The Fallen Soldiers Memorial Scholarship Fund was established on April 12, 2014, in honor of our deceased members whose fundraising efforts towards education and scholarship are not forgotten.
Each year, the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Northern VA will award 3 academic scholarships to deserving college-bound high school seniors or current students enrolled at an accredited college or university, 2-year community college, or vocational institution.
Scholarships awarded annually provided that the above-mentioned criteria are continuously met. Additionally, the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Clubs, Inc. (NABSTMC), offers scholarship opportunities for deserving students based on similar criteria. The application period begins in January and ends in April of each calendar year.
The philosophy of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Northern Virginia is:
- To promote the history of African American veterans
- To be a positive role model for youth in our community
- To support our veterans by visiting local veterans, their families, & supporting our fallen heroes
- To support charitable organizations in our community
- To uphold the traditions and standards of the NABSTMC
- To promote motorcycle safety in our community
The BSMC of Northern Virginia will mail scholarship funds, on behalf of the student, upon verification of enrollment to the college/university the student will be attending. A scholarship of $1000 will be awarded based on a completed application packet, which includes financial need, qualifications, essay, and supporting documentation.
NOTE: Application Deadline April 17, 2026
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Accepted and enrolled at an accredited college or university, 2-year community college, or vocational institution.
- Demonstrate financial need as verified by the college or university the applicant will attend.
Instructions for candidates
The following are required to complete your application:
- Unofficial High School Transcript, Home School transcript, or GED Certificate.
- Applicant must be an eligible graduating high school senior/GED recipient during the Fall 2025/ 2026 Summer school year who will be attending post-secondary or vocational/trade school in 2026 with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- A 750-1500-word essay on the topics described below in Essay Topics.
- Letter of recommendation on official letterhead from a teacher, administrator, or counselor.
- Letter of recommendation on letterhead from a community service organization
- A letter of acceptance to an institution of higher learning
- Parent’s signature if the student is under 18 years of age.
- Prepare a letter of introduction, who you are, your accomplishments to date, your family background, and the degree/certificate to which you are seeking. Provide a summary of how you plan to use the scholarship if selected. Also, incorporate, how this scholarship would benefit you in giving back to your community.
- Recent professional headshot photo (in good taste). Your senior portrait is preferred.
- Provide the student’s name, the complete name and address of the school and/or financial aid office where the student will be attending school, and the student ID number. A scholarship check will be mailed by the treasurer to the college/or university via the student’s account.
- Complete the application in its entirety.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Essay Topics: Write a 750-1500 word essay (handwritten essays will not be accepted) on one of the following topics:
- How the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers inspires my journey today
- Character & Leadership Topics; Embodying the Buffalo Spirit: Leadership through adversity. Share a personal story or experience that shows how you demonstrated resilience, discipline, or leadership like the Buffalo Soldier.
- How do you plan to carry the Buffalo Soldiers' legacy forward? Discuss your career goals and how theyalign with values like service, education, justice, or advocacy.
- Lifting as We Climb: The role of the Buffalo Soldier in inspiring the Next Generation -Reflect on howtheir legacy influences youth today and how you plan to inspire others.