PGH HBCU Collaborative Scholarship Application
  • PGH HBCU Collaborative Essay Contest Application

    Submit your complete application for the essay competition. Please follow all instructions and ensure all required documents are uploaded.
  • Essay & Eligibility Details

    Please read carefully before you submit
  • The PGH HBCU Collaborative is a scholarship resource and support for Pittsburgh area students as they embark upon their higher education at our nations HBCUs.

    Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (11:59pm)

    This scholarship is open to Pittsburgh area students who are new Fall 2026 freshman and currently matriculating students of one of our nations HBCUs.

    If applicants have any questions or experience issues with the application, an email must be sent to pghhbcucollaborative@gmail.com and date stamped no later than 2 days prior to the Tuesday, September 1, 2026, application deadline. To ensure the opportunity for connection for resolution prior to the application deadline.

    Requirements for a completed application include the following:
    Please note: All applicants must gather and upload all documents and complete the application at one time; applicants will be permitted to save and return later for submission.
    1. All students must have graduated from a Pittsburgh area high school and are currently attending an HBCU and have an overall GPA of 2.7.
    2. A copy of your Unofficial College transcript (for current second semester freshman through seniors).
    3. A copy of your last high school transcript (for current first semester freshman).
    4. Two references uploaded: one from an academic reference (professor, teacher, counselor), and one from either a community (athletic coach, church advisor, community service), or employment (reference letter from manager and/or supervisor. References must include the name and contact information for the reference). (.docx/word, pdf, jpeg formats accepted)
    5. 250-word essay- typed and double spaced, or a two-minute video. (.docx, pdf, jpeg, mp4 formats accepted)
    6. Upload a headshot photo with a clear background in business casual attire.

     

    The application will not be considered if all requirements are not met. There will be no exceptions.

    Essays will be reviewed using AI-detection software, including QuillBot, to ensure submissions reflect the applicant’s original work.

    If you are awarded a scholarship from the PGH HBCU Collaborative, all funds will be sent directly to your college or university upon receipt of your student account number and the address of the Bursar's office.

     

  • I confirm that I meet all eligibility criteria for this contest.*
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Date of Birth*
     - -
  • Are you under 18 years of age?*
  • Eligibility Criteria: Please review the contest eligibility requirements before confirming.
  • Essay or Video Submission - Please pick one of the three options for your essay prompt and answer the questions under that prompt in essay form.

    You have the option of completing an essay (minimum of 250 words), or submitting a two-minute video (no more than 5MB)
  • Option 1: HBCU Legacy

    What does attending an HBCU mean to you?
    How will your education uplift your community?
    How will you contribute to the legacy of HBCUs?

    Option 2: Academic Goals

    Describe your academic and career goals
    How will attending an HBCU help you achieve them?
    How will you positively impact your community?

    Option 3: Leadership & Service

    How have you demonstrated leadership?
    How have you served your community?
    How will you continue your leadership at an HBCU?

  • Which option do you choose?*
  • How would you like to submit your essay?*
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  • Letters of Recommendation

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  • Declarations & Consent

  • Date*
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  • Scoring & Judging (Internal Use Only)

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