Scholarship Application

RAYS OF HOPE SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

Black Professional Men (BPM), Inc. was established in 1991 as a 501 (c)(3) organization based in Baltimore, Maryland. BPM’s objective is to address the social, economic and political awareness needs of the African-American community, especially those of the African-American male.

BPM’s mission is to “Ensure The Future Of The African-American Male”

We strive to create initiatives that impact the African-American male in his personal and professional development based on the following:

Youth and Community Development
Economic Development
Health
Technological Advancement.

Rays of Hope Scholarship Program

The Rays of Hope Scholarship Program, sponsored by BPM, was established in 1993 to provide financial assistance to African-American male students that have consistently demonstrated exceptional character and academic performance. In addition, the Program seeks students who participate in school or community activities and exhibit strong leadership and communication skills.

Scholarships shall be awarded on a one time basis only. All funds awarded shall be used toward the completion of academic studies and student selection shall be bases upon requirements described in these guidelines. Funding for scholarships is primarily derived from BPM’s annual Rays of Hope Scholarship Breakfast. The amount of $1,000 shall be awarded to each selected scholar.

However, the Rays of Hope Scholarship Program scholarship is about more than money. The program includes workshops, mentoring, and periodic communication between BPM representatives and our scholarship recipients. Our objective is to recognize African American Male Achievement and provide support for the continued academic, social and career success of our BPM Scholars. We expect our scholars to be full participants in our scholarship program. Parents, guardians, educators, and advisors are asked to support our program and its policies.

All African-American male students, meeting the requirements described in these guidelines are eligible regardless of family income. Awarded funds shall be forwarded directly to the recipient’s institution of choice. In cases where the student is the recipient of other scholarships, the funding shall be allocated in following order of need:

Tuition
Books
Fees (admission, activity, lab, etc.)
Personal Educational Needs (school supplies, tutoring services, etc.)

The expressed purpose of the Rays of Hope Scholarship is to provide education assistant to the student. BPM will only award cash directly to the recipient under extreme circumstances and after proof that all educational financial expenses have been paid by other sources (e.g. full scholarship). BPM will be the sole authority in the decision to make cash awards. Such decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

All applications will be rated on the following: