The Aurora African-American Heritage Advisory Board provides annual scholarships to college-bound African-American students.  The AAHAB scholarship is named in honor of trailblazing Auroran Mr. Henry Cowherd and the recipients of the scholarships are deemed Cowherd Scholars. 

Eligible applicants for the 2023 scholarship must:

•    be a current high school senior 

•    have  a minimum 2.50 GPA on 4.0 scale

•    be of African American descent

•    be a resident of Aurora or attend a school located in Aurora

•    submit a completed application by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023.

The completed application must include: 

• An official sealed high school transcript
  • (a) online from high school or transcript service to [email protected] or 
  • (b) sent directly from the high schools to the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs 44 E. Downer Place  Aurora, IL 60507
• One (1) signed reference letter from an educator or counselor of your high school who can support your educational excellence and extracurricular activities.  
•  One (1) signed reference letter from an organization you’ve volunteered for or with on the organization's letterhead.  
• Personal essay explaining in 500 words or less how you will use your education to advance the African American community. 
• Current resume (Review the Sample Resume Template)

APPLY NOW

Please note: 

• Selected applicants will be notified by February 10, 2023 and award presentation will take place during the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board’s Annual Heritage Awards Dinner on February 24, 2023.
• Information will be sent to scholarship awardees requesting additional documentation for distribution of funds, such as a copy of the college acceptance letter, official class schedule, W-9 Form or ITIN#, etc.