"WE ARE THE VILLAGE" 2026 SCHOLARSHIP  COMPETITION APPLICATION
NATIONAL BLACK GRADS, IE HIGH SCHOOL BLACK GRADUATE RECOGNITION "WE ARE THE VILLAGE" SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION APPLICATION  

PURPOSE:
To provide scholarships to deserving graduating seniors in the Inland Empire who are pursuing a post-secondary course of study at either a college or university.  

AWARD COMPONENTS:
Multiple $1000 scholarships and individual certificates awarded to students selected by the Inland Empire High School Black Graduation Scholarship Committee.

CRITERIA:
1.  Be an student living in the Inland Empire area (San Bernardino/Riverside Counties).
2.  Be a 2026 graduating high school senior.
3.  Demonstrate positive impact on and involvement in the community.
4. All Grade Point Averages (GPA) are eligible to apply.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please submit the following items by the February 28, 2026 deadline
(POSTMARKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED).

1.  Completed application form via this Google form

2.  TWO (2) RECOMMENDATIONS. Send this form/link https://bit.ly/3uKB1GU to a counselor, teacher, pastor,
     coach, community member, or employer who can comment about your potential to succeed in college. This
     form should not be completed by a family member or by the student applicant. 

* Email pre-written letters of recommendation to nationalblackgrads@gmail.com with the following in the subject line "2026 STUDENT NAME NBG Letter of Recommendation"

3.  An official and recent high school transcript can me emailed to nationalblackgrads@gmail.com or mailed by February 28, 2026 to the address below:

                                                                       National Black Grads
                                                               ATTN: Scholarship Committee
                                                                               P.O. Box 953
                                                                        Highland, CA 92346

4. Tell your story in an original  YouTube Video or 300-500 word essay

    * The YouTube video/multi-media presentation (e.g., song, poem, speech or commercial) can be no longer
     than 3 minutes uploaded to YouTube.com. Use this link for directions on how to upload videos on YouTube
     https://youtu.be/VtF2AgFSLAw

     Then enter the public YouTube link in the space provided below. The multi-media presentation must answer
     one of the prompts provided below. (Examples of multimedia presentations include but are not limited to a
     commercial, you performing an original song or poem etc... please make sure you have answered your
     chosen prompt)

PROMPTS:
Please explain your decision to continue your education by answering one of these essay prompts:

A) Frederick Douglass is often quoted as having said, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." Describe a struggle, hardship, obstacle or failure that you have endured. Then, explain how this has been a catalyst in your pursuit of a college education.  

                                                                         OR

B) Service to others and helping those in need are dominant themes in African American history. We are a people who have consistently reached back to help others. Discuss how you currently or will be of service to the community. Then, explain how this has been a catalyst in your pursuit of a college education.

DEADLINE:   Application and all supporting materials must be RECEIVED by FEBRUARY 28, 2026 (NO POSTMARKS ACCEPTED)              

                   
STUDENT FINALISTS will be notified via the e-mail address provided regarding the status of their applications

STUDENT FINALISTS must provide a picture
 
If you have any questions please email nationalblackgrads@gmail.com

Please continue scrolling down to fill out our electronic application
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Email *
Student Demographic Information
Please answer all of the questions below:
Student First Name *
Student Last Name *
Mailing Address *
City *
Zip Code *
Student Phone Number: *
Student Date Of Birth *
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Parent/Guardian First & Last Name *
Parent/Guardian Phone Number: *
Parent Email Address *
Do you feel like your high school experience prepared you? Check all that apply *
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