The Ron Brown Scholar Program offers 20 renewable awards of $10,000 per year for four years, up to $40,000 per student. The 2027 competition is open, with a final application deadline of December 1, 2026; recommendations and transcripts have their own later deadline of December 15, according to the published schedule. The award is for high-school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, community service, and financial need.
Published eligibility requires applicants to be Black/African American, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and current high-school seniors when they apply. Current college students are not eligible. There is no required major: the scholarship may be used at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university. In addition to funding, the scholars and alumni network offers career-development and mentoring opportunities; this complements rather than replaces a college financial-aid package.
Selection considers academics, writing, participation, leadership, and financial need, and the program reports that thousands of students compete each year. Prepare the application with a trusted adult, verify citizenship or residency documentation, transcripts, and letters, and do not leave the essays until December. Use the official page for current instructions, and submit FAFSA separately if you are also seeking federal or state aid.
Before committing, compare net cost with the written aid offer and confirm dates, renewal, eligible expenses, and obligations directly with the program and college financial-aid office.
Read the scholarship profile and FAFSA guide; request an individual review before committing.
Ron Brown Signature Scholarship 2027 — Ron Brown Scholar Program.
Application FAQ — Ron Brown Scholar Program.
FAFSA — Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education.
Research checked October 13, 2026. Deadlines and requirements refer to the stated cycle; some programs are already closed or will open later. Do not pay to apply or assume eligibility from an estimate: confirm the cycle, documents, eligible costs, and terms on the official portal.
Verify your fund’s criteria, cycle deadlines, and remaining balance after aid before making a decision.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
The Ron Brown Scholar Program offers 20 renewable awards of $10,000 per year for four years, up to $40,000 per student. The 2027 competition is open, with a final application deadline of December 1, 2026; recommendations and transcripts have their own later deadline of December 15, according to the published schedule. The award is for high-school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, community service, and financial need. Published eligibility requires appl
Scholarship and college-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Ron Brown Scholar Program · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Ron Brown Scholar Program · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Ron Brown Scholar Program · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗
Primary source
Ron Brown Scholar Program · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.