Frequently Asked Questions (original) (raw)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a TMCF Scholarship?
- Open Scholarships are on our website www.tmcf.org
Note: TMCF has migrated to a new system, so all applicants will have to register and create a new username and password prior to applying. If you have done this and your new login information does not work, contact support at [email protected] - Create TMCF Student Profile in AwardSpring.
AwardSpring Homepage
Use your personal email address to create an account
- Students are encouraged to use their personal emails to create their account in the portal
- Using your high school’s or college email is not encouraged as those accounts may be deleted upon graduation from the institution
How do I find the right scholarships where I meet the eligibility requirements?
Each scholarship comes with its own set of eligibility criteria. After you submit your application through AwardSpring, the system will automatically assess your eligibility for the available scholarships. It’s crucial to double-check all your details in the general application because once submitted, no modifications can be made. Additionally, you’ll be required to create a brief video and upload a photo, with specific instructions provided within the application. The entire process typically spans around 12 weeks. Once your application is in, you’ll gain access to a dashboard. Follow the instructions highlighted in yellow boxes to provide any extra information necessary for individual scholarships.
Applying does not guarantee that you will be approved
* Students are eligible for two scholarships per academic year*
- The first step is to complete the general application.
- After finishing the general application, your dashboard will display a curated list of scholarships tailored to your eligibility. Clear guidance in the form of yellow boxes will lead you through the specific requirements of scholarships needing additional information. This may include answering additional questions or creating a distinct video tailored to a particular scholarship’s inquiry.
- Please note the closing date for your scholarship application. You must complete your application before the deadline.
- Do you currently have an unpaid school balance of up to $750?
- Say yes since you will not know your bills at this time.
I meet the eligibility criteria for multiple scholarships. Should I apply for them all?
- You will need to complete your general application, and then your dashboard will populate with opportunities where you have met eligibility.
How do I identify HBCU Member Schools?
- You can find the list at Member-Schools.
Can I edit my application once submitted?
- Once the application has been submitted, it cannot be edited.
How to Create a Video
We recommend using YouTube or Vimeo to upload videos for your application submissions. Make sure the settings are set to public, giving the Scholarship Team access to review your video submission.
- You must provide a working link to the video.
- Double-check that your link works! We can’t consider your application if we can’t watch your video interview.
- Make sure that the video is working and viewable to anyone with the link, not private to you.
How to create a link and link your video
- It is best to create a google email (Gmail) account and use Google’s features
* When you create a Google Gmail account, the student will get free access to other google features such as Google Drive, Google Photos, Google Docs, Google Sheets and YouTube. - Students can send the video from their phones to their Google Drive or Google Photos.
- Once added to their Google Drive, they can click on the ellipses, or right click and save the link.
- Then copy link and paste in video or photo request blanks.
- It is best to create a google email (Gmail) account and use Google’s features
How to link create a YouTube account
- Go to youtube.com
- Go to the sign-in page
- Select create an account
- Input personal information
- Go to your videos on the sidebar
- In the upper right-hand corner – you will see CREATE
- You can upload your recorded video – or drag and drop the files to upload to YouTube
- You can then edit, give the video a name, and complete a set up.
How to create the best quality (visual and sound of your video)
- Students can use the camera or recording feature on their smartphones or computers to record their videos
- To ensure quality sound, try to record your video in a quiet space and avoid as much background noise as possible
- Make sure that you record your video in a well lit area free of glares
How to add a background
- It is not mandatory for students to use a secondary background
- The background can be an empty wall space of a room, outdoor area, etc.
* Ensure that non-secondary backgrounds are free of clutter and extra props
What to wear for your video
- Videos can be filmed from the chest or waist up
- Students are advised to wear any plain colored top as long as it is free of graphic content UNLESS a certain attire is specified in the video requirements
- Students may wear their school shirts or other clothing articles
How to upload your professional photo
To complete their application, they may need to submit a professional photo. Please follow the instructions below:
Students can upload their professional photos from their phones or computers to their google drive or other mail account drive
Change the access from “Restricted (only you) to Anyone with the link”
- This step is important to ensure that students are effectively making the link accessible to those who click on it.
Right-click the photo once saved to the drive
Select “Get link” from the dropdown menu
Press “Copy Link”
Select “Done”
This link that you just copied can then be pasted in the box for your photo on the application
If you have technical difficulties, contact us right away. If you wait until the last days before the scholarship is due, you may not be able to complete your application on time.
We do not accept late submissions after the deadline. No exceptions.
We will send emails reminding you to complete your application. This would mean that you started the application but did not complete the process and submit.
My login information will not work. What should I do?
TMCF has migrated to a new system (AwardSpring), so all applicants will have to register and create a new username and password prior to applying.
If you have done this and your new login information does not work, contact support at [email protected].
If you did not get an email for your login reset, check your spam, or junk mail.
If you cannot reset your password, let us know at [email protected].
When will recipients be notified?
- Decisions will be made within approximately 12 weeks after the application process closes.
- Applicants will be notified by email of any status updates, or need for additional information.
- Check your email regularly to receive updates.
- Add [email protected] to your Safe Sender list.
I do not have the software to get my documents into the correct format. What should I do?
- If students cannot convert their documents into a PDF, they should scan and save them as a PDF. Once correctly saved, they should upload their documents. If students are still having difficulty, they should visit their college career services center prior to contacting TMCF.
Can I email or mail in the supporting documents for the scholarship I applied for?
- No, we do not accept paper applications or supporting documents by mail, email, or fax. Students will need to copy and paste their documents at the time they are completing the scholarship application.
- All required documents must be entered into the student portal. Or by special invitation links via email.
Do you have suggestions for other scholarship resources?
- First, apply for all scholarships you’re eligible for offered by TMCF. Then research other scholarship providers, such as your college or university, your local community foundation, and other private scholarship providers.
Over $24M in scholarship funding was awarded to 1,710 TMCF scholars, enabling them to stay in school in the 2022-2023 school year.
Meet Our Talent
Shaquille Profitt
“My participation in TMCF has allowed me to use my voice, skills, and abilities in spaces I previously believed I did not belong. I was fortunate enough to have been selected as one of the hosts of the 2021 Leadership Institute. By taking on this leadership role, I could step out of my comfort zone. Unequivocally,
Joshua A. Brown
“TMCF has helped me out in more ways than I could count. I’ve sat before Fortune 500 companies and interviewed for internships and full-time job opportunities. TMCF has allowed me to help find the best talent at my illustrious institution, Florida A&M University, and helped other students shine nationally. They’ve helped me financially with scholarships I
Angelica (Angie) Hood
During my internship at the Boeing Company, I interned under the Global Supplier Diversity. This gave me an opportunity to work within Boeing’s Strategic Initiatives and introduce small minority businesses to all available opportunities at Boeing. Along with the special projects I completed for my internship, the experience has impacted my professional endeavors and made me