Please read this section carefully before starting your application. If you prepare and collect all requested documentation, the estimated time to complete our application is 15 - 20 minutes. Email debbie.mixon@bpacf.org with any questions.
We have launched our e-Application portal, for the 2026-2027 year.
Please review the instructions below prior to your submission.
"New" BPACF Scholar Applicants
- You must be a U.S. citizen
- African American/Black resident of Northeast Ohio
- Currently attending or graduate of a high school in Northeast Ohio
- A high school senior or undergraduate student at an accredited college up to age 25
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher at your college or university, or high school
- Be enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, an accredited post-secondary institution in the continental United States
- Are you, or is an immediate family member who resides in your household, employed by BPACF or serving as a Trustee?
- Immediate family members are those who reside in your household or your legal parents or guardians.
You will complete the full application online, the uploads below are requirements in addition to, completion of your essay question; please prepare all items in advance of your submission:
- Headshot picture
- A current transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Essay question (250 words or 2000 characters minimum, - Max 500 words or 4000 characters maximum, including spaces)
- Essay - "What motivates your academic and career goals, and how have your experiences—both successes and challenges—shaped the kind of Emerging Leader you aspire to become in your community?”
Please remember to save your application, so you can return to complete it later if necessary!
"Returning" BPACF Scholar Applicants
The BPACF Scholars Program is BPACF’s multi-year scholarship and student success program, that offers a returning applicant option.
- You must be a U.S. citizen
- African American/Black resident of Northeast Ohio
- Currently attending or graduate of a high school in Northeast Ohio
- A high school senior or undergraduate student at an accredited college up to age 25
- Must be in good standing at your college or university, and in compliance with your BPACF participation agreement
- Be enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, an accredited post-secondary institution in the continental United States
- Are you, or is an immediate family member who resides in your household, employed by BPACF or serving as a Trustee?
- Immediate family members are those who reside in your household or your legal parents or guardians.
You will complete the full application online, the uploads below are requirements in addition to, completion of your essay question; please prepare all items in advance of your submission:
- Requesting upload of your resume - a mandatory requirement, if you did not create one, please contact me immediately: debbie.mixon@bpacf.org
- Essay question (250 words or 2000 characters minimum, - Max 500 words or 4000 characters maximum, including spaces)
- Essay: “In what ways has BPACF contributed to your personal, academic, or professional growth as an Emerging Leader? Describe specific experiences, relationships, or opportunities that have shaped your goals, confidence, or career direction."
Please remember to save your application, so you can return later to complete it as needed!
WHAT'S NEW THIS YEAR?
Our single application allows eligible students to be considered for multiple scholarship opportunities administered by BPACF. Recently added are,
I. Morehouse Alumni Scholarship - In Honor of W. Byron Calhoun (2024 Black Professional of the Year)
· Male applicants only
· Currently enrolled at Morehouse College or accepted to Morehouse College and planning to enroll in Fall 2026 (High school seniors are eligible only if accepted to Morehouse College)
· Minimum GPA: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
· You must also complete their required scholarship-specific essay question: ”Describe your educational and career goals and explain how they reflect your sense of purpose. What experiences—academic, personal, or community-based—have shaped your path so far? Share a challenge you have faced and how it has strengthened your commitment to your goals.” (250-500 words)
· Transcript: Unofficial accepted
Selection: Recipients are selected by fund-designated reviewers.
II. Crimson–Emerald Scholarship - In Honor of Lorna Wisham (2025 Black Professional of the Year)
· African American/Black female current college student only (high school seniors are not eligible)
· Pursuing an Associate or Bachelor’s degree
· Minimum GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
· "Official" transcript required - please upload it!
· You must complete their required scholarship-specific essay question: “Leadership often shows up in everyday actions rather than formal titles. Share an example of how you have demonstrated leadership, integrity, or service during your academic journey. What did you learn from this experience, and how do you hope to continue growing as a leader who contributes positively to her community?” (250-500 words)
· One-time scholarship award
Selection: Recipients are selected by fund-designated reviewers.