Professional Development for Students
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation of Leaders
Emerging Professionals Programs
At BPACF it is our mission to connect students with training, mentorship, and access to not only position themselves to enter fulfilling careers, but to propel them to thrive in all that they do. Our student programming is focused on providing insight, information, and inspiration to our next generation of leaders.
We empower students through our Emerging Professionals Programming that includes: (click on the + icon to learn more)
BPACF Scholars Program
📢 The 2026-2027 Scholarship Application Cycle is Open
Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026
Supporting Emerging Professionals (Ages 17–25)
Talent is everywhere—but access isn’t.
We believe students shouldn’t have to figure everything out on their own. Through financial support, mentoring, and opportunities to connect with professionals, BPACF has supported 1,031 post-secondary scholars since 1985, helping students turn ambition into action and education into opportunity.
What You Gain
- Financial support that functions like an educational stipend to help offset college-related expenses
- Mentoring and professional guidance from experienced professionals
- Exposure to careers and professional networks across industries
- Ongoing support as you navigate college and early career decisions
NEW THIS YEAR: Multiple Scholarship Opportunities
Our common application allows you to apply to more than one scholarship if you’re eligible, including the BPACF Scholars Program and two additional scholarships offered in collaboration with service-oriented organizations in honor of two BPACF Black Professionals of the Year.
⏱️ Apply in about 15–20 minutes when you prepare your materials in advance.
📅 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Questions or need support?
Debbie Mixon, MBA
Student Success Coordinator
📧 debbie.mixon@bpacf.org
📞 (216) 357-0385
Prepare Before You Apply
We strongly suggest that you review scholarship overview in the application portal for eligibility guidelines, required documents, and essay questions before you begin your application.
BPACF College to Career Series
This a series of workshops/symposiums that encourage local youth towards a commitment to college completion, academic success, and career exploration. The series also enables scholars to meet one another and top executives from Northeast Ohio and learn more about their career paths.
The series currently includes the following events:
- BPACF Professional Soft Skills Boot Camp: half-day workshop on how to successfully find and prepare for summer internships/employment, with a focus on soft-skill development.
- BPACF Scholars Send Off – The School Year Kick Off: A gathering at a unique (and fun) venue for local minority scholars, to celebrate the start of the college school year.
- BPACF Winter Symposium – The Mid-Year Mixer: A half-day event for local minority scholars, to “check-in” with one another, participate in a presentation, and talk with speed mentors from their areas of interest.
Sign up for the Emerging Professionals Mailing List to get notices of opportunities
BPACF Career Connect Internship Program
Career Connect is a workforce development initiative of BPACF to enhance career opportunities for youth/young adult Black and Brown students up to age 24. This program has two tracks:
BPACF Summer Interns (4-6 students per summer)
1)Individuals selected to participate in this unique program are matched with a host organization for 8 weeks in the summer in an internship closely aligned with their college major. We provide a scholarship stipend for 200 hours of participation. Program participants are immersed in a mini-internship and also receive innovative professional development support, and mentoring from local executives, BPACF board members, and volunteers. Local black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and community-focused non-profits partner with BPACF, to acquire support students during their summer experience.
External Placement Support for BPACF Scholars and other Students
2) We support students by sharing internship opportunities from our Corporate partners and Emerging Professionals Champions. Priority for assistance is given to BPACF Scholars. Email blasts of internship opportunities will be shared with students who sign up for email blasts.