Resources for Students of African Descent
While we realize that the term “African Descent” may capture a large geographic area, as well as a diverse range of cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds, we present these resources as one document due to the way in which career resources are typically made available.
U.S. law provides specific protection against discrimination based on a person’s identified race.
https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/race_color.cfm
In addition to knowing your legal rights, it is also important to identify employers that are inclusive in their hiring and professional support practices.
Here are a collection of other career-related resources, including relevant information on employers, professional organizations, and funding sources.
Internships
The AAAS Minority Science Writers Program Internship
The internship is open to any minority undergraduate with a serious interest in science writing.
Opportunity Type: Internship (Paid)
Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences
Program offers a ten week, mentored research experience for students interested in pursuing future PhD or MD/PhD studies.
Opportunity Type: Internship (Paid)
DIFFvelopment
A black-owned nonprofit organization committed to addressing underemployment within the global professional black community through culturally specific entrepreneurial and financial education.
Opportunity Type: Internship (Paid)
The Emma Bowen Foundation for Minority Interests in Media
We recruit promising students of color and place them in multi-year paid internships at some of the nation's leading media and technology companies, provide the media and tech industries with a pipeline of young talent and emerging leadership, and advocate for best practices in diverse hiring, retention, and advancement.
Opportunity Type: Internship (Paid)
INROADS
INROADS places talented minority youth in business and industry positions that will prepare them for corporate and community leadership. Students are assigned a professional mentor and receive a summer salary.
Opportunity Type: Internship and Mentorship
The James E. Webb Internship Program (for minority groups)
The internship is at the Smithsonian Institute and is for a duration of ten weeks. Interns will receive a stipend of $550 per week. Students may perform a variety of activities, such as assisting with art exhibitions, designing and writing content for web sites, working on projects for the Library of Congress, or working on budgets, grants and contracts.
Opportunity Type: Internship
Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project
This eight-week fellowship program offers participating students an opportunity to actively contribute to scholarly research through the publication of King’s writings. The program provides participants with single student, on-campus housing and a stipend of $2,880.
Opportunity Type: Internship
McKinsey Sophomore Diversity Leaders Internship
Their sophomore diversity leaders internship program provides a highly select group of students of African descent with first hand experience consulting
Opportunity Type: Internship
The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program
NASCAR Diversity Internship Program is a 10-week, full-time, paid summer work opportunity for deserving students with an interest in the NASCAR industry.
Opportunity Type: Internship
Industry: All
Eligibility: Rising Juniors and Seniors
The Smithsonian Institution Minority Internship Program
10-week summer, fall or spring internships. Interns work on research or museum-related projects under the supervision of museum staff members. The position is full time, and interns receive a stipend of $400 per week, with additional travel allowances occasionally offered.
Opportunity Type: Internship
The Quality Education for Minorities Network (QEM)
Focuses on placing minority students in public health policy or science related internships in the Washington, D.C.
Opportunity Type: Internship Placement
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)
The mission of the CBCF is to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.
Opportunity Type: paid internships, scholarships, and fellowships
Scholarships
Bauce Magazine listing of 110 College & Graduate Scholarships for Women of Color
This listing of scholarships is tailored to multicultural women who are enrolled as undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of academic disciplines. All scholarships are separated by category and include information in regards to the total award amount and general application date.
The Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Woman of Substance Scholarship
Offered by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., the Malveaux Scholarship is awarded to a female African American student majoring in journalism, economics, or a related field as a college sophomore or junior enrolled at an accredited school.
Opportunity Type: Scholarship
Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship
Offered by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., the Malveaux Scholarship is awarded to a female African American student majoring in journalism, economics, or a related field as a college sophomore or junior enrolled at an accredited school.
Opportunity Type: Scholarship
The Jackie Robinson Foundation
Through its Mentoring and Leadership Development Program, the Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships of up to $30,000/four years to minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice.
Opportunity Type: Scholarship
UNCF/Koch Scholarship Program
The UNCF/Koch Scholars Program (UKSP) is designed to teach students how to develop and apply an entrepreneurial mindset by exploring how the study of entrepreneurship, innovation and economics contribute to well being for individuals, communities and societies.
Opportunity Type: Scholarship
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)
The mission of the CBCF is to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.
Opportunity Type: paid internships, scholarships, and fellowships
Professional Organizations
National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.
Their mission is to promote and protect the interests of African American business and professional women; to serve as a bridge for young people seeking to enter business and the professions; to improve the quality of life in the local and global communities; and to foster good fellowship.
Networking Opportunities and more
McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program at Wellesley is a two-year research program for students majoring in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields interested in pursuing the PhD. Supporting first-generation, low-income, and students of color, the McNair Scholars Program helps scholars pursue their academic and professional goals to graduate school and beyond!
Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT)
Intense Career Preparation for Black, Latinx and Native American students interested in business and consulting
Opportunity Type: Career Prep/Networking Opportunities
Industry: Business
Jumpstart Financial Services and Consulting Undergraduate Forum
The JumpStart UGrad Financial Services and Consulting Diversity Forum helps educate and prepare incoming UGrad students for careers in finance or consulting.
Opportunity Type: Networking Opportunities/Intensive Programs