Skip to main content
Person on Laptop - Hero Styled Find Resources

James Weldon Johnson Scholarship

Scholarship Details

James Weldon Johnson Scholarship powered by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is one of many funding opportunities available to Black students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

The James Weldon Johnson Scholarship honors the late James Weldon Johnson, who was a long-time NAACP member and served as the Executive Director of the NAACP from 1920-1930.

Mr. Johnson was a leader, a civil rights activist, writer, educator, lawyer, journalist, and a leading figure in the creation and development of the Harlem Renaissance. During his time at Clark Atlanta University, he was a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

In 1899, he achieved his first literary success, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which unofficially became known as the "Negro National Anthem." He also authored "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man" and "God's Trombones."

Scholarship amount: $1,500

Amount of Scholarships: 15

This is not a renewable scholarship opportunity.

SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

  • Be a member of the NAACP. If you are not a member of the NAACP, join today.
  • Be Black or a person of color.
  • Be currently enrolled full-time or accepted to an accredited college or university in the U.S.
  • Be a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student for applicable scholarships.
  • Possess a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 system.
  • Demonstrate interest in pursuing a career in any field/study.
  • Be a U.S. resident or citizen.

SCHOLARSHIP TIMELINE

Scholarship recipients will be announced in the Summer of 2022. Applications for this scholarship have now closed.

Applications are reviewed and scored by the Scholarship Committee, NAACP leaders who volunteer their time to read applications, review transcripts, and select recipients for approval. If selected, you will be notified through the Inspire scholarship portal. Decisions of the selection committee are final and cannot be appealed.