African and African American Studies Scholarship Application

African and African-American Studies majors and minors only. Completing this application places students in consideration for the Raymond Gary Memorial Scholarship, the Wayne C. Thompson Memorial Scholarship, and the Ashlee T. Madison Freedom Scholarship. The requirements for each scholarship are listed below. To learn more about these scholarships or the African and African American Studies program, please visit the African and African American Studies website.

Raymond Gary Memorial Scholarship
The Raymond Gary Memorial Scholarship is the first endowed scholarship for students in the AFAM program. The Gary Scholarship will be awarded to two AFAM majors each year according to academics and financial need.

The applicant must be a:

  • full-time student
  • AFAM major, with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

The applicant will submit two (2) letters of recommendation, along with this scholarship application. The applicant will submit a 250-word essay, detailing why he/she should receive this scholarship. A copy of the FAFSA must be on file with the University of Oklahoma Financial Aid Services.

The Wayne C. Thompson Memorial Scholarship
The Wayne C. Thompson Memorial Scholarship is the second endowed scholarship fund in OU’s African and African-American Studies Program. Wayne Thompson was a community and social activist, a humanitarian, mentor to many, and a role model for how one life can make the world a better place. He continued his work until his death at the age of 62 on December 15, 2008.

The applicant must be a(n):

  • full-time student
  • AFAM major, with a 2.5 GPA or higher.
  • Individual who is service focused and/or active in the community

Preference will be given to a student that has an interest in issues that affect the African Diaspora. Two (2) letters of recommendation, from two different instructors, employers or advisors outside of the AFAM program. Please include a 300-word essay detailing why you should be considered for this scholarship.

The Ashlee T. Madison Freedom Scholarship
AFAM will be distributing for the very first time the Ashlee T. Madison Freedom Scholarship. Ashlee was a dynamic individual, who commanded an audience at an early age. The Ashlee T. Madison Freedom Scholarship is the third endowed scholarship fund in OU’s African and African American Studies Program.

The applicant must be a:

  • full-time student
  • student with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
  • Preference for AFAM majors or minors. Students involved in African American Studies courses may also be considered.

The applicant will submit two (2) letters of recommendation, a 300-word essay (detailing why he/she should receive the scholarship) and this application.

Award
Varies
Deadline
02/01/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. List all awards, scholarships, and honors.
  2. List all participation in community service.
  3. If you wish to apply for the Wayne C. Thompson Scholarship, compose at least a 300-word essay detailing why you should receive the scholarship. Also, this scholarship gives preference to students with interest in the African Diaspora. If you are interested in this topic, please discuss in your essay, as well.
  4. If you wish to apply for the Ashlee T. Madison Scholarship, compose at least a 300-word essay detailing why you should receive the scholarship.
  5. If you wish to apply for the Raymond Gary Scholarship, compose at least a 250-word essay detailing why you should receive the scholarship.
  6. This application requires two letters of recommendation. Please provide the names and email addresses of your references below and click “Save and Keep Editing” or “Finish and Submit” to generate emails to your recommenders. You can check the status of your recommendations by clicking on the “References” tab at the top of the page.

    Your reference will be automatically contacted via email to submit an electronic recommendation on your behalf. The deadline for your reference to submit the letter of recommendation is February 1, 2024. If your recommender does not receive the email, contact scholarships@ou.edu. It is your responsibility to ensure that your recommender receives the email request and submits his/her recommendation prior to the deadline.

    Please enter the name and email address of your first recommender here.
  7. Please enter the name and email address of your second recommender here:
  8. Letter of Recommendation Waiver

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 gives students the right to inspect letters of recommendation written on their behalf for an application for financial assistance. Students may waive this right and keep letters of recommendation confidential. This waiver is voluntary and is not a condition of any award. Scholarship committees may place higher value on letters of recommendation that are submitted confidentially.
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