Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships

Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) is a company-sponsored diversity organization dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of African-American employees at Microsoft Corporation. This year, BAM will award two $5,000 scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who are interested in pursuing careers in technology. The scholarships are renewable, so winners who continue to meet the criteria can receive an annual $5,000 award for up to four years.

On This Page

•	Requirements
•	How to Apply
•	Frequently Asked Questions

Requirements

To be considered for a BAM Scholarship, you must:

•	Be a high school senior of African descent (for example, African American, African, Ethiopian, etc.).
•	Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the fall of 2009.
•	Plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs (such as finance, business administration, or marketing).
•	Demonstrate a passion for technology.
•	Demonstrate leadership at school or in the community.
•	Have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
•	Require financial assistance to attend college.

How to Apply

To apply for a BAM Scholarship, print and fill out the application. Enclose it in an envelope with the following items:

•	Two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from a faculty or staff member at your school. Letters of recommendation should be original and should not be duplicates of college recommendation letters. (Letters must be on letterhead.)
•	Résumé. Your résumé should include the following information: —Extracurricular activities (school and community related) —Honors and awards that you have received (if possible, include awards that are technology related) —Work experience
•	Picture of yourself.
•	Transcript. Include an official "sealed" copy of your current academic transcript. (Unofficial copies will not be accepted.)
•	Two essays. 1. In no more than 500 words, describe how you plan to engage in the technology industry in your future career. (If you have done exemplary work using technology during high school, please describe that also.) 2. In no more than 250 words, demonstrate your financial need for this scholarship.

Mail your completed application to the following address by Friday, March 27, 2009. You will receive a response by Friday, May 15, 2009.

BAM Scholarship
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052

Download the BAM Scholarship application (Microsoft Word document, 89 KB)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between the BAM Scholarship and the Microsoft College Scholarships for minority students?
A. Microsoft College Scholarships are funded and administered by Microsoft and cover up to 100 percent of recipients' tuition costs. Only students who are currently enrolled in a four-year college or university are eligible to apply for Microsoft College Scholarships. BAM Scholarships are funded and administered by members of the BAM (Blacks at Microsoft) organization and are renewable awards of $5,000. Only high school seniors are eligible to apply for a BAM Scholarship; scholarship recipients can apply to renew their scholarships for up to four years.

Q. Can I apply for a BAM Scholarship if I am already in college?
A. No. The BAM Scholarship is open to high school seniors only; however, scholarship winners can apply to renew their scholarships for up to four years.

Q. Can I apply for the BAM Scholarship if I plan to attend a community college in the fall?
A. Yes. Scholarship applicants must be planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, but students who plan to begin their degree program at a two-year college are welcome to apply.

Q. Do I have to send an official transcript?
A. Yes. If you cannot obtain an official transcript from your school, you can send an unofficial transcript with your application. However, if you are selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit an official transcript.

Q. Can I apply for the BAM Scholarship if I don't live in the Seattle area?
A. Yes. The BAM Scholarship is now available to students throughout the United States.

Q. Is the scholarship renewable?
A. Yes. Scholarship winners can renew their awards for up to four years, provided that they meet specific eligibility requirements.

Q. Am I automatically considered for a Microsoft high school internship when I apply for a scholarship?
A. No. Only recipients of BAM Scholarships are automatically considered for internships. Information about applying for the Microsoft High School Internship Program is available on the High School Internship Program Web page.

Go to the High School Internship Program page

Still have questions? Send an e-mail message to bamship@microsoft.com.