The story:

Frederick C. branch was the first African American Marine Corps Officer. In May 1943 while attending Temple University, Branch received a draft notice from the army but was selected to be a Marine. He then went on to complete basic training at Montford Point, NC. While serving in the pacific. His conduct earned him the recommendation of his commanding officer to attend officer candidate’s school. Fredrick C. Branch was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on November 10, 1943

In His Honor

The Marine Corps offer 4-year, 3-year and 2 years NROTC scholarships for students attending or planning to attend the following Historically Black Colleges or Universities (NBCUs):
Allen University
Clark Atlanta University
Dillard University
Florida A&M University
Hampton University
Howard University
Huston-Tillotson University
Morehouse College
Norfolk State University
Prairie View A&M University
Savannah State University
Spelman College
Tennessee State University
Texas Southern University
Tuskegee University
Xavier University of Louisiana

Scholarship

Full tuition to one of the listed HBCUs
Supplemental college/university fees
Stipend allowance each mouth
Freshman: $250
Sophomore: $300
Junior: $350
Senior: $400

Naval Reserve officers Training Corps (NROTC) Program
Education Put To The Test

The Frederick C. Branch leadership Scholarship is one of many NROTC Scholarship opportunities. If you are one of the few selected to participate in the NROTC Marine Corps Option, our journey toward a successful future will also lead you to a life of purpose. You will walk the same halls as your peers, but you will travel a unique path-one that will test your limited. Though enrolled alongside many, you someday be counted among the few willing, able and ready to take command of Marines. As an NROTC Midshipman, you will be more than a college student-you will be a Marine Officer in the making.
NROTC Scholarship
Each school year, the NROTC program prepares select college students for a lifetime of leadership and academic achievement. By making college more accessible through scholarships, the NROTC program will allow you to devote your time to excelling in your studies. The NROTC program offers a wide range of financial benefits, including full tuition coverage, compensation for books and fees, and a monthly stipnd. To take advantage of this opportunity, you must apply to one of the approved NROTC colleges or universities in our nation, located across 35 states.

Requirements

To be eligible for the Frederick C. Branch scholarship, you must
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 17 years of age by September 1st of the year started college
• Be a high school graduate or possess and equivalency certificate (GED)
• Be physically qualified by Marines Corps standards
• Have no criminal record of military or civilian offenses
• Achieve qualifying scores on the Scholastic Aptitude test (SAT), America College Test (ACT) or Score a 74 or higher on the Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
• Apply and gain admission to one of the 17 HBCUs listed.