The Supreme Court’s recent decision in 2023 regarding college admissions has reignited debates surrounding race-based scholarships. By declaring racial preferences in admissions unconstitutional, the ruling raises questions about the legality of similar practices in state-funded scholarship programs. This judicial decision, combined with policies fostered during the previous administration aimed at scrutinizing race-exclusive initiatives, has prompted renewed discussions on racial equality and the treatment of students from diverse backgrounds.
While the spotlight has largely been on university admission practices, many longstanding state laws still uphold race-based preferences in scholarship and grant allocations. If lawmakers do not take action, structural racial discrimination may persist within public education systems and government-funded educational programs.
In Florida, for instance, over $45 million has been allocated over the past two decades for Minority Teacher Education Scholarships. These scholarships, issued by the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, a nonprofit organization associated with the University of Florida, are managed by a board that includes gubernatorial appointees. This program also provides professional development opportunities for scholarship recipients.
New York has also established programs like the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) and the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), which are designed to augment the participation of “historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students” in STEM fields. However, eligibility is limited based on specific demographic criteria, meaning that while a middle-class Black student may qualify, a middle-class white or Asian student would not.
Likewise, Missouri mandates that its education department manage the Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program. This initiative targets “severely underrepresented minority ethnic groups” seeking to enter various environmental professions, including biology and chemical engineering.
In Iowa, a law permits the establishment of minority-only scholarships, such as the Iowa Minority Academic Grants for Economic Success. Although currently unfunded, the Iowa Board of Regents maintains administrative rules for the grants until legislative changes are enacted.
Amid growing scrutiny, some states have made efforts to erase race-specific language from their scholarship laws. In 2025, both Arkansas and Indiana updated their criteria for state-sponsored scholarships to ensure no discrimination or preference is granted based on race.
Governments at all levels hold a significant responsibility to serve their entire citizenry equally. Addressing and eliminating racial biases in scholarship funding is vital for rebuilding public confidence and fostering equitable access to educational opportunities for every student.
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