» African American/Black Applicants

Welcome from Misty Levingston, Director of Black Excellence and Achievement

As Chapman’s Director of Black Excellence and Achievement, I am happy to lend you a helping hand as you delve into what Chapman offers.

Rest assured, there is a place for you here. We have a growing community of African American/Black students who have established a supportive network that you can be a part of. From student clubs and organizations to cultural events in the community, there are numerous avenues for you to be involved.

Should you ever need any guidance or support, don’t hesitate to contact me at levingston@chapman.edu.

You can follow Black Excellence and Achievement on Instagram here!

Chapman resources

Chapman supports African American/Black students’ success and community building from orientation to graduation. This involves:

Orientation opportunities

• Orientation Affinity Socials: During Orientation, you will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with other students and staff who are part of the Black Affinity group. Students may also attend and meet with as many affinity groups as they identify wit
• Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Orientation Welcome Reception: At Orientation, you can attend a welcome reception where you will meet staff and faculty who provide resources and support for students of diverse backgrounds and identities. 

Current student opportunities

• Cross-Cultural Center: Provides students with a safe space and offers programs and services intended to affirm the value of and support students from underrepresented identities.
• African American/Black staff and faculty advocates: Advocates are a great resource for support through anything that comes up during your time at Chapman.
• Black Affinity group: Connects students with a network of faculty, staff, peers, and alumni who are of African American/Black heritage.

Graduation and alumni opportunities

• Black graduation: An annual celebration that takes place to honor the achievements of Chapman’s African American/Black students, in addition to the official university commencement ceremonies that all students participate in.
• Black Family Homecoming: An orientation event held every September where Black students, alumni, faculty and staff, family, friends, and the community gather to enjoy food, music, and giveaways.

Financing your education

We understand the importance of making education accessible. This is why we offer financial resources that make attending college more affordable:

• Every student who applies to Chapman is considered for merit scholarships. Our highest award is $40,000 per year.
• Chapman offers need-based aid and other awards determined by your FAFSA form and your family's circumstances. The average need-based award for fall 2023 was over $31,000 per year.
• Talent/departmental awards can also be combined with other awards and are determined individually by academic and university departments.

In addition to merit scholarships, need-based aid, and talent/departmental awards, we also offer mission-driven awards that provide educational opportunities to students underrepresented in higher education.

Outside scholarships

Unless otherwise noted, these scholarships are open to all African American/Black students pursuing higher education. In most cases, these scholarships can be combined with awards you receive from Chapman or other institutions.

Details of each scholarship are subject to change, so make sure to check the scholarship's website for the most up-to-date details.

• Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship: Awarded to minority high school seniors who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence and plan on attending a four-year college. Recipients also receive career guidance and internship placement.
  • Application deadline: January 10
• Ron Brown Scholar Program: Awarded to low-income Black or African American high school seniors. This program looks for students interested in public service, entrepreneurship, and community involvement.
  • Application deadline: December 1
• American Association of Blacks in Energy Scholarship: Awarded to underrepresented minority high school seniors who plan to pursue a major in business, technology, engineering, mathematics, or one of the physical sciences.
  • Application deadline: March 10
• The Gates Scholarship: Awarded to pell-eligible, minority high school seniors pursuing college education.
  • Application deadline: September 15

Chapman clubs, organizations and opportunities

Chapman offers many culture-based clubs, including several for African American/Black students.  

For more details, visit the Clubs and Organizations section on the African American/Black Students page.

Coming to Chapman from outside the area?

Around 10% of Southern California residents are African American/Black. The African American/Black community around Chapman provides countless cultural events and experiences for students, including:

• Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival (February): A unity festival for the African American/Black community that includes food and business vendors, activities, a cultural fair, live entertainment, a car show, and more.
• Disneyland’s “Celebrate Soulfully” Event (Black History Month): Honors Black culture with food, music, and themed experiences at the parks and Disney hotels. The Downtown Disney stage will feature live music and select restaurants in the park. Downtown Disney and hotels will offer Black History Month menu items.
• Los Angeles Black on the Block: A monthly festival featuring 100+ Black-owned businesses. The event includes an immersive experience featuring great food, music, activations, special guests, and unique networking opportunities.
• Los Angeles Black Market Flea: A monthly flea market with food trucks, music DJs, and vendor tents offering art, thrifted clothes, or custom jewelry.

Academic opportunities

At Chapman, we support academic endeavors both at home and abroad.

For more details, visit the Academic Opportunities section on the African American/Black Students page.

Chapman Stories: Jasmine Johnson ‘15

Jasmine graduated with a BFA in Creative Writing and a B.A. in Communication Studies in 2015. Learn more about her life and Chapman experience in this video: