✨ Should I Apply for Cisco Scholars Program (in partnership with TMCF)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
72%
Eligibility Match
20%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60–80 hrs
Time Required
Competitive
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Up to $15,000 per academic year
⏱
Duration
1 Year
🗓
Deadline
Typically March or April (Varies by cycle)
🔬
Fields
Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Business, and Finance
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies (Typically 10-20 per cycle)
🌏
Study Country
United States
🏛️
Provider
Cisco Systems, Inc. and Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
📊
Acceptance
Check official website
The Cisco Scholars Program is a strategic partnership between Cisco and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund designed to support high-achieving students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The program aims to bridge the gap in the technology industry by providing financial support and career opportunities to underrepresented students in STEM and business fields.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to African American and minority students enrolled at HBCUs/PBIs who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence in tech-related fields.
🏛️ Host University
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Member-Schools (HBCUs and PBIs)
🤝 Sponsor
Cisco Systems, Inc.
🔬 Fields of Study
Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Business, and Finance
✨ Key Benefits
Provides a financial award of up to $15,000 to cover tuition and fees, paired with professional development and potential internship pathways at Cisco.
✈️ Travel: No🏠 Accommodation: Varies (Funds can be applied to overall cost of attendance)💊 Health Insurance: No🔄 Renewable: Yes (Must reapply annually)💳 App Fee: $0
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes
🏠 Living Stipend
No
🏡 Accommodation
Varies (Funds can be applied to overall cost of attendance)
✈️ Travel Allowance
No
💊 Health Insurance
No
🎁 Other Benefits
Mentorship, internship opportunities at Cisco, networking with industry professionals, and career development resources.
🔄 Renewable
Yes (Must reapply annually)
📋 Renewal Conditions
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and remain enrolled full-time at an eligible TMCF member-school.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a full-time student at a TMCF member-school; US Citizen or Permanent Resident; Minimum 3.0 GPA; Pursuing an eligible STEM or Business degree.
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate (Sophomore, Junior, Senior)
📊 Minimum GPA
3.0
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficient in English
💼 Work Experience
Not required (Internships preferred)
🏆 Leadership
Demonstrated leadership potential in campus or community activities.
💰 Financial Need
Yes
🎯 Target Students
HBCU/PBI Students and Minority Groups in STEM
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes
Rec Letters
Yes (Usually one from a faculty member)
Interview
Yes (Finalists may be interviewed)
Application Fee
$0
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Usually one from a faculty member) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficient in English
Interview: Yes (Finalists may be interviewed)
Min GPA: 3.0
📋 Application Process
Focus on your technical projects and how your career goals align with Cisco's mission of powering an inclusive future. Proofread essays for clarity and passion.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure your LinkedIn profile and resume are updated to reflect any coding skills, certifications, or leadership roles.
🗺️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Typically January
⏰ Deadline
Typically March or April (Varies by cycle)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Finalists may be interviewed)
🎓 Study Starts
Fall Semester
Typically January
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Typically March or April (Varies by cycle)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application — no late entries
Yes (Finalists may be interviewed)
Shortlisting & Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Fall Semester
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic performance, quality of essay, strength of recommendation, financial need, and leadership experience.
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Open to African American and minority students enrolled at HBCUs/PBIs who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence in tech-related fields.
This scholarship covers: Provides a financial award of up to $15,000 to cover tuition and fees, paired with professional development and potential internship pathways at Cisco.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Typically March or April (Varies by cycle). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Competitive. Acceptance rate: Check official website. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes (Must reapply annually)
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficient in English, Yes (Usually one from a faculty member) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.