program, which honors and celebrates one of our country’s most influential figures, will be administered and managed by UNCF for the next 20 years, until the academic year 2038-39.
About The Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program
The Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program was founded by Tony Signore. His knowledge, respect, and deep admiration for Douglass were instilled in him in 1982 by the Jesuits at Fordham University.
The Signore Family designed and funded the program to honor one of the most important African American figures in our country’s history, providing scholarships to outstanding young women and men attending HBCUs.
During the announcement of the scholarship program in 2018, Signore, founder and chairman of the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship, said, “It’s an incredible honor and privilege for our family to celebrate the life of a true American hero.
On the 200th anniversary of his birth, it is with great reverence that we reflect upon the legacy of a great man and leader, who had such a profound impact on our nation’s history. We also understand the importance and responsibility of supporting HBCU scholars who demonstrate their passion for education.”
Annually, $20,000 in scholarships are awarded to students attending four-year HBCUs.
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Description of The Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship
Each year, the program will award two $10,000 scholarships to exceptional HBCU seniors (one female and one male) demonstrating high academic achievement, leadership skills, commitment to community service, and financial need.

Ths Scholarship Amount
$10,000.
The Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be enrolled full-time as a senior at any accredited public or private four-year historically black college or university (HBCU).
- Minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale as verified through submission of a current transcript.
- The scholarship is restricted by race for Black students
- The student must not be attending high school currently
- Must study full-time program
- Restricted by ethnic heritage: African.
- Applicants must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”) form.
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Application Requirements/Process
Applications must be submitted online and include the following information:
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from faculty members on how the applicant reflects the values espoused by Frederick Douglass.
- Application Form
- Financial Need Analysis
- A current transcript.
- Two (2) Essay
How to Apply
Visit the official scholarship website to apply. The website is found at the end of this page.
Application Deadline
The application starts on November 18.
Application Official website
To visit the scholarship website click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship:
What is the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship?
The Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship is a scholarship program established to commemorate the 200th birthday of Frederick Douglass, a renowned African American abolitionist, orator, and statesman.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
Applicants must be current high school seniors or college students who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university.
What are the selection criteria for the scholarship?
The scholarship committee considers academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and a personal essay that describes the applicant’s interest in and commitment to advancing the principles and values of Frederick Douglass.
How much is the scholarship worth?
The scholarship awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 and are renewable for up to four years.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the scholarship is typically in early March.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Interested applicants can apply online through the scholarship program’s website. The application typically requires transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and other supporting documents.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
The number of scholarships awarded each year varies based on the number and quality of the applications received.
When are the scholarship recipients announced?
Scholarship recipients are typically announced in late April or early May.
Can the scholarship be used for graduate studies?
No, the scholarship is only available for undergraduate studies.
Who can I contact for more information about the scholarship?
More information about the scholarship, including eligibility requirements and the application process, can be found on the scholarship program’s website. You can also contact the scholarship program’s administrators for more information.
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