Description

The Moonshot Dreamers Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, African American men, who are high school seniors or current first generation undergraduate/graduate students from low-income households pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, & mathematics) degrees. 

Award

Scholars will receive $3,000 in funding for the cost of attendance* that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a Scholar's college or university. This is currently a one-time scholarship award for the Fall 2025 semester.

*Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and may include other personal costs.

Who is a Moonshot Dreamer?

A Moonshot Dreamer is a visionary whose ambitions surpass the limitations life has placed before them. They are not defined by traditional measures of success but by their resilience, creativity, and determination to rise above adversity. Moonshot Dreamers find strength in what they have and channel it into building a brighter future through hard work, discipline, and perseverance. They are bold thinkers and relentless doers who strive to create a lasting, positive impact in their communities. Moonshot Dreamers believe they have the courage to change the world—and with the right support, they will. Through mentorship, guidance, and opportunities like scholarships, we help ignite their potential and fuel their journey toward transformational change.

How to Apply

You don't. We will find and get in contact with you, similarly to how college sports recruit their prospective student-athletes. We will be working with school districts, individual schools, counselors, coaches, diversity centers, community leaders, etc. to find student nominees. If you've already done the work and demonstrated great character our aim is to find you. If you would like someone to nominate you, send them the form below.

Basic Eligibility

To be considered, students must be:

• A high school senior or current undergraduate/graduate student

• African American male 

• First-generation college student*

• Pell-eligible

• A US citizen, national, or permanent resident

• Pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, & mathematics) degrees

• If high school senior, in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)

• If current undergraduate or graduate student, in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.05 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) 

Additionally, a student must plan to enroll or be currently enrolled full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.

*First-generation college student means that you are the first person in your immediate family to attend college

Ideal Candidate

An ideal candidate will have:

• An outstanding academic record 

  • If high school senior (top 20% of graduating class)

  • If current undergraduate or graduate student (maintain above 3.0 GPA during college career)

• Demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities)

• Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.)

How to Nominate a Student

Complete the form below or use link here : 

Scholarship Process

First Round - One 15-20 minute interview with the nominator.

Second Round - One 15-20 minute interview with the nominated student.

Scholarship recipient search start date 

11/15/2024

Scholarship recipient search end date

 5/1/2025

Scholarship recipient announcement date

5/16/2025

Note to reader

This scholarship is intended for individuals who need a nudge in the right direction. It is intended for someone who has consistently chosen a positive path when positive has not always been an abundant option. This scholarship is not necessarily for the "A-type" of student or the student with abundant resources. This scholarship is not intended for any friends or families of the Moonshot Dreamer's board members or scholarship committee.  

Donate to Scholarship Fund

Instagram: Moonshot Dreamers