Banneker Key Scholarship 2024-25

The Banneker Key Scholarship, offered exclusively to incoming UMD freshmen who are US citizens and residents, stands as the most prestigious merit scholarship.

The selection committee, in its quest to pinpoint potential academic leaders who can enhance and thrive within the campus learning environment, actively selects Banneker Key Scholars.

Eligibility criteria are not predefined, but historical recipients have consistently ranked within the top 5% of the applicant pool.

The Scholarship has the capacity to encompass the entire cost of tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, a book allowance, and also extends an invitation to join the Honors College.

Banneker Key Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

1. Attain a minimum GPA score of 3.0.
2. Demonstrate strong academic performance.
3. Enter the university as a freshman.
4. Participate in community service or assume a leadership role in a specific event.
5. Be a resident of the United States.

Application for the Banneker Key Scholarship:

1. Submit a comprehensive application with all necessary documents.
2. Ensure that the application is complete and contains all required information.
3. Use the online submission process and avoid any delays.
4. Late applications will not be considered.

Mandatory Documents for Candidates:

1. Complete application form.
2. Latest transcript with GPA score.
3. Letter of recommendation.
4. All required eligibility documents.

Benefits of the Banneker Key Scholarship:

1. Financial Support: Scholarship recipients receive financial assistance to cover academic expenses such as tuition, fees, and related costs.
2. Encouragement: The scholarship amount serves as motivation for students to overcome obstacles and work towards their goals.
3. Knowledge Enhancement: The scholarship program focuses on enhancing students’ knowledge and fostering competitive behavior.
4. Simplified Process: The application process for these scholarships is straightforward and uncomplicated.

Scholarship Application Guide:

No additional application materials are necessary.

The Banneker Key Scholarship Selection Committee meticulously reviews the entire application of each Banneker Key Scholarship nominee.

Their goal is to identify potential academic leaders who can enrich the campus learning environment.

Semi-finalists for the scholarship will be invited to campus for an interview as part of the final selection process.

Banneker Key Semi-finalists will receive their interview invitations in late February or early March, and they will receive notification of their final scholarship award by April 1.

Each fall, UMD welcomes approximately 150 new Banneker/Key Scholars to campus.