The Office of Inclusive Excellence and the Black Faculty and Staff Association are honored to announce the Dr. Charles R. Payne Scholarship Award. Dr. Payne served BSU and the Muncie Community for 41+ years, was the first tenured Black full professor at BSU, assistant vice provost for diversity, and viewed education as liberation and worked tirelessly to elevate diversity in all its forms. The impact of this giant in education will be felt for generations to come.

Eligibility Criteria:

Students pursuing a college curriculum directed toward an associate, bachelor's, or master degree or graduate certificate at Ball State University, Preference is given to members of Black Student Association, Black Graduate Student Alliance, and similar student organizations.

  • 25% Scholarship
  • 25% Letters of recommendation
  • 25% Community Service and/or other forms of Civic Engagement
  • 25% Essay/creative project (Video/Podcast/Media) 

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year awards have been closed.

Recipients will receive notification of their award through their Ball State University email account from the University Foundation.

The Marshall Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to outstanding students who are committed to identifying and taking the next strategic steps to address issues of diversity in their communities, on their campuses, and in society at large. Scholarship awards may not be made to the same person in consecutive years, rather every two years.

Marshall Memorial Scholarship recipients possess a commitment to promoting social justice and a society free from prejudice and discrimination. These outstanding students also advocate social justice with regard to race, ethnicity, economic status, national origin, disability, gender, sexual identity, age, and religious viewpoints.

Ms. Sandy Marshall shared that her motivation for starting the scholarship rested in her father's lifelong commitment to equity and inclusion.  This commitment allowed her to become an adult who felt she could move freely throughout her community without fear or prejudice.  This has become a major theme of her life and she wanted to create a memorial not only to her father but also to encourage and support more young people to dedicate a part of their lives to these ideals.

Application Deadline

April 1, 2024

How to Apply

You will need to complete our online application by following the link below.

You will need to include:

  • One letter of recommendation from someone, such as a faculty member (should not be a family member), who can speak to the following:
    • Your passion with regards to diversity, social justice, and or creating a society that is free from prejudice and discrimination.
    • The impact of the activities you have done on you and/or your community.

  • A 500-1,000 word essay that addresses each of the following prompts.
    • What kind of work are you currently doing (research, volunteering, or working) that helps address issues of diversity, inclusion, social justice, and/or that helps create a community free from prejudice or discrimination.
    • Second, address the impact that your work has on people within your community.
    • Third, discuss how these activities have changed you as an individual. For example, how has it affected your life, your point of view, changed you as a student, and or a citizen of the world.
    • Last, describe how your future career aspirations include diversity-related work.

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year awards have been closed.

Recipients will receive notification of their award through their Ball State University email account from the University Foundation.

The Black Alumni Council stimulates the interest of all Black alumni of Ball State University, supporting issues related to alumni and students of African descent.

The organization offer scholarships to cover the costs of textbooks to students who meet the following criteria:

  • earned a minimum of 30 credits completed at Ball State
  • enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior at Ball State for the upcoming school year
  • demonstrate financial need through the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • preference will be given to underrepresented undergraduate students

Application Deadline

May 1

How to Apply

To be considered for this award, complete the online application.

Apply Now

The Black Alumni Council stimulates the interest of all Black alumni of Ball State University, supporting issues related to alumni and students of African descent.

The organization offer scholarships to cover the costs of tuition to students who meet the following criteria:

  • earned a minimum of 30 credits completed at Ball State
  • enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior at Ball State for the upcoming school year
  • demonstrate financial need through the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • preference will be given to underrepresented undergraduate students

Application Deadline

May 1

How to Apply

To be considered for this award, complete the online application.

 

Apply Now

Many scholarships are based on talent, academics, service, or leadership. However, need-based programs also exist to assist students.  Ball State offers a wide variety of scholarships of its own and several of our academic departments award funding to students in their programs.

Visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships webpage for additional resources.