UMLA Transfer Scholarship Guide – Fall 2026

• Start 6–12 months early. Students who start early are more likely to finish strong applications and secure awards.
• Use one master calendar or tracker. Centralize deadlines, tasks, and recommendation requests so nothing slips through.
• Tell a growth-centered story. Focus on how you’ve grown, what you’ve overcome, and what you want to contribute.
• Tailor every essay. Name the scholarship and connect your goals directly to its mission and selection criteria.
• Support your recommenders. Ask 2–3 weeks early; share a short resume or “brag sheet” to help them write specifically.
• Show leadership and impact. Use specific examples: what you did, who was impacted, and what changed.
• Address academic dips briefly. State what happened, what you learned, and how your performance improved.
• Revise multiple times. Have at least one mentor or advisor review your essays for clarity and strength.
• Apply broadly. Aim for at least 10–15 scholarships; you do not need to “feel perfect” to be competitive.

Core Purpose: A personal statement answers three questions: Who are you? What have you done and learned? Where are you going and why does this scholarship matter?

Suggested Structure (UMLA 4-Part Model):

1. Hook & Identity (Opening). 2–4 sentences that introduce who you are and what matters to you – a moment, image, or short story that shows, not tells.
2. Challenge & Growth (Middle 1). Describe one or two key challenges (academic, financial, family, health, etc.) and focus on what you did, what you learned, and how you grew.
3. Impact & Leadership (Middle 2). Highlight specific actions you took to support others: mentoring, work, clubs, family responsibilities, volunteering, campus programs like UMLA.
4. Goals & Fit (Closing). Explain your academic and career goals, why transfer is the next step, and how this particular scholarship or college will help you serve your community.

Evidence-Informed Tips:

• Center a few strong stories, not everything. Committees remember concrete moments more than long lists of activities.
• Show agency. Even in difficult circumstances, highlight choices you made, resources you used, and ways you kept moving.
• Connect to mission. Name the scholarship/college and echo their key values (leadership, service, STEM focus, first-generation, etc.).
• Use clear, direct language. You do not need “fancy” vocabulary; aim for honest, specific, and well-edited writing.
• Align with your transcript. If your grades dipped, briefly explain the context and point to the upward trend, supports you used, and what you would do differently now.
• Have at least two readers. Ask a UMLA mentor, faculty member, or advisor to comment on clarity, tone, and whether your main message is obvious.

Drafting Checklist:

• I answered the exact prompt and stayed within the word or character limit.
• My first paragraph makes it clear who I am and one or two themes that matter most (e.g., community, persistence, STEM, justice, entrepreneurship).
• I included at least one specific example of leadership, service, or impact – not just “I like helping people.”
• I explained at least one challenge and what I learned or changed because of it.
• I clearly state my academic and career goals and how transferring to a four-year institution fits into that plan.
• I connect my goals and experiences to the scholarship’s or college’s mission (values, population served, or field).
• I removed filler words and repeated phrases. Every sentence earns its place.
• Someone I trust reviewed my essay for clarity, typos, and whether it “sounds like me.”

Key Principles:

• It is normal to ask. Colleges expect some students to appeal for more aid, especially transfers with strong records or new financial information.
• Be timely. Reach out within a few weeks of receiving your award letter, and well before any deposit deadline.
• Be specific and documentation-based. Explain what has changed (income loss, new family responsibilities, medical bills, housing insecurity, etc.) or share competing offers.
• Be respectful and mission-focused. Emphasize that this college is a top choice and explain how additional support would make enrollment possible.

Step-by-Step Aid Negotiation (Appeal) Process:

1. Review your current package. Separate grants/scholarships (money you do not repay) from loans and work-study.
2. Gather documentation. Pay stubs, layoff letters, medical bills, rent increases, childcare costs, or any proof of changed circumstances.
3. Compare offers (if applicable). If another college – especially a similar or “peer” institution – offered more grant aid, have that letter ready.
4. Find the right office. Usually “Financial Aid,” “Student Financial Services,” or a transfer/commitment specialist. Many colleges have an official appeal form.
5. Write a concise appeal email or letter. See template below. Attach documentation and your competing offer(s) if allowed.
6. Follow up once. If you don’t hear back within 7–10 business days, send a polite follow-up or call the office.

Sample Aid Appeal Email (Adapt for UMLA/BMCC Students):

Subject: Financial Aid Appeal – Fall 2026 Transfer (Your Name, Student ID if available) Dear [Financial Aid Officer or Office Name], My name is [Your Name], and I am an admitted transfer student for Fall 2026. I am currently completing my associate degree at Borough of Manhattan Community College and am an active participant in the Urban Male Leadership Academy (UMLA). I am writing to respectfully request a review of my financial aid package. Based on my current award, my family and I will still face a gap of approximately [$X] that we cannot realistically cover. Since submitting my FAFSA/CSS Profile, [briefly explain any changes: job loss, reduced hours, new medical expenses, change in housing, supporting family members, etc.]. I have attached documentation to verify these changes. [Optional if you have other offers:] I have also received an offer from [Other College], which includes [$X] in grants and scholarships. [Your College] remains my first choice because of [specific academic program, support services, HBCU mission, location, etc.], and I am eager to contribute to the campus community as I have at BMCC/UMLA. If there is any possibility of increasing my need-based grant aid or institutional scholarship support, it would significantly impact my ability to enroll this fall. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I appreciate all that your office does to support students. Sincerely, [Your Name] [BMCC / UMLA student] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

1. Remember: You Belong in These Spaces.

• HBCUs were built to educate and empower Black students and other students of color. Your presence on those campuses is not an accident—it is part of that legacy.
• Scholarship committees are looking for students who have navigated real life, not perfection. Working, caregiving, immigration journeys, and community responsibilities are strengths, not weaknesses.
• When you walk onto an HBCU campus, you are joining a story that began long before you—and will continue long after you. You are allowed to take up space in that story.

2. Shift from “Am I good enough?” to “How do I prepare?”

• Instead of asking, “Do I even deserve this?”, ask, “What is one concrete step I can take this week to get ready?” (draft a paragraph, email a recommender, attend a UMLA workshop).
• Confidence is not a personality trait; it is a side effect of preparation. Every hour you spend on your essays or applications grows your confidence a little more.
• Comparison fuels doubt; preparation builds clarity. Focus on your own growth, not on what you imagine other applicants look like on social media.

Try this: set up one “Scholarship Power Hour” each week. Put it on your calendar the way you would a class. During that hour, you only do tasks that move you forward: revising essays, searching for awards, or organizing deadlines.

3. Talk to Yourself Like a Mentor Would.

• When negative thoughts pop up (“People like me don’t get scholarships,” “I’m too behind”), pause and ask: “Would I say this to a mentee? To a younger sibling?”
• Replace those thoughts with statements a UMLA mentor might use: “Your story matters,” “We can fix gaps with a plan,” “You don’t have to do this alone.”
• Surround yourself with people who speak to your potential—UMLA mentors, advisors, faculty, family, and friends who want to see you win.

Quick reset phrase you can use before you write or submit an application: “I have already overcome harder things than this application. I belong in these spaces, and I am choosing to show up.”

4. Turn Your Story into Power, Not Shame.

• Scholarship and transfer essays are not about pretending your life has been easy. They are about showing how you kept moving even when it wasn’t.
• If you have experienced housing insecurity, family responsibilities, illness, or interruptions in school, you are bringing resilience and problem-solving to your next campus.
• HBCUs and scholarship funders are often specifically looking for community-oriented leaders who know what it means to persist.

Ask yourself: “What have I survived, and what did I learn from it that will help me thrive at my next college?” Your answer to that question is often the heart of a powerful personal statement.

5. Give Yourself Permission to Aim High.

• Apply to at least one scholarship or transfer opportunity that feels slightly out of reach. Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone.
• Do not “pre-reject” yourself by not applying. Let the committee tell you no—do not do their job for them.
• Remember: every application you submit teaches you something, even if you do not receive that particular award. You are building a portfolio of essays, recommendations, and experiences you can reuse.

You are not asking anyone for a favor. You are inviting them to invest in a student who has already shown persistence, responsibility, and vision.

6. Build a Support Squad for the Journey.

• Share your transfer and scholarship goals with at least 2–3 people you trust (UMLA staff, mentors, professors, family, friends).
• Ask them to hold you accountable: “Can you check in with me in two weeks about my personal statement?”
• Celebrate small wins together—finishing a draft, submitting an application, receiving an interview invitation.

You are not walking into this process alone. Every time you ask for feedback, attend a UMLA session, or talk to an advisor, you are building a community around your goals.

Affirmations for UMLA Transfer Scholars

• I am worthy of studying at an HBCU and graduating with my bachelor’s degree.
• My experiences, challenges, and responsibilities make me stronger—not less qualified.
• I can learn the scholarship process step by step; I do not have to know everything today.
• There are people and resources (UMLA, BMCC, mentors, advisors) who want to see me win.
• I am allowed to dream big and ask for the financial support I need to attend the right school.

Read one of these statements out loud before you work on applications or meet with a mentor. Over time, they become part of how you see yourself.

Website: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/undergraduate-transfer-scholarship/

Description: Largest national scholarship specifically for high-achieving community college students transferring to a 4-year institution; up to about $55,000 per year.

Eligibility (summary): Community college student, strong academic record (around 3.5+ GPA), significant financial need, planning to transfer to a four-year college in or around Fall 2026.

Website: https://scholars.horatioalger.org/scholarships/about-our-scholarship-programs/undergraduate-transfer-scholarships/

Description: Supports community college students who have overcome adversity and are transferring to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility (summary): U.S. citizen, Pell-eligible, community college GPA around 2.5+ or higher, clear demonstration of financial need and personal adversity.

Website: https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/

Description: Major scholarship for undocumented/DACA community college students transferring to partner four-year institutions.

Eligibility (summary): DACA or undocumented student, financial need, attending or transferring to a partner college, strong academic progress.

Website: https://goldwaterscholarship.gov/

Description: Prestigious national scholarship for students intending research careers in math, natural sciences, or engineering.

Eligibility (summary): U.S. citizen or permanent resident, strong academic record in STEM, research potential; typically applied for as a sophomore/junior (transfers may be eligible once enrolled).

Website: https://udall.gov/ourprograms/udallundergraduatescholarship/udallundergraduatescholarship.aspx

Description: Scholarship for students committed to environmental issues or Native American tribal policy/health care.

Eligibility (summary): Sophomore or junior-level standing by time of award; strong commitment in eligible fields; U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident.

Website: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/

Description: Helps Pell-eligible undergraduates fund study abroad or international internships.

Eligibility (summary): U.S. citizen, Pell Grant recipient, accepted to a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program; transfers may apply once enrolled at the four-year institution.

Website: https://www.borenawards.org/

Description: Funds language-intensive study abroad in regions critical to U.S. interests.

Eligibility (summary): U.S. citizen, enrolled in an undergraduate degree program; commitment to federal service after graduation; transfer students may apply once enrolled at a four-year institution.

Website: https://www.truman.gov/

Description: Highly prestigious scholarship for undergraduates committed to public service and leadership.

Eligibility (summary): Typically junior-level standing with strong record of leadership and public service; U.S. citizen or U.S. national.

Website: https://www.dellscholars.org/

Description: Provides financial and wrap-around support for low-income students; some community college students continue support after transfer.

Eligibility (summary): Must already be a Dell Scholar or meet program-specific criteria; strong financial need and persistence toward a bachelor’s degree.

Website: https://www.questbridge.org/

Description: Provides connections, mentoring, and some scholarship opportunities for low-income high-achieving students at partner schools.

Eligibility (summary): Low-income, high-achieving students enrolled at QuestBridge partner campuses; some opportunities relevant after transfer.

Website: https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org/

Description: Funds low-income women with children who are pursuing education, including college degrees.

Eligibility (summary): Woman, at least 17 years old, mother of minor children, low income; enrolled in a degree or certificate program.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/all-usa-academic-team-scholarship/

Description: Prestigious national program recognizing top community college scholars; often paired with transfer opportunities.

Eligibility (summary): Enrolled at a community college, strong GPA (around 3.5+), extensive leadership & service; usually requires nomination and PTK application.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/coca-cola-academic-team-scholarship/

Description: Gold, Silver, and Bronze scholarships for high-achieving community college students with leadership and service.

Eligibility (summary): Community college enrollment, minimum credits completed, GPA around 3.5+, nominated through PTK’s All-USA application process.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/new-century-transfer-pathway-scholarship/

Description: Recognizes one top transfer-bound student per state based on the All-USA Academic Team application.

Eligibility (summary): Community college student, high GPA, intent to transfer, nominated via All-USA process.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/guistwhite-scholarship/

Description: One of the first scholarships created specifically for PTK transfer students; recognizes academic excellence and engagement.

Eligibility (summary): PTK member, at least 45 credits, GPA around 3.5+, transferring to a four-year college full-time.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/hites-transfer-scholarship/

Description: High-value transfer scholarship for PTK members showing exceptional leadership, service, and academics.

Eligibility (summary): PTK member in good standing, strong GPA (around 3.5+), substantial credits completed, planning to transfer full-time to a four-year institution.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/christopher-calhoun-transfer-scholarship/

Description: Supports PTK members transferring to four-year institutions, with emphasis on leadership and service.

Eligibility (summary): PTK member, community college enrollment, strong academic and leadership record; planning to transfer.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/

Description: Recognizes PTK members planning to complete a bachelor’s degree with support from Pearson.

Eligibility (summary): PTK member, strong GPA, demonstrated financial need and persistence toward a bachelor’s degree.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/

Description: Provides funding to PTK members to complete their associate degree, strengthening them for later transfer.

Eligibility (summary): New or continuing PTK members, enrolled in a community college, GPA requirement, leadership potential.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/

Description: Additional completion scholarship for top PTK applicants in the Leaders of Promise pool.

Eligibility (summary): PTK member applying through the PTK common scholarship application; leadership and academic excellence required.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/

Description: Emergency completion funding to help PTK members overcome unexpected financial barriers to finishing their associate degree.

Eligibility (summary): PTK member close to completing an associate degree or certificate; facing documented financial emergency.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/new-century-workforce-pathway-scholarship/

Description: For students pursuing workforce pathways; some later transfer to bachelor’s programs.

Eligibility (summary): Community college student in career/technical or workforce program; high academic performance.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/apply-now/

Description: Single application that considers PTK members for multiple competitive scholarships, including transfer-focused awards.

Eligibility (summary): PTK member in good standing; see PTK site for specific GPA, credit, and deadline requirements.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/

Description: Many states offer additional scholarships for students named to All-State Academic Teams.

Eligibility (summary): Community college student, nominated by college based on GPA, leadership, and service; state criteria vary.

Website: https://www.ptk.org/scholarships/university-partner-scholarships/

Description: More than 600 four-year colleges offer dedicated PTK transfer scholarships, often renewable each year.

Eligibility (summary): PTK member transferring to a participating university; GPA and other criteria set by each institution.

Website: https://scholarships.uncf.org/

Description: Umbrella scholarship application that matches Black students to multiple UNCF-administered awards.

Eligibility (summary): Typically African American/Black identity, U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, minimum GPA around 2.5+, enrolled or planning to enroll at an accredited institution (including HBCUs).

Website: https://uncf.org/programs/uncf-stem-scholars-program

Description: Supports high-achieving African American students pursuing STEM majors with scholarships, mentoring, and research opportunities.

Eligibility (summary): African American, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, strong academic record in STEM; must attend an accredited four-year college.

Website: https://opportunities.uncf.org/

Description: Scholarship for students committed to racial, social, and economic justice fields.

Eligibility (summary): African American/Black student, enrolled full-time, interest in social justice-related majors or careers.

Website: https://opportunities.uncf.org/

Description: Scholarship administered by UNCF for students from New York, often with financial need and academic merit.

Eligibility (summary): Residence in New York State, African American/Black, enrolled or planning to enroll at an accredited institution; see listing for GPA and major requirements.

Website: https://www.tmcf.org/students-alumni/scholarships/

Description: Umbrella portal for dozens of TMCF corporate and named scholarships for students at public HBCUs and some PBIs.

Eligibility (summary): Enrolled at a TMCF member school (e.g., Morgan State, Bowie State), U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, GPA usually 2.5+.

Website: https://tmcf.org/scholarships/open-scholarships/

Description: Supports students at TMCF member schools with interest in conservation, outdoor recreation, or related fields.

Eligibility (summary): Enrolled at an eligible public HBCU; GPA and major requirements specified in current year’s posting.

Website: https://tmcf.org/scholarships/open-scholarships/

Description: Scholarship and development program for HBCU students interested in business, supply chain, or agriculture-related fields.

Eligibility (summary): Student at a TMCF member school; strong academics and interest in Cargill-related career paths.

Website: https://tmcf.org/scholarships/open-scholarships/

Description: Supports TMCF students interested in finance, business, or rural/economic development fields.

Eligibility (summary): Public HBCU enrollment, GPA and major criteria as listed each year.

Website: https://naacp.org/find-resources/scholarships-awards-internships

Description: Multiple scholarships for African American students focused on leadership, STEM, civil rights, and more.

Eligibility (summary): NAACP membership often required; full-time enrollment and minimum GPA; criteria vary by scholarship.

Website: https://ronbrown.org/

Description: Leadership and service-based scholarship and mentoring program for African American students.

Eligibility (summary): African American, strong academic record, leadership and community service; some components focus on undergraduates beyond high school.

Website: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/cbcf-hbcu-nrei-scholarship

Description: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation scholarship supporting students at HBCUs interested in real estate and related fields.

Eligibility (summary): African American, attending an HBCU, interest in real estate or related fields, minimum GPA and financial need.

Website: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/race/african-american/cbcf-louis-stokes-health-scholars-program

Description: Supports African American students pursuing careers in health fields.

Eligibility (summary): African American, enrolled in a health-related major, minimum GPA, demonstrated leadership and community service.

Website: https://hbcuconnect.com/scholarship/

Description: Scholarship for students currently attending or planning to attend an HBCU, including transfer students.

Eligibility (summary): Enrolled or planning to enroll at an HBCU within six months; proof of enrollment required.

Website: https://bellezeller.org/

Description: Scholarship for outstanding CUNY and PSC-represented students demonstrating academic excellence and service.

Eligibility (summary): CUNY student, typically GPA around 3.75+, significant leadership and community engagement.

Website: https://www.kaplanleadershipprogram.org/

Description: Highly supportive program for high-achieving low-income community college students in the NYC region who plan to transfer to selective four-year schools.

Eligibility (summary): Low-income, high-achieving student at an eligible partner community college; commitment to transfer to a bachelor’s program.

Website: https://petriefoundation.org/what-we-fund/student-emergency-grant-program/

Description: Provides completion-focused emergency grants that can help community college students stay enrolled long enough to transfer.

Eligibility (summary): Enrolled at a participating CUNY college; facing a short-term financial emergency that threatens enrollment.

Website: https://www.nyul.org/

Description: Scholarship for New York City students of color who demonstrate leadership and academic promise.

Eligibility (summary): NYC resident, high school or college student of color, minimum GPA and community service requirements.

Website: https://www.nyc.gov/site/fund/grants/scholarships.page

Description: Numerous borough-based scholarships (Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan) that can follow students after transfer.

Eligibility (summary): Residency in specific NYC boroughs, financial need, and community involvement; requirements vary by funder.

Website: https://www.hsf.net/scholarship

Description: Major national scholarship for students of Hispanic/Latinx heritage across all majors.

Eligibility (summary): Hispanic/Latinx heritage, U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA; minimum GPA; enrolled full-time at a U.S. institution (including transfers).

Website: https://apiascholars.org/scholarships/

Description: Scholarship for Asian American and Pacific Islander students with financial need.

Eligibility (summary): AAPI identity, financial need, attending or planning to attend an accredited U.S. college full-time; minimum GPA required.

Website: https://pointfoundation.org/scholarships

Description: Scholarships plus mentoring for LGBTQ+ students and some allied students.

Eligibility (summary): Identify as LGBTQ+ (or eligible ally status), strong academics and leadership, commitment to LGBTQ+ community service.

Website: https://swe.org/scholarships/

Description: Hundreds of scholarships for women pursuing engineering, technology, or computing.

Eligibility (summary): Woman (and some scholarships open to non-binary people depending on program), majoring in engineering or related fields; minimum GPA; enrolled full-time.

Website: https://www.acs.org/education/acs-scholars.html

Description: Scholarships for underrepresented minority students majoring in chemistry or related fields.

Eligibility (summary): African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, or Native American; majoring in chemistry-related discipline; financial need and GPA requirements.

Website: https://thiswaytocpa.com/education/scholarship-search/aicpa-foundation-scholarships/

Description: Supports underrepresented minority students in accounting programs.

Eligibility (summary): Minority student majoring in accounting or related field; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; minimum GPA.

Website: https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/scholarships

Description: Scholarships for students studying computer science, engineering, or closely related fields.

Eligibility (summary): Enrolled in CS/tech majors at accredited institutions; specific criteria vary by Google scholarship program.

Website: https://aka.ms/scholarships

Description: Scholarships for students pursuing STEM, with emphasis on computer science and related fields.

Eligibility (summary): Enrolled full-time in a STEM program; strong academic performance and demonstrated interest in technology.

Website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/communities/stem-education/lm-scholarship-program.html

Description: Supports students pursuing engineering or computer science degrees, including transfers.

Eligibility (summary): U.S. citizen, enrolled full-time in eligible STEM major; financial need and minimum GPA.

Website: https://www.peointernational.org/peo-program-continuing-education-pec

Description: Grant program assisting women whose education has been interrupted and who are returning to complete a degree.

Eligibility (summary): Woman whose education has been interrupted for at least 24 months and who is within 18 months of degree completion.

Website: https://studentsuccess.org/programs/

Description: A range of scholarships for students with foster care experience or who qualify as independent students.

Eligibility (summary): Proof of foster care, ward-of-the-state, or similar status; enrollment at an accredited college; additional criteria vary by program.

Website: https://www.shpe.org/students/scholarships

Description: Scholarships for Hispanic/Latinx students pursuing STEM, especially engineering.

Eligibility (summary): Hispanic/Latinx heritage, enrolled in STEM field (often engineering), minimum GPA; membership in SHPE may be required for some awards.

Website: https://nsbe.org/programs/scholarships

Description: Scholarships for Black students in engineering and technology fields.

Eligibility (summary): NSBE membership typically required; majoring in engineering or related field; minimum GPA and leadership criteria.

Website: https://collegefund.org/students/scholarships/

Description: Scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students attending tribal colleges or other accredited institutions.

Eligibility (summary): Enrolled tribal member or descendant; enrolled full-time in an accredited institution; financial need and GPA requirements.

Website: https://www.esperanzafund.org/

Description: Scholarships for immigrant and first-generation students in certain metro areas, with some students transferring to four-year schools.

Eligibility (summary): First-generation or immigrant student; live in an eligible metro region; enroll at a U.S. college; financial need.

Website: https://scholarshipamerica.org/students/wells-fargo-scholarship-program-for-people-with-disabilities/

Description: Supports students with disabilities pursuing postsecondary education.

Eligibility (summary): Documented disability, enrollment or planned enrollment at an accredited college; minimum GPA and financial need.