Requirements

The BAM Scholarship was created to enable Black and African American students to attend college and pursue a career in technology.  The goal is to empower future generations to do and be more. 

To be considered for a BAM Scholarship, you must:

  • Be a US-based high school senior of African descent (for example, African American, African, Ethiopian, etc.)
  • Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the US in the fall immediately following your high school graduation
  • 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, submit your application online through the link below by March 31st, 2021 11:59pm Pacific Time 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. Pictures must be in color.
 
Transcript. Include a copy of your current academic transcript. (Official or Unofficial copies will both be accepted.)
 
Two Essays.
—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.)
—In no more than 250 words, demonstrate your financial need for this scholarship.
 
All materials MUST be submitted through the online application link below. Emailed or mailed documents will not be accepted. For questions please email BAMScholarshipInfo@microsoft.com.
 
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Microsoft BAM 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 US $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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. The BAM Scholarship is now available to students throughout the United States.

Yes. Scholarship winners can renew their awards for up to four years, provided that they meet specific eligibility requirements.

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.