TMCF Eastern Area Links Finish Line Scholarship
Offered by Thurgood Marshall College Fund
About This Scholarship
The Eastern Area Links Finish Line Scholarship is a completion grant administered by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund in partnership with the Eastern Area of The Links, Incorporated, one of the nation's oldest service organizations of Black women. The program is built for students in the home stretch: it awards up to $1,500 apiece to 75 undergraduate seniors who need a final push of funding to cross the graduation finish line.
Eligibility is limited to seniors attending one of 16 designated HBCU member institutions, including schools such as Howard University, Hampton University, and Morgan State University. Applicants need at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, and must demonstrate financial need. Rather than a written essay, the application centers on a two-minute video about the core principles and values the applicant believes are essential to creating positive change in their community and career field.
Awards are disbursed in a single payment during the fall 2026 semester and applied to tuition-related costs. Because the money moves through the student's financial aid office at a TMCF member school, it directly reduces an outstanding balance rather than arriving as a check to the student.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate senior enrolled at one of 16 designated HBCU member institutions
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Demonstrated financial need
How To Apply
- Create an account on the TMCF Scholarship Portal at scholarships.tmcf.org
- Complete the 2026-2027 Eastern Area Links Finish Line Scholarship application
- Record and submit a two-minute video on the values you believe are essential to creating positive change in your community and career field
- Submit before the December 1, 2026 deadline (11:59 p.m. EST)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to write an essay?
No written essay is required, but you must submit a two-minute video responding to a prompt about the principles and values you plan to bring to your education and career. Treat it with the same care you would give an essay.
Which schools qualify?
Only undergraduate seniors at one of 16 specified HBCU member institutions are eligible, including Howard University, Hampton University, and Morgan State University. Check the TMCF program page for the full school list before applying.
How is the money paid out?
Awards of up to $1,500 are disbursed in a single payment during the fall 2026 semester and applied toward tuition-related costs at your school.