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There are several scholarships and awards available to Africana Studies majors and minors which are awarded annually, usually at the Black Excellence Banquet hosted by the Rose Black Resource Center or during the Douglass-Bethune Africana Graduation Celebration. Additionally, Africana Studies majors and minors can present their research at the National Council of Black Studies Conference every year (with airfare and hotel costs covered by the Africana Studies Department utilizing Instructionally Related Activity Funds).

Liu-Sheriff Family Scholarship

Matt Sheriff and Summer Liu were both educated at public state universities and know the value that an undergraduate education at an excellent regional university provides.  Matt and Summer did not have the means to finance their education; they received substantial grants and scholarships that enabled them to concentrate on classwork without financial worry. Matt and Summer established the Liu-Sheriff Family Scholarship with the intention of extending similar support to students within the Africana Studies program.  To apply, students must be an Africana Studies major or minor and be enrolled or already completed AFS 490. Student will submit written research paper or creative project from AFS 490 and a 300–400-word essay in which you discuss your academic achievements, AFS 490 research/project and financial need. In addition, you must identify and explain how your research and/or creative work in AFS 490 advances the discipline of Africana Studies and can be applied to your educational and professional goals.   

William A. Little Memorial Scholarship

Named to honor the founding chair of the CSUDH Africana Studies Department, Dr. William A. Little, this scholarship is awarded annually. Applications are reviewed by AFS faculty, and the scholarship award is $1000. To be eligible, students must be a current CSUDH undergraduate student and have completed 6 units in Africana Studies, have a cumulative grade point average 3.0 and submit a completed application along with a statement of financial need and academic/professional interests in Africana Studies. Students must also submit contact information for two faculty who can provide a recommendation for you (we recommend at least one AFS faculty recommender). Applications will open in early April.

The Charles and Beverly Cook Scholarship for Best Research Paper in Africana Studies

Named to honor Charles and Beverly Cook, long-time residents of Los Angeles and publishers of the LA Watts Times Newspaper, this scholarship supports students pursuing research in Africana Studies. Only current Africana Studies majors and minors are eligible. Students must submit both an electronic and hard copy of their research paper on the African diaspora experience along with a letter of support from an Africana Studies faculty member. Creative writing and poetry submissions are not eligible for this award. The scholarship award amount is $1000. Applications will open in early April.

Fannie Lou Hamer Queen Mother Society Scholarships

Each year, the Fannie Lou Hamer Queen Mother Society awards scholarships on the recommendation of the AFS faculty. The scholarship award amounts vary but in the past student recipients received $500-$1000 scholarships. To be eligible, students must apply for the William A. Little Memorial Scholarship.

Travel Awards

Travel to Present at the National Council of Black Studies Conference

Each year, the National Council of Black Studies hosts a national conference for scholars and students in Africana/Black Studies in the spring semester. Students writing research papers for their AFS classes are encouraged to apply to present at the conference. Calls for papers will go out in Fall semester. Student papers will be reviewed by AFS faculty who will provide feedback to improve or strengthen the papers. Starting early in Spring Semester, selected presents must attend all required conference prep sessions. Africana Studies will cover the conference registration, airfare, and hotel costs for students. This is a great opportunity for students to improve both their writing and public speaking skills and to become familiar with academic conferences.