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Press Statement May 28, 2021

NAACP Offers $800k+ in Scholarships Through N-SPIRE Program

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(Washington, D.C.) – The NAACP is now accepting applications for more than $800,000 in scholarships for Black high school seniors and college students.

Nurturing the next generation of activists and community leaders starts with an investment in their education. Each year the association offers need-based and merit scholarships as part of the NAACP - Scholars and Professionals: Internships, Ready Youth and Employment (N-SPIRE) program. This year, 170 awards range from $3,000 to $15,000 thanks to the support of various donors, including Dark & Lovely, Vans, and SmileDirectClub.

Applications will be reviewed and scored by the N-SPIRE Committee, NAACP leaders who volunteer their time to read applications, review transcripts, and select recipients for approval.

"Across all racial groups, Black borrowers hold the most student loan debt despite also being consistently underserved by postsecondary institutions," said NAACP Chief Strategy Officer, Yumeka Rushing. "The increasing costs to obtain a degree can keep college out of reach for many students. These scholarships aim to make college more affordable so that students are able to securely step into their futures."

The scholarship portal will close on June 18 at 6 p.m. ET. Students will be notified of award on August 9.

Click here for eligibility requirements and scholarship details.

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About NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation's first civil and human rights law organization and shares our commitment to equal rights.