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Scholarships

Please note the new deadlines.
All completed applications/graduate recognition forms should be submitted electronically to: applications@trinitychicago.org by Thursday May 11, 2023. Please attach a PHOTO (a headshot) in JPEG format with all submissions.
Trinity recognizes and honors its members who have completed elementary, high school, undergraduate, graduate, professional, and vocational programs of study. TUCC members are encouraged to participate in the Graduate Recognition Ceremony even if they aren’t applying for a scholarship. In order to participate, Trinity graduates MUST submit a completed Graduate Recognition Form along with a photograph in JPEG format to applications@trinitychicago.org by Thursday May 11, 2023.

 

2023 TUCC Scholarship Awards Ceremony
Trinity members are encouraged to apply for various church-sponsored, family and organization scholarship awards. The eligibility criteria for each scholarship are listed on the succeeding pages. Overall requirements for consideration of a scholarship award are listed below:

 

Scholarship Requirements

  • Applicants MUST be members of Trinity UCC for at least one year .(A member has walked the aisle, completed the New Member Class, received the Right Hand of Fellowship and is active in a ministry and/or documented community service).
  • Applicants may submit only one application and be considered for only one scholarship award.
  • All applications and requested supporting materials must be submitted to the Committee no later than Thursday May 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

 

Renewable Scholarship Requirements

  • Applicants may reapply for scholarships designated as renewable for up to the specified years of renewal excluding the initial scholarship award. Use the Renewal Application Form for renewal consideration.
  • 3.0 or a “B” GPA equivalent or better is required for consideration of all renewable scholarships
  • All applications and requested supporting materials must be submitted to the Committee no later than May 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.


 

IT IS SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT APPLYING FOR A
SCHOLARSHIP TO ENSURE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION IS RECEIVED BY
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE; THAT DOCUMENTATION IS CURRENT AND NOT
OLDER THAN TWO YEARS. LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS ARE INELIGIBLE
AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED BY THE COMMITTEE. IF APPLYING FOR A
SCHOLARSHIP AND GRADUATING MAKE SURE YOU FILL OUT THE GRADUATE
RECOGNITION FORM, no later than Thursday, May 11, 2023.

 

General Scholarships

Rev. Barbara J., S.L. (Sam) & Michael Allen Scholarship - For Such a Time as This!

For Current or Continuing College Students 35 years or older enrolled to complete their first baccalaureate degree after an extended period of absence. Applicants must have at least one course completed and registered to continue study at an accredited college or university. Scholarship is renewable for up to three years.

  • Current official transcript reflecting most recent GPA
  • College acceptance letter and proof of registration
  • Submit 300 – 400-word essay responding to “My Pursuit of Higher Education and how
    it affects the Church, Family and the African – American Community.”
  • Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
  • When applying for a Renewal Scholarship, please use the Renewal Application Form and submit this application with all previously stated documentation.
Download Application

Lucille Ellison/Kathryn Brown Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating high school students entering college, Jr. College, technical or vocational school in the fall. Consideration will be given to applicants with less than a “B” GPA.
Applicants must submit:

  • Current official high school transcript
  • Copy of acceptance letter from the college/university you plan to attend
  • One (1) letters of recommendation from:
    1. Teacher or counselor.
  • Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Download Application

Coleman Outstanding Student/Youth Service Scholarship

The Coleman Outstanding Student/Youth Service Scholarship recognizes a graduating high school senior who has demonstrated leadership and has volunteered above average service hours helping others. Applicants with consistent attendance for 4 years in Scouts, service in Youth Service Ministries such as usher, Youth church Assistants, or Deacons are encouraged to apply.

    • High School Seniors applying should have a minimum 3.2 GPA. and accepted in a four – year college or university.
    • Current official high school transcript
    • Submit a 150 – 300 WORD essay on the importance of serving others.
    • Two (2) letters of recommendations from a Teacher, Advisor, or Counselor
Download Application

Dr. Manford J. Byrd, Jr. Scholarship

Applicants must be currently enrolled college students (2nd year thru graduate level). The award is renewable for up to three (3) years. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official college/university transcript
    • 500 word essay on the Black Value System
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from:
      1. A School counselor or advisor.
Download Application

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Scholarship

Honors the legacy of scholarly achievement and servant leadership as exemplified in the collegiate and lifetime achievements of Jewel Brothers Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelly, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle and Vertner Woodson Tandy, the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The scholarship recognizes a graduating African American male high school senior who personifies scholarly achievement, school and community leadership and seeks to attend a four-year college or university to pursue a baccalaureate degree. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official transcripts
    • 300-500 word essay on the importance of civic leadership
    • Copy of acceptance letter/ registration in a four-year college or university
    • Two (2) letter of recommendation from:
      1. School counselor or teacher.
      2. Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Download Application

The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Scholarship

For young men who have graduated high school who will attend a four – year accredited college. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official report card and current official test scores
    • 500 WORD essay which addresses “How I Plan to Make a Difference.”
    • Copy of acceptance letter/ registration in a four-year college or university
    • Two (2) letter of recommendation from:
      1. A Teacher
      2. Counselor or Advisor
Download Application

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship

This scholarship will be dedicated to all the past, present and future women who will commit to the sisterhood, promote academic excellence, and service to those in need. This student will demonstrate a strong passion for actively aiding people in the community by writing a 300-word, essay, entitled “How I plan to make a difference.” This scholarship is renewable.
Applicants must submit:

    • Current official high school graduate, college, or university transcript showing at least
      a 2.5 GPA
    • Acceptance letter from a recognized college or university
    • 300-word essay, which addresses “How I plan to make a difference in the world.”
    • Two (2) letters of recommendation from:
      1. a professor or advisor
      2. a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Download Application

The Patricia Louise Dunagan HBCU Scholarship

For high school graduates or continuing college students that are attending an Historically Black
College or University (HBCU) that is not located in the state of Illinois. Applicants Must Submit:

    • Current Official transcript reflecting most recent GPA.
    • Submit both questions require an essay between 150 – 200 words.
      • Question #1: Why do you believe an HBCU education is important?
      • Question #2: Please describe a time where you volunteered in your community
        or high school.
    • College acceptance letter and proof of registration at a HBCU school
Download Application

The Henrietta J. Dodson Memorial Scholarship

The Henrietta J. Dodson Memorial Scholarship offers scholarships to students with financial need who display academic achievement, a commitment to serving others (in school, their community, or at home), a strong work ethic and leadership qualities. This scholarship is for an entering or returning student who plans to attend or is currently attending a college, university, or trade school (vocational or technical). Awards are limited to students seeking their first postsecondary degree or certificate, as applicable. Returning students must reapply for each year they wish to be considered.

    • High School Seniors should have a minimum 2.0 GPA. and be accepted into a college,university or trade school; Undergraduate students should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and be enrolled in a demanding course of study
    • Current high school or post-secondary transcript
    • An essay (150 – 300 words) “Tell me about a mistake that you’ve made, and
      more importantly, what you learned from it?”
    • Two (2) letters of recommendations from a Teacher/Professor and Counselor
Download Application

Timothy Lucas Harper 'Continuing a Male Legacy' Memorial Scholarship

Recognizes a male college student enrolled in a Liberal Arts program with a minimum 2.0 GPA with a business focus. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official high school or college transcript showing at least a 2.0 GPA
    • 300 WORD essay, “How I plan to use my skills in helping my church and community.”
    • Two (2) letter of recommendation from:

Rupert Graham, Sr. Award

Applicants must be graduating 8th graders from elementary school. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official report card and current official test scores
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from:
      1. A Teacher or Counselor
Download Application

Cheryl Guyton Memorial Scholarship

Recognizes graduating high school seniors with a minimum “B” GPA or equivalent. The scholarship is renewable thru completion of the baccalaureate degree or up to three (3) years. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official transcript
    • Copy of acceptance letter from college or university you plan to attend
    • 500-600 word personal statement outlining your personal life goals which includes a paragraph about your personal, community interests and a community activity or program in which you are involved
    • One letter of recommendation from:
      1. A school principal or counselor, and
      2. Teacher or advisor
Download Application

The Albert J. Heard Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is designed for a college-bound or college student who is majoring in Criminal Social
Justice, Social Work, or related field. First generation college students are encouraged to apply:

    • Current official high school, college, or university transcript
    • 500-word essay, which addresses “How I Plan to Use My Major/Chosen Career and
      the importance of furthering my education to reach my goals.
    • One (1) letters of recommendation from: a professor or advisor
Download Application

Dr. Maurice M. McNeil Scholarship

For current or continuing college students who are attending an HBCU college/university or is majoring in English or who has formally expressed pursuit of a career in teaching. This scholarship is renewable for one year. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official college transcript showing at least a 2.5 GPA
    • College acceptance letter and proof of registration
    • Submit a 500 WORD essay on how this scholarship will assist you in reaching your
      goals in teaching or majoring in English.
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher or college professor
Download Application

Monica Moss “New U Smoothie” Scholarship

For active members in any Trinity United Church of Christ ministry who desires to attend a two (2) or four (4) year institution of higher learning and have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.

    • Current official high school or college transcript showing at least a 2.5 GPA
    • College acceptance letter and proof of registration
    • Submit a 500 WORD essay on how this scholarship will assist you in reaching your goals
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher or college professor
Download Application

Bozeman & Brown Memorial Scholarship

For young men with at least a 3.0 GPA accepted into a college/university on the undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate level

    • Current Official high school or college transcript
    • College acceptance letter and proof of registration
    • Submit a 300 WORD essay “How I plan to use my skills in helping my church and community.”
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from an academic advisor or counselor
    • Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Download Application

Mechell Daniel Boynes Memorial Scholarship Award

For high school graduates with goals to improve society through progressive, involvement in the community and church and a commitment to academics.

    • Must have an official high school transcript.
    • College acceptance letter and proof of registration
    • Submit a 500 WORD essay on stating how you will use your education to help the community.
    • One (1) letter from a teacher, counselor or advisor
Download Application

Dr. Katherine Williams Phillips Memorial Scholarship

Graduating high school student(s) with a minimum 3.0 unweighted G.P.A. as documented by official transcript, college acceptance letter and proof of intent to enroll in a college or university for Room, Board, Fees, Books, Supplies or other needed expense for college enrollment.

    • Official high school transcript
    • College acceptance letter and proof of registration
    • Letters of Recommendation from a counselor or teacher.
    • Submit an essay on “What did Dr. Katherine W. Phillips teach about diversity and how will that knowledge and this scholarship help you on your journey into college and career?”
Download Application

Margarette L Foley Bowers and Gus E. Bowers Memorial Scholarship

For young women who are currently or continuing some program which provides specialized training or education who already have a high school diploma. The highest award a student can earn is for doctorate study. The scholarship is renewable for three (3) years. Applicant must submit:

    • Current official transcript
    • Letter of recommendation from teacher, counselor or community service organizer
    • Submit a 500-word essay on how you will use your education to help the community.
Download Application

The James D. Montgomery, Sr. Scholarship

Applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher as a high school graduate or above and reside in a single parent household. The scholarship is renewable for three (3) years. Applicant must submit:

    • Current official transcript
    • Letter of recommendation from teacher, counselor or community service organizer
    • Submit a 500-word essay on how you will use your education to help the community.
Download Application

The LGBT Educational Scholarship

For High School Graduates or Continuing College, Technical or Vocational students, preferably who identifies/participates in the LGBTQ community. Applicants must:

    • Provide an Academic Institution Transcript(s) verifying a 2.5 GPA or above
    • Submit a 500-word essay describing how the scholarship will help the candidate achieve their academic and professional goals
    • Include in Personal Statement how the scholarship will be used.
Download Application

Ray and Venetia Helm Memorial Scholarship

For High School Graduates or Continuing College Students with a desire to continue their education in an accredited college or university. Applicant must submit:

    • Current Official high school or college transcript showing at least a 2.5 GPA
    • College acceptance letter and proof of registration
    • Submit a 500-word essay on “how this scholarship will assist you in reaching your dreams at an accredited college or university”
    • One (1) Letter of recommendation from teacher, college professor or director/supervisor
Download Application

The Brown Family Scholarship

For high school graduates or continuing college students that currently maintain a 3.2 GPA or higher, are attending an Historically Black College or University (HBCU), and the offspring of a two-parent household that is not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. Applicant must submit:

    • Current Official transcript reflecting most recent GPA of 3.2 of higher
    • Submit documentation that applicant attended a public high school
    • College acceptance letter and proof of registration at a HBCU school
    • Submit documentation your application for the Federal Pell Grant was denied
    • Submit a 300 WORD essay explaining “How will your future plans contribute to your families legacy?”
Download Application

The Isaiah Phillip Woods Infinite Winning Academic Scholarship

The academic scholarship is offered to any student who is pursuing an educational degree beyond high school including, undergraduate, graduate, law or medical school, an educational professional certificate or license requirements such as Certified Public Accountants CPAs, but not limited to the accounting profession. Awardee will be responsible for providing a 3.0 GPA or above or equivalent and acceptance letter for the upcoming school year. Awardee will provide
written documentation of educational expenses that may include tuition and fees, room and board, computer supplies, transportation, moving expenses, healthy nourishment. The family will consider any other expense directly related to the success of completion program. Applicant can apply every year.

    • High School Seniors should have a minimum 3.0 GPA. and be accepted into a college, university, or trade school; Undergraduate students should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
    • Current high school or post-secondary transcript
    • An essay (150 – 300 words) describing “how your goals will be reached during the next school year. Returning students must elaborate on the essay as it applies to past scholastic year
    • Two (2) letters of recommendations from a Teacher/Professor and Counselor
Download Application

Alzata C. & Judge R. Eugene Pincham “Can-cer-Vive” Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating high school planning to enter college, or a returning college student. Scholarship is renewable for three years. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official college or university transcript
    • 300-word essay which addresses “Racing to the Top Legislation and Its Impact on
      African American Children in Urban Education Settings.”
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from a professor or advisor
Download Application

The Arts

Joseph W. Evans - Struggling Artist Memorial Scholarship

Recognizes visual artists (in areas including drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, arts and design, gaming, animation and visual effects, industrial design) grades 9 thru college. Applicants must verify community involvement. This scholarship is renewable depending on current grade. Applicants must submit:

    • Three (3) examples of your work (will be returned)
    • A 250-word essay on artistic interests, goals and aspirations
    • One letter of recommendation from:
      1. Adult member of a community organization who verifies community activity
Download Application

Joseph Cedric Graves Worship and Arts Scholarship

For a high school or college student with at least a 2.0 GPA average. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official high school or college transcript
    • College acceptance letter and proof of registration
    • Submit WORD document responding to all questions:
      1. What ministry are you a part of and how has it influenced your life?
      2. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
      3. How have you demonstrated leadership at Trinity and at school?
      4. What has been your greatest accomplishment in your high school career?
      5. Describe a challenge you had to overcome?
      6. One (1) letter of recommendation from a School Teacher, counselor or advisor
      7. What does Trinity’s motto “Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian” mean to you and how do you incorporate it into your day-to-day life?
Download Application

Dr. Jeffrey P. Radford Memorial Scholarship

Honors Dr. Radford’s 30 year of consecrated and devoted service at Trinity United Church of Christ and recognizes academic achievement and personal development to the ministry of music in the Christian church. Applicants must be music majors at either the undergraduate or the graduate level. This scholarship is renewable. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official college/university/conservatory transcript
    • Documentation of honors and extracurricular awards in music
Download Application

Sciences

Elsie Benita Haines Memorial Scholarship

For students in the Hospitality Industry including; Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, Restaurant and Hotel Management, Food Development, Food Stylist, Culinary Nutrition, Baking and Pastry arts and Home Economics. Culinary certification applicants may apply:

    • Current official school transcript
    • 300 word essay: “My Pursuit of Education will enable me to help the African American community in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by…”
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from college/university advisor or counselor
Download Application

Health Care

Annette Glenn Parker Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is in memory for the dedication of Annette Glenn Parker in the field of nursing. Prospective scholarship recipient will be a high school senior who plans to major in the field of nursing, allied health or science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).

 

    • Copy of acceptance letter/ registration in a four-year college or university
    • Current official transcripts
    • submit a 300 WORD essay on why the student chose a career in nursing, health or science
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from teacher or counselor

 

Download Application

Mildred Chapman Memorial Scholarship

Recognizes 2 or 4-year nursing students, including students seeking healthcare, healthcare leadership, management, certification or accreditation in the medical field. The Scholarship is renewable for up to three (3) years. Applicants must submit

    • Current official college or university transcript
    • 300-500 word essay which addresses “How My Decision to Become a Nurse Will Benefit the Church and Community.” If a scholarship renewal application, see application form for topic.
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from college/university professor or counselor
Download Application

Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. / Deacon Don Moody Scholarship

Recognizes individuals, age 18 and older, who have completed the 12-Step Program and desire to further their formal education in substance abuse and/or rehabilitation. Prospective scholarship recipients must to commit to volunteer service in a related program. This scholarship is renewable for up to three (3) years and applicants must submit:

    • Current official college or university transcript
    • Copy of acceptance letter from college/university applicant plans to attend
    • 300 word essay/bio which addresses personal and/or family addiction, why you should you receive this scholarship and your long-term goals after graduation.
    • One (1) sealed letter of recommendation from
      1. Teacher
      2. Councelor

Download Application

Education

Dr. Mary Henderson Wright Scholarship

Honors the dedicated commitment to Christian beliefs exemplified in the lifetime achievements of Dr. Mary Henderson Wright, who was a devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and recognizes graduating women who are high school seniors and who plans to major in Science, Technology, Education or Mathematics. Applicants must submit:

    • Copy of acceptance letter/ registration in a four-year college or university
    • Current official transcripts
    • 300-word essay which addresses “What Will Be Your Legacy to Your Family and Community?”
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Download Application

Swanegan Memorial Teacher's Scholarship

Recognizes education majors at the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate levels. The scholarship is renewable and recipients may reapply depending upon current educational level. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official college or university transcript
    • 300 WORD essay which addresses “What is the preparation and responsibilities African
      American teachers should possess and undertake in order to be responsive to the needs
      of African American students during the COVID-19 pandemic?”
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from your academic advisor or counselor

Download Application

Media

The Joseph A. Stroud Scholarship

Recognizes undergraduate, graduate and post graduate students in journalism, print media, radio/TV production or a related field. Applicants must submit:

    • Current official college or university transcript
    • 300-word essay which addresses “How Will a Degree in Media Help the African American Community?”
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from a professor or advisor
Download Application

Theological

Rev. Samuel L. Ellis Theological/ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Scholarship

Recognizes students enrolled in accredited seminaries. This scholarship is renewable annually for up to three (3) years.

    • Current official seminary transcript
    • One (1) letter of recommendation from your seminary professor/counselor
    • 300 word essay expressing how seminary education has enhanced your call to ordained Ministry

Download Application

Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Sr. Scholarship

Honors the personal development and fidelity to Christian beliefs held by Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Sr. and recognizes active MIT students enrolled in an ATS accredited seminary. The scholarship is renewable for up to three (3) years. Applicants must have a minimum “B” GPA or equivalent, be active in the community and submit:

    • Current official seminary transcript
    • Verification of active church and community involvement
    • Have a stated goal in pastoral ministry

Download Application