Cavaliers HBCU Scholarship (supported by SPIDACARES)

Cleveland Cavaliers Community Foundation/SPIDACARES

Scholarships awarded to (1) Northeast Ohio high school seniors committed to an accredited HBCU, or (2) full-time undergraduates attending an accredited HBCU during the 2026-27 school year who are permanent residents of Northeast Ohio. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, outstanding community service, and financial need.

Qualifications:

Applicants must:
Be a current resident of one of the following Ohio counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga,
Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, or Wayne; and

Be a high school senior committed to one of the accredited Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (“HBCU”) or a full-time undergraduate student enrolled at an accredited HBCU during
the 2026-2027 academic year.

In completing the Application, Applicants must:
(1) provide a copy of their most recent school transcript reflecting academic achievement;
(2) provide a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, administrator, or coach at the school
the student is currently attending;
(3) in response to the following prompt “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that
sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others” either (i)
write a 500 word essay, or (ii) submit a video response no longer than five (5) minutes;
(4) complete an interview;
(5) if required or requested by the school the student plans to attend or attending, provide SAT or
ACT scores;
(6) display a commitment to and investment in their surrounding community; and
(7)demonstrate financial need.

Award Amount:
$10,000

Deadline:
February 6, 2026