Established in 1968, the American University Frederick Douglass Scholarship Program promotes educational access and opportunity while enhancing educational diversity. Since its inception, approximately 1,500 students have attended the university as Frederick Douglass Scholars.
The scholarship provides for partial tuition awards renewable for a total of four years of undergraduate study, provided scholars satisfy academic performance requirements.
Frederick Douglass scholars are selected on the basis of high academic achievement, leadership potential, demonstrated community service and impressive cocurricular involvement. No separate application is required to be considered for a Frederick Douglass Scholarship.
Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars
A select number of students will be chosen each year as Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars. Distinguished Scholars will receive full tuition, room, board, books and support for summer research and/or internship experiences.
Bringing together the best of AU—academic excellence, leadership development and international engagement—the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program will inspire, encourage and expect high achievement, establishing it as American University's premier academic community for enterprising students to work for the advancement of under-resourced and underserved communities around the globe.
Students applying as freshmen who would like to be considered for selection as a Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholar must complete the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholar application by January 15.
Preference will be given to first-generation students as well as those from diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Academically, the most competitive applicants should have a 3.8 GPA (unweighted) or 4.0 GPA (weighted) and a 1300 SAT or 29 ACT. They must also demonstrate a lifelong commitment to working for the advancement of under-resourced and underserved communities around the globe.
For more information, please contact the director of the Frederick Douglass Scholars Program at 202-885-6213 or fds@american.edu.
