This tmcf scholarship guide covers everything you need to know. Need-based scholarship for outstanding undergraduate students attending HBCUs. Sixty scholars are selected annually to receive funding allocated across fall and spring semesters for tuition and fees. The application deadline is April 24, 2026 (30 days remaining), so plan your submission accordingly. Below, we cover the full scholarship details, how to apply step by step, and whether this award is worth your time.
Tmcf Scholarship: Scholarship Details
Here is a complete breakdown of the award so you can see exactly what is being offered:
| Organization | Thurgood Marshall College Fund & McDonald’s |
| Award | $15000 |
| Deadline | April 24, 2026 (30 days remaining) |
| Eligibility | US citizen or legal permanent resident, enrolled full-time as undergraduate at a TMCF member HBCU during 2026-2027, cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher |
| How to Apply | Online application through TMCF scholarship portal at scholarships.tmcf.org |
Scholarship details are based on the information available at the time of posting. Organizations may adjust the award amount, update eligibility criteria, or change the application deadline without advance notice. We recommend visiting the official scholarship page to confirm the current terms before you begin your application.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund & McDonald’s TMCF McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship. Take your time with each step to make sure nothing is missed:
- Step 1: Online application through TMCF scholarship portal at scholarships
Make sure to complete every required component of the application. Incomplete submissions are one of the most common reasons students are disqualified from scholarship consideration. If the application requires essays, letters of recommendation, or transcripts, give yourself enough lead time to gather those materials well before the deadline.
We also recommend saving a copy or screenshot of your completed application before you submit. If there is a technical issue during submission or you need to reference your answers later, having a backup copy can save you a significant amount of time and stress.
Is This Scholarship Worth It?
The TMCF McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship offers $15000 in financial aid, which can make a meaningful difference in covering tuition, textbooks, housing, or other education-related expenses. Even if the award does not cover your full costs, every dollar in scholarship money is a dollar you do not have to borrow — and unlike student loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid.
Before applying, consider how well you match the eligibility requirements. Scholarships with narrower eligibility criteria — such as those targeting a specific major, demographic, or geographic region — often receive fewer applications, which can improve your odds of winning. If you meet the requirements listed above, this scholarship is worth the effort to apply.
Keep in mind that most scholarships are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses like tuition and required fees. However, amounts used for room and board or other non-qualified expenses may be taxable. If you receive a large scholarship award, consult a tax professional or your school’s financial aid office to understand how it affects your overall financial aid package and tax situation.
When applying for the TMCF scholarship, pay close attention to the supporting documents required. Many applicants are disqualified simply because they submit incomplete packets. Request your official transcript well in advance of the deadline, and ask recommenders for their letters at least three weeks early. A strong letter of recommendation from a professor or advisor who knows your academic work and community involvement can set your application apart from other candidates with similar GPAs.
If you are selected as a TMCF scholar, take full advantage of the networking opportunities that come with the award. TMCF connects scholars with mentors, internship pipelines, and career development events hosted by corporate partners like McDonald’s. These professional connections can be just as valuable as the financial award itself, opening doors to internships and full-time positions after graduation.
When applying for the TMCF scholarship, pay close attention to the supporting documents required. Many applicants are disqualified simply because they submit incomplete packets. Request your official transcript well in advance of the deadline, and ask recommenders for their letters at least three weeks early. A strong letter of recommendation from a professor or advisor who knows your academic work and community involvement can set your application apart from other candidates with similar GPAs.
If you are selected as a TMCF scholar, take full advantage of the networking opportunities that come with the award. TMCF connects scholars with mentors, internship pipelines, and career development events hosted by corporate partners like McDonald’s. These professional connections can be just as valuable as the financial award itself, opening doors to internships and full-time positions after graduation.
If this scholarship is not the right fit, there are plenty more to explore. Browse our full list of active scholarships to compare awards and find opportunities that match your profile. We update our listings daily so you always have access to the latest verified scholarships.
Scholarship information is subject to change. Details reflect what was available at the time of posting. Always verify requirements on the official scholarship page before applying.
For more information on financial aid, visit the Federal Student Aid website.