The College of the Liberal Arts and the Department of Africana Studies offer scholarships that recognize academic achievement and enrichment funding that supports research, education abroad, internships, conferences, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Africana Studies Scholarships and Awards
Adriana Lacy Scholarship in African American Studies
Established by 2018 Penn State alumna Adriana Lacy, the Adriana Lacy Scholarship in African American Studies supports undergraduate students pursuing majors or minors in African American Studies or African Studies. Inspired by the scholarship support Lacy received as a student, the scholarship helps reduce financial barriers so students can pursue their academic and professional goals.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled full time as an undergraduate student in the College of the Liberal Arts
- Major or minor in African American Studies or African Studies
- Demonstrate financial need
One scholarship is awarded each year.
How to Apply
Scholarship recipients are selected through Penn State’s scholarship awarding process. For questions about eligibility or the application process, email Ashley Scott in the Department of Africana Studies.
Africana Studies Scholarship in Excellence and Leadership
The Africana Studies Scholarship in Excellence and Leadership provides recognition and financial assistance to students enrolled or planning to enroll in the Department of Africana Studies in the College of the Liberal Arts.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a full-time student with a major or a minor in African Studies or African American Studies
- Completed at least one African Studies or African American Studies course with a grade of C or better
- Demonstrate a use for scholarship funds in support of degree completion or an enhancement of academic career
Award amounts
- Declared majors: up to $5,000 for the scholarship year
- Declared minors: up to $3,000 for the scholarship year
This scholarship is offered on a need-based basis to African Studies or African American Studies majors and minors. Applications are considered on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
How to Apply
Interested students must fill out an application and include a narrative indicating the nature of the use of the scholarship. Email both documents to Ashley Scott to submit your application.
The Dickerson Family Fund in the College of the Liberal Arts Award
Africana Studies offers up to a $1,000 award to students whose research projects comport with the overall mission of the Department of Africana Studies or the Africana Research Center.
Eligibility Requirements
- Undergraduate or graduate students in the College of the Liberal Arts
How to Apply
Email two documents to Ashley Scott:
- A detailed description of your project
- A signed letter of support assuring oversight by a faculty supervisor
Reasoner Memorial Fund in the Africana Research Center
The C. Reasoner Memorial Fund supports the research mission of the Africana Research Center by providing funding for mission-focused research and scholarly activities related to Africa and the African diaspora. The fund may be used to support expenses such as conference travel, research equipment, and other research-related costs that advance the center’s research, teaching, and outreach mission.
Funding is intended to support research initiatives and is not available for student scholarships or financial awards.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include:
- Faculty members affiliated with the Department of Africana Studies
- Postdoctoral fellows affiliated with the Department of Africana Studies
- Researchers whose primary scholarship focuses on Africa or the African diaspora
Projects should contribute to scholarship on Africa or the African diaspora while supporting the Africana Research Center’s research, teaching, and outreach mission. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged.
How to Apply
Complete the application form describing your proposed project and explaining its relevance to current knowledge about the African diaspora.
Recipients are reimbursed for eligible expenses rather than receiving funding in advance.
For questions about eligibility or the application process, email Sherita Johnson at slj5603@psu.edu.
College-Wide Funding
Academic Scholarships
The college offers many need-based scholarships for students with at least one Liberal Arts undergraduate major enrolled at Penn State University Park. A single yearly application covers all available general need-based scholarships offered through the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies.
Enrichment Funding
Enrichment funds are intended to help make out-of-classroom experiences more affordable for Liberal Arts students. Students with at least one Liberal Arts major can apply for funding through the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network to support virtual, remote, and/or face-to-face out-of-classroom experiences.