TMCF Wells Fargo Gap Scholarship
Offered by Thurgood Marshall College Fund
About This Scholarship
The TMCF Wells Fargo Gap Scholarship is an emergency-aid program for students whose education is at risk over a relatively small unpaid balance. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund selects 40 scholars and awards each up to $1,000, paid in one lump-sum disbursement for the 2026-2027 academic year, to close the gap between a student's financial aid package and what they actually owe their school.
The program serves full-time undergraduates, freshman through senior, at TMCF member institutions — a network of 57 publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities, historically Black community colleges, predominantly Black institutions, and affiliated medical and law schools. Applicants need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75, must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, must have the 2026-2027 FAFSA on file, and must be in good academic standing while facing genuine financial risk.
The application is deliberately practical: students submit a school account balance statement documenting what they owe, plus a two-minute video explaining their current financial situation and why the funding matters. There is no long essay and no major restriction.
Eligibility
- Full-time undergraduate (freshman through senior) at a TMCF member school (57 publicly supported HBCUs, HBCCs, PBIs, and medical/law schools)
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- 2026-2027 FAFSA on file with your institution
- Demonstrated financial hardship, documented with a school account balance statement
How To Apply
- Register on the TMCF Scholarship Portal at scholarships.tmcf.org
- Complete the Wells Fargo Gap Scholarship application
- Upload your current school account balance statement
- Record and submit a two-minute video explaining your financial situation and why you need this funding
- Submit by December 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gap scholarship?
A gap scholarship covers the difference between your financial aid package and your actual school balance — the kind of shortfall that can block registration or force a student to drop out. This award pays up to $1,000 directly toward that balance.
Do I need to attend an HBCU?
You must attend one of TMCF's 57 member institutions, which include publicly supported HBCUs, historically Black community colleges, predominantly Black institutions, and affiliated medical and law schools.
Is there an essay?
No written essay. You submit a two-minute video about your current financial situation, along with a school account balance statement documenting your need.