Microsoft Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

Name: Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000 renewable awards and one-time awards up to $2,500

Information And Eligibility:
The Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship is a company-supported scholarship initiative established by Microsoft employees to help high school seniors pursue higher education and careers in technology and related fields. Although the scholarship was created through the efforts of the Blacks at Microsoft employee network, it is open to all eligible applicants who meet the criteria, regardless of race or gender, as long as they are pursuing STEM- or business-related studies and demonstrate financial need and leadership potential.

The BAM Scholarship is intended to encourage students to pursue degrees in areas such as engineering, computer science, computer information systems, business administration, finance, or marketing at an accredited four-year university in the United States. Beyond financial support, the program is designed to connect students with resources and opportunities in the tech industry, reflecting Microsoft’s broader commitment to diversity, inclusion, and workforce development in STEM fields.

Recipients are selected based on a combination of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership in school or community activities, essay responses outlining career and educational goals, recommendation letters, and financial need. Applications typically include academic transcripts, a statement or essay about career intentions in technology, and at least one letter of recommendation. Leadership and community involvement are weighed alongside academic performance, and financial need is considered as part of the selection criteria.

The scholarship offers multiple awards each cycle. Historically, the program has included several renewable awards of $5,000 per year (renewable for up to three additional years if renewal criteria are met) as well as additional one-time awards (for example, $2,500) to expand access and opportunity for more students.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a high school senior graduating in the year of application
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States beginning in the fall after graduation
• Plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, business administration, finance, or marketing
• Demonstrate a passion for technology and interest in a tech-related career
• Must have a cumulative GPA of approximately 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
• Demonstrate financial need

Application Requirements:

• Completed online scholarship application
• Official or current complete high school transcript
• One essay explaining how the applicant plans to engage in the technology industry (typically ~500 words or ~2,000 characters)
• At least one letter of recommendation, usually from a teacher or counselor
• Demonstrated leadership or community involvement (as described on the application)

Additional Details:

• Award structures typically include a mix of renewable and one-time awards
• Renewable awards require maintaining satisfactory academic progress and enrollment
• Scholarship recipients may be notified in late spring before college enrollment
• Some recipients may also receive exposure to Microsoft internships or networking resources (though not guaranteed)

Deadline: Varies by year (typically March for spring application cycles; check the official program page for current cycle)

Apply Now

View Scholarship Data

Scholarship Categorization