The Department of African American Studies (AAS) remains steadfast to recognize academically talented African American Studies majors, minors, and graduate certificate students. To this end, with the support of donors, the Department provides scholarship funding to assist students committed to the discipline of African American Studies, by helping to defray the costs associated while attending the University of Houston. The Department of African American Studies will continue its advancement and support for student education and research initiatives at the University of Houston.

The Department’s commitment to student funding remains imperative to provide a robust platform upon which to make this objective a concrete reality. AAS offers two types of academic scholarships to eligible students: tuition-based scholarships that help cover tuition related costs associated with attending the University of Houston and book scholarships that go toward defraying the costs of student textbooks. As such, the Department of African American Studies is pleased to announce the 2024-2025 academic scholarships. (Deadline for application submission is the first week of August). The applicant’s short essay must address any distinct descriptive criteria described below, e.g. The Turner scholarship emphasizes leadership skills.

Successful applicants will receive funds this Fall 2024.

Debbie Haley Memorial Scholarship $800/semester

Named in honor of a Debbie Haley, an educator who was dedicated to mentoring students in African American Studies, this scholarship is designated for students who major or minor in African American Studies and exhibit leadership skills. They must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

William Lawson Social Justice Scholarship $500/semester

Established by long-time director Dr. James Conyers in honor of Rev. William Lawson, an educator, religious leader, and activist. The scholarship is open to all full-time students majoring or double-majoring in African American Studies, with preference given to students who graduated from Jack Yates or Booker T. Washington High Schools.

Dr. Clara L. Meek Endowment for African American Studies $1,200/Semester

In spring of 2018, AAS Friends honored the memory of Clara Loraine Meek by establishing the Dr. Clara L. Meek Endowment for African American Studies in the University of Houston’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Dr. Meek supported numerous organizations and charities but most cherished UH’s African American Studies Program. The endowment provides scholarship funding and programmatic support for the African American Studies Department.

Gene and Aubrey Locke Legacy Scholarship for Community Service $1,000/semester

Gene and Aubrey Locke Legacy Scholarship for Community Service are longtime advocates of community involvement and civic engagement, particularly for students. As a family, the Lockes are committed to changing the world through education and community involvement. They have endeavored throughout their lives to create opportunities for others and social change for all. Consistent with their family’s outlook and values, community involvement and civic engagement are the motivations and inspirations for establishing this endowed award.

Sylvester Turner Public Service Scholarship $750/semester

Established in 2006 to provide funding to a student whose GPA is at least a 3.5 and who demonstrates leadership qualities, interest in pursuing a career in public service and in providing services to the lower income, disadvantaged communities through education, economic development, social services, and health care.

John J. Moores, Sr., Academic Achievement Scholarship $750/Semester

Established in 2006 to provide funding to students who demonstrate leadership qualities, a regard for the welfare of humankind and/or an interest in pursuing a career dedicated to humanitarian principles or practices, and whose GPAs are at least 3.0.

John Rueben Sheeler Memorial Scholarship $1000/Semester

Established in 1981 by the widow of Dr. John Rueben Sheeler, historian and chair of the Department of History and Geography at Texas Southern University, this scholarship provides funding to academically talented students who have declared minors in African American Studies and whose GPAs are at least 3.0.


Contact Information:

University of Houston 
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences 
Department of African American Studies 
Attn: Scholarship Committee 
629 Agnes Arnold Hall 
Houston, TX 77204-3047 
Tel: 713.743.6829 
Fax: 713.743.2818