Technology Concept Groups International (TCGi) Foundation is dedicated to connecting black women and girls to meaningful opportunities in technology and computing. Through our work, we aim to diversify the next generation of technology leaders. The TCGi Foundation Scholarship Fund facilitates partnerships with key stakeholders to increase the visibility and representation of black women pursuing degrees in computing.

The Mission of the TCGI Foundation is to connect black girls to opportunities in technology.

To support our mission, we have established the Dawna J. Colbert and John Fitzpatrick Scholarships in Computing Studies. Dawna and John were beloved members of the TCGI family, and upon their passing (Dawna in 2017 and John in 2021), scholarships were named in honor of their memories. Our goal is to bestow multiple scholarships every year to deserving students studying technology.

The Vision of the TCGi Foundation is to break down barriers for black girls in tech, shifting the mindset of what is possible.

The Purpose of the TCGi Scholarship Fund is to provide scholarships to deserving high school graduating seniors AND current college/university students who intend to pursue a course of study in computing at either a two-year or four-year educational institution.

At a minimum, TCGI will award one $10,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior who will be attending a two or four-year institution and one $10,000 scholarship to a current undergraduate or graduate student currently at a four-year educational institution. NOTE: Scholarship funds will be awarded to the student upon evidence of registration at an accredited higher educational institution.

Criteria and eligibility (Dawna J. Colbert Scholarship Fund for graduating high school seniors)

1. Applicant must be a resident of Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Washington D.C.
2. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior in the year of the award.
3. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average (or a "B" average).
4. Applicant must have a desired college major in Computing or Information Technology.
5. Applicants may not be related to any Board of Directors or staff for this presents a conflict of interest.
6. Applicants must be willing to commit to at least two TCGI Foundation events in the 2022-2023 academic year.
7. Please note: In order to receive their award, Scholarship winners must be able to attend the Inaugural John Fitzpatrick Memorial Golf Classic IN PERSON at the Commonwealth National Golf Club (Philadelphia, PA) on Monday, June 20, 2022.

Criteria and eligibility (John Fitzpatrick Scholarship Fund for current college and graduate students)

1. Applicant must be a resident of Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Washington D.C.
2. Applicant must be enrolled in a two or four-year college in the year of the award.
3. Applicant must have at least a 3.0 grade point average (or a "B" average).
4. Applicant must have declared a major in Computing or Information Technology.
5. Applicants may not be related to any Board of Directors or staff for this presents a conflict of interest.
6. Please note: In order to receive their award, Scholarship winners must be able to attend the Inaugural John Fitzpatrick Memorial Golf Classic IN PERSON at the Commonwealth National Golf Club (Philadelphia, PA) on Monday, June 20, 2022.

General Instructions

1. DEADLINE for scholarship applications is Friday, June 3, 2022 11:59 p.m. (no exceptions).
2. Refer to application process below for a list of the supporting documents needed (i.e., reference forms, evidence of GPA, etc.) Incomplete applications will not be considered.
3. If any question does not apply to you in this application, please put N/A or 0 (zero) in the space.
4. All semi-finalists will need to complete a virtual interview with the TCGI Scholarship Committee. Virtual interviews will be held on the morning of Saturday, June 11th.
5. Semi-finalists will be notified by Wednesday, June 8th if they have been selected for a scholarship interview.
6. All applicants will be notified by Wednesday, June 15th regarding the status of your application.
7. If you have any questions about the application, please email scholarship@technologyconcepts.com.

Application Process for High School Seniors:

Applicant must submit the following items. Please have them prepared for uploading before you begin filling out this application form.

1. Completed application form
2. Letter of application addressed to the Scholarship Committee. The letter should contain a brief explanation about yourself and your college plans (college/university, intended major, and anticipated start date). Letter should not exceed one (1) single-spaced page.
3. Two (2) letters of recommendations from choice of high school teachers, administrators, counselors, employers, or individuals with significant knowledge of applicant’s experience and involvement.
4. Proof of college acceptance or current student enrollment. A copy of your college acceptance letter is required for receipt of funds
5. An official and recent high school transcript with cumulative grade point average and a class standing/rank.
6. Personal Essay. What do you hope to accomplish in the future? How will pursuing a career in technology help you accomplish those goals?
• Essay must be at least 500 words, double-spaced, 12 pt / Times New Roman font. Please double-check your essay for any typos and grammatical errors.

Application Process for Current College and Graduate Students:

Applicant must submit the following items. Please have them prepared for uploading before you begin filling out this application form.

1. Completed application form
2. Letter of application addressed to the Scholarship Committee. The letter should contain a brief explanation about yourself and your career plans (college/university, major, and anticipated career goals). Letter should not exceed one (1) single-spaced page.
3. Two (2) letters of recommendations from choice of college instructors, advisors, counselors, employers, or individuals with significant knowledge of applicant’s experience and involvement.
4. Proof of college acceptance or current student enrollment. Required for receipt of funds
5. An official and recent college transcript (no earlier than May 2022) with cumulative grade point average.
6. Personal Essay. Tell us about your Computing/Technology journey. How has your pursuit of a degree in technology shaped who you are?
• Essay must be at least 500 words, double-spaced, 12 pt / Times New Roman font. Essay shall contain no grammatical errors.

Deadline for the application is June 3, 2022, 11:59 p.m. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

“Breaking down barriers for black girls in Tech, shifting the mindset of what is possible.”