Target Scholars Program: What Applicants Should Know Before Applying

The Target Scholars Program is a great opportunity for students at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), offering financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to students in business and engineering programs. If you are interested in applying for the program, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the eligibility requirements and make sure that your application is in top shape before submitting.

What Does the Target Scholars Program Offer?

Winners of the Target Scholars Program will receive $10,000 over the course of two years to help cover the costs of college, including tuition, travel, educational materials, and more. Winners will also be given unique opportunities to network within their field through a professional development program.

Am I Eligible for the Target Scholars Program?

The Target Scholars Program is open to students who meet all of the following requirements:

• You must be enrolled as a full-time student in your junior year of college for the 2025-2026 school year.
• You must be attending Texas Southern University, Southern University and A&M College, North Carolina A&T State University, Morehouse College, Howard University, or Clark Atlanta University.
• You must have a GPA of 2.75 or above.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• You must have a "declared academic major" in an engineering or business discipline
• You must have filled out a FAFSA application and have a "demonstrated unmet financial aid need."

Is There an Essay Requirement for the Target Scholars Program?

To be considered for the Target Scholars Program, you will have to write a short essay in 300 words in response to the following prompt: "How have you contributed to your community, and what impact did that experience have on your career choice?"

The essay prompt is your opportunity to make yourself stand out from other applicants, so be sure to engage with the prompt thoughtfully. Being authentic and specific about your experiences can lend a strong personal touch to your essay. A strong concluding paragraph should tie back your contributions to your community with your choice of career and reinforce the main point of your essay.

Before submitting your essay, it may help to read it out loud to yourself to catch any errors or awkward phrasing. Running your essay through a spellcheck tool can also highlight easily missed mistakes.

What Else Do I Have to Include With My Application?

The Target Scholars Program requires applicants to attach their most current academic transcript (official or unofficial). Additionally, applicants must provide proof of each of the following:

• Leadership
• Honors and awards
• Community service or extracurricular activities

You should give context for each honor or award, going into detail about how it reflects on your character or history. A letter of recommendation from a trusted figure like a teacher, employer, or mentor can lend credibility to your application, highlighting your personal strengths and accomplishments.

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Scholarships are highly competitive, so it is important that you do everything you can to increase your chances of success. You can improve your odds of success in small, but meaningful ways, such as:

• Reviewing all of the eligibility requirements carefully to make sure that you qualify
• Re-reading your essay before submission
• Keeping track of deadlines and getting an early start on your application
• Organizing important documents like your transcript so that you can easily access them later

Other Funding Opportunities for College Students

If you are looking for more funding opportunities like the Target Scholars Program, you can browse our online directory at the OVC Scholarship Network. We maintain a regularly updated list of legitimate scholarships for students from a variety of backgrounds. For more information about our open funding opportunities, contact us online or call 630-517-2702 today.