Ally Financial Public Policy Scholars Program
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Ally Financial Public Policy Program, sponsored by Ally Financial, awards scholarships to academically talented and highly motivated African American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate degree in public policy or a related discipline such as political science or public administration.
Since 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) has worked to uplift the global Black community by training leaders, shaping policy, and educating the public. CBCF has worked for over four decades to provide opportunities for young black professionals in spaces that have historically excluded them.
CBCF is composed of leaders, students, and communities that share common principles. These groups have continued to work together to realize and achieve CBCF’s vision of a world in which all communities have an equal voice in public policy through leadership development, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.
Scholarship Summary
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Ally Financial Public Policy Program, sponsored by Ally Financial, awards scholarships to academically talented and highly motivated African American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate degree in public policy or a related discipline such as political science or public administration.
Since 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) has worked to uplift the global Black community by training leaders, shaping policy, and educating the public. CBCF has worked for over four decades to provide opportunities for young black professionals in spaces that have historically excluded them.
CBCF is composed of leaders, students, and communities that share common principles. These groups have continued to work together to realize and achieve CBCF’s vision of a world in which all communities have an equal voice in public policy through leadership development, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: College Sophomore – College Junior
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: 3.0
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Black
Key Information of Ally Financial Public Policy Scholars Program
Study Details
Area of Study
Public Policy
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Video Submission
- Recommendation letters
- Grade transcript
- Present Work Experiences
Ally Financial Public Policy Scholars Program Timeline
January 3, 2025
Application Open Date
Applications open early in January.
April 30, 2025
Submission Deadline
The deadline for application submission is at the end of April.
August 2025
Award Announcement Date
Successful candidates will be notified in August.
How to ace the Ally Financial Public Policy Scholars Program
Demonstrate your commitment to public policy
Candidates are required to demonstrate commitment to public policy. In your essay, talk about what makes you interested in public policy and your experience in the field.
Exhibit leadership and participate in community activities
In your application, include experiences that demonstrate your leadership and volunteer activities. Students who have been in leadership roles and have a history of community service have a better chance of being chosen for the scholarship.
Show off your special skills
Share your most essential qualities and traits to stand out. This will allow them to get a better idea of what you are capable of in terms of skills and academics.
Emphasize your past accomplishments
Highlight past accomplishments that have made you proud and how they have prepared you for a career in public policy. This will help the judges know why you are the best person for the scholarship.
How the Ally Financial Public Policy Scholars Program is Judged
Applicants are evaluated on leadership, community service, academic talent, and commitment to public policy. Candidates are expected to be dedicated to improving their communities and be exceptional leaders with unique abilities.
Why We Love the Ally Financial Public Policy Scholars Program
Advances the Black community
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Ally Financial Public Policy Scholarship advances the global Black community by producing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.
It facilitates the exchange of ideas
The foundation promotes the interchange of ideas and information to address pressing community challenges.
It also supports career development
The Ally Financial Public Policy Scholars program provides professional development sessions for recipients to attend.
5 Facts About The Ally Financial Public Policy Scholarship
Award is disbursed to the academic institution
The full award is paid out once every academic year to the academic institution where you are enrolled and is split equally between the fall and spring semesters.
The award is not renewable
The Ally Financial Public Policy Scholars Program is a one-time award but, each year, eligibility conditions must be met along with the submission of an application and required documents.
The scholarship is for the Black community
The scholarship is only open to African-American or Black students who are rising juniors or seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree in public policy or related discipline including but not limited to political science or public administration.
CBC Member’s relatives are not eligible
Immediate relatives of a CBC Member, a CBC Spouse, a staff person of a CBC Member or Spouse, or any CBCF-sponsored entity are not eligible for the scholarship program.
Over 300 students have benefited
The CBC award has benefited more than 300 students who have exhibited leadership ability through excellent community participation and academic talent.