Microsoft, even if you have Apple everything, you cannot deny that the company founded by Bill Gates has some fine scholarship opportunities available. As we have alluded to in the past, we love scholarships that are renewable once you are in college.  The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship is no different.  This scholarship is annually awarded to two high school seniors and is worth $5,000 for up to four years. Winning applicants are also considered for prestigious Microsoft internships, which is really cool!

Applicants for this scholarship must be of African descent (including from Africa and African-Americans) and be planning to attend a four-year school in the fall.  However, students who are planning on attending a community college and then transferring to a four-year school are eligible to apply.

Other requirements are a 3.3 GPA and a passion for technology.  Students must be planning to major in engineering, computer science, information systems, or business.  The scholarship committee will also be considering financial need and community leadership.

The application deadline is March 25, 2011, so interested applicants should get started!

The application package includes the following components:

1. Official Application
2. 2 letters of recommendation
3. Resume with extracurricular activities, honors, awards, and work experience (remember, interest in technology is considered!).
4. Picture of yourself
5. Official Transcript
6. Two Essays

The essays should discuss the following topics:

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.

Completed applications should be sent to:

BAM Scholarship
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052

Applicants will have a response regarding their status by May 15, 2010.  Best of luck!