JanSport Scholarship
United Negro College Fund
The JanSport Scholarship program is a collaboration between UNCF and JanSport and it aims to encourage undergraduate freshmen financially to complete their undergraduate studies.
UNCF is an American philanthropic organization known for providing scholarships for African American students and general scholarships in historically African American tertiary institutions. They are the largest private provider to minority groups in the United States. JanSport on the other hand is an online store for backpacks, bags, accessories, and outdoor gear.
This year, the scholarship will provide financial aid of $4,400 each to four applicants. Applicants must be interested in pursuing a degree program aligned with courses in the social sciences, liberal arts, creative arts, design, and business.
Scholarship Summary
The JanSport Scholarship program is a collaboration between UNCF and JanSport and it aims to encourage undergraduate freshmen financially to complete their undergraduate studies.
UNCF is an American philanthropic organization known for providing scholarships for African American students and general scholarships in historically African American tertiary institutions. They are the largest private provider to minority groups in the United States. JanSport on the other hand is an online store for backpacks, bags, accessories, and outdoor gear.
This year, the scholarship will provide financial aid of $4,400 each to four applicants. Applicants must be interested in pursuing a degree program aligned with courses in the social sciences, liberal arts, creative arts, design, and business.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: High School Senior – College Freshman
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: 3.0
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of JanSport Scholarship
Study Details
Area of Study
- Arts
- Business
- Design
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Social Science
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
- HBCU Institutes
- UNCF Affiliated
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Recommendation letters
- Essay
- Grade transcript
JanSport Scholarship Timeline
May 2023
Application Opening Date
Applications open on May 10.
October 2023
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is on October 27.
December 2023
Awards Announcement Date
Winners are announced in December, eight weeks after the deadline.
How to ace the JanSport Scholarship
Start the application process right away
You should start the application process as soon as possible. This will allow you enough time to acquire all necessary documents, contact your referees or recommenders, complete all forms and work on your personal statement. Have everything organized and planned to avoid any last-minute complications.
Choose your references and give early notification
Your references or recommenders must be those who know you well enough to be willing to speak to your abilities and demonstrate why you make the perfect candidate for this scholarship. So, choose them wisely. Also, contact them and send them the required forms very early on to allow them enough time to complete them.
Personal statement objective and review
Your essay is your voice and the complete picture of your character, ambitions, and abilities. Answer the required questions carefully and make your piece concise and interesting, capturing your pursuit of your degree of choice. Tell the judges your story and what you hope to achieve. Stay focused and get a second or third eye review from your mentor or instructor.
Keep your grades up
This scholarship program is very competitive. It is merit-based therefore only those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher have better chances of winning. So work hard on keeping your grades up and maintaining your GPA. Grades will be an indicator of how dedicated and serious you are.
How the JanSport Scholarship is Judged
Applications are assessed based on the eligibility requirements and the application requirements. A well–written essay is also encouraged, to help separate you from the crowd.
Why We Love the JanSport Scholarship
The scholarship supports minorities
The JanSport Scholarships help minority students reach their full potential with fewer financial burdens. It facilitates their higher education pursuit and helps them to achieve their dreams without being limited by the shackles of their family’s finances.
It encourages the growth of liberal arts
People, who choose a career path in liberal arts, are only limited by their imagination, interests, and willingness to devote their time and energy to work. Supporting them with scholarships helps to prepare them for a life of learning.
The scholarship is inclusive
The scholarship program accepts people from all backgrounds. Age, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation is not a barrier to entry.
5 Facts About UNCF JanSport Scholarship
The scholarship is fairly new
The inaugural edition of the Jansport Scholarship was held in 2021 with four recipients supported with a total sum of $20,000.
Not for international students
This scholarship is only available to U.S. nationals, U.S. Citizens, or permanent residents of the United States. International students are not eligible.
For full-time students only
The JanSport Scholarship is open to only students enrolled in a full–time program in courses including social science, liberal arts & sciences, arts, design, or business.
For HBCU institutes and UNCF affiliated schools
You must be a student in any of the 107 Historically Black colleges and Universities (HBCU) or at least a UNCF Affiliated school.
Emailed LORs will not be accepted
For this scholarship, letters of recommendation must follow the online application system and should be submitted on or before the deadline.