2025 TUCC Graduate Recognition Ceremony
All completed applications/graduate recognition forms should be submitted electronically to: applications@trinitychicago.org by Friday May 9, 2025. 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 Friday May 9, 2025.
2025 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
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- 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.
- Applicants must submit a completed Ministry/ Community Service Verification Form* signed by an authorized ministry partner indicating current participation in the respective ministry or community service organization official.
- Students attending college may participate in Adopt A Student as their Ministry.
- All applications and requested supporting materials must be submitted to the Committee no later than Friday May 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
- To receive a scholarship from Trinity United Church of Christ, applicant or family representative MUST be present on Scholarship Sunday and prepare to stay through the entire program.
Renewable Scholarship Requirements
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- 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 renewal applications and requested supporting materials must be submitted to the Committee no later than May 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
- To receive a renewal scholarship from Trinity United Church of Christ, applicant or family representative MUST be present on Scholarship Sunday.
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 Friday, May 9, 2025.
General Scholarships
Rev. Barbara J., S.L. (Sam) & Michael Allen Scholarship – For Such a Time as This!
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or 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.
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- 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.”
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
- 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.
Lucille Ellison/Kathryn Brown Memorial Scholarship
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pplicants must be graduating high school students entering college, community college, technical or vocational school in the Fall Quarter/Semester 2025. Consideration will be given to applicants with less than a “B” GPA. Applicants must submit:
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Coleman Outstanding Student/Youth Service Scholarship
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he Coleman Outstanding Student/Youth Service Scholarship recognizes graduating high school seniors and college students 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. This scholarship is renewable for three years.
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- Current official high school or college transcript
- High School Seniors applying should have a minimum 3.2 GPA., accepted in a four – year college or university and submit a 150 – 300 WORD essay on the importance of serving others.
- College students applying should have a minimum 3.2. GPA., accepted in a four-year college or university and submit a 300 – 400 WORD essay on “How have you been of service in your college community?”
- Two (2) letters of recommendations from a Teacher, Advisor, or Counselor
Dr. Manford J. Byrd, Jr. Scholarship
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pplicants must be currently enrolled college students (2nd year thru graduate level). The award is renewable for up to three (3) years. Applicants must submit:
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- Current official college/university transcript
- 500 word essay on the Black Value System
- One (1) letter of recommendation from:
- A School counselor or advisor.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Scholarship
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onors 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:
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- Current official transcripts
- 300–500-WORD essay on “How will your intended major allow you to be a servant leader to your community?”
- Copy of acceptance letter/ registration in a four-year college or university
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from:
- A School counselor or teacher.
- Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Scholarship
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male high school graduate who will attend a four – year accredited college. Applicantsmust submit:
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- Current official transcripts
- 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) letters of recommendation from:
- A teacher.
- School counselor or Advisor
The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship
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his 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 female high school student graduate 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.”
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- Current official high school 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:
- A professor or advisor.
- A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
The Danny S. Creed Memorial Scholarship
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his scholarship is in memory of Danny S. Creed. Prospective scholarship recipients are incoming
freshman or continuing college students who are majoring in any area of engineering at an accredited
college or univeristy.
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- Current official high school transcript showing at least a 2.5 GPA.
- Acceptance letter from a recognized college or university
- 500-WORD essay, which addresses “Why I chose to major in engineering.”
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from a professor or advisor, mentor or teacher.
The Patricia Louise Dunagan HBCU Scholarship
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or high school graduates or continuing college students who are attending an Historically Black College or University (HBCU) that is not located in the state of Illinois. Applicants must submit:
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- Current official transcript showing the most recent GPA.
- College acceptance letter and proof of registration at a HBCU school
- Submit 150-200 WORD response to each of the following questions:
- Why do you believe an HBCU education is important?
- Please describe a time where you volunteered in your community or high school.
- College acceptance letter and proof of registration at a HBCU school
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
Henrietta J. Dodson Memorial Scholarship
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he Henrietta J. Dodson Memorial Scholarship offers scholarships to students with financial need who display academic achievement, a commitment to serving others (in school, community, or household), a strong work ethic and leadership qualities. This scholarship supports entering or returning students attending a college, university, or trade school (vocational or technical). Awards are limited to students seeking their first postsecondary degree or certificate, as applicable. Students must reapply for each year they wish to be considered.
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- 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 rigorous course of study.
- 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 or Counselor
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
- Graduate Recognition Form if applicable
Timothy Lucas Harper “Continuing a Black Male Tradition of Educational Excellence” Memorial Scholarship
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ecognizes a male college student enrolled in a Liberal Arts program with a minimum 2.5 GPA with a business or technology focus. Applicants must submit:
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The Armstrong Family Scholarship In Memory of Virgil and Elizabeth Goens
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or Male students accepted into a college/university for undergraduate study who is able to demonstrate great financial need. The scholarship is renewable is the student maintains a 2.5 GPA or greater. Applicants must submit:
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- Current official high school or college transcript.
- College acceptance letter and proof of registration
- Submit a 2-page essay which describes the applicant and explains the nature of the financial need.
- One (1) letter of recommendation from an academic advisor or counselor
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
- Graduate Recognition Form if applicable
Rupert Graham, Sr. Award
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pplicants must be graduating 8th graders from elementary school. Applicants must submit:
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- Current official report card
- One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
The Odari Lewis Engineering Scholarship
For male or female students accepted into a college/university for undergraduate study or who is currently matriculating through a 4-year college or university who is studying any engineering discipline. The scholarship is renewable if the student maintains a strong academic standing. Applicants must submit:
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- Current Official high school or college transcript
- College acceptance letter and proof of registration
- Submit an essay that highlights an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself and others? The essay must have a minimum of 500 words.
- One (1) letter of recommendation from an academic advisor or counselor
Monica Moss “New U Smoothie” Scholarship
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or active members in any Trinity United Church of Christ ministry who desires to attend a two- or four-year institution of higher learning and have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Applicant must submit:
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- 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
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
- Graduate Recognition Form if applicable
Cheryl L. Guyton Memorial Scholarship
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ecognizes 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:
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- 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:
- A school principal or counselor, and
- A teacher or advisor
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
- 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.
Bozeman & Brown Memorial Scholarship
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or Male students with at least a 3.0 GPA accepted into a college/university for undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate study. Applicants must submit:
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- 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
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
Mechell Daniel Boynes Memorial Scholarship Award
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or high school graduates with goals to improve society through progressive, involvement in the community and church and a commitment to academics
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- Must have an official high school transcript.
- College acceptance letter and proof of registration
- Submit a 500 WORD essay on stating, “How will you use your education to help the community?”
- One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher, academic advisor, or counselor
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
Dr. Deborah Boynes – Killingsworth Scholarship
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or any college student with goals to improve the progressive academic social behavior in church ministry and community services.
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- 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
- Submit a headshot photo in JPEG format
- One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher, academic advisor, or counselor
Dr. Katherine Williams Phillips Memorial Scholarship
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raduating high school student(s) to support tuition or university fees for room, board, fees, books, supplies or other needed expense for college enrollment.
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- Official high school transcript with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA.
- College acceptance letter and proof of registration
- 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?”
- Letters of Recommendation from a counselor or teacher.
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
The James D. Montgomery, Sr. Scholarship
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pplicants must be high school graduates who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and reside in a single parent household. The scholarship is renewable for three (3) years. Applicant must submit:
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- 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?”
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
The LGBTQIA+ Educational Scholarship
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or high school graduates or continuing college, technical or vocational students, preferably who identifies/participates in the LGBTQIA+ community. Applicants must:
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- 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.
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
Ray and Venetia Helm Memorial Scholarship
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or high school graduates or continuing college students seeking to continue their education in an accredited college or university. Applicant must submit:
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- 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 will this scholarship assist you in reaching your dreams at an accredited college or university?”
- One (1) Letter of recommendation from teacher, college professor or director/supervisor
- Ministry/Community Service Verification Form
The “Lady” Brown Family Scholarship
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or high school graduates or continuing college students who 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 ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant. Applicant must submit:
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- 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,” How will your future plans contribute to your family’s legacy?”
The Isaiah Phillip Woods Infinite Winning Academic Scholarship
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he 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. The family will consider any other expense directly related to the success of completion program. Applicants may apply every year.
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- 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
- Awardee will provide written documentation of educational expenses that may include tuition and fees, room and board, computer supplies, transportation, moving expenses, healthy nourishment.
- 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
The Joseph A. Stroud Scholarship
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ecognizes undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate students in journalism, print media, radio/TV production or a related field. Applicants must submit:
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- 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
Joseph W. Evans – Struggling Artist Memorial Scholarship
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ecognizes visual artists (in areas including drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, arts and design, gaming, animation and visual effects, industrial design) grades 9 thru college. This scholarship is renewable depending on current grade. Applicants must submit:
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- Three (3) examples of your work (submitted via attachment or link)
- A 250-WORD essay on artistic interests, goals, and aspirations.
- One (1) letter of recommendation from an Adult member of a community organization who verifies community activity.
Joseph Cedric Graves Worship and Arts Scholarship
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or a high school or college student with at least a 2.0 GPA average. Applicants must submit:
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- Current official high school or college transcript
- College acceptance letter and proof of registration
- Submit WORD document responding to all questions:
- What ministry are you a part of and how has it influenced your life?
- Where do you see yourself five years from now?
- How have you demonstrated leadership at Trinity and at school?
- What has been your greatest accomplishment in your high school career?
- Describe a challenge you had to overcome?
- One (1) letter of recommendation from a School Teacher, counselor, or advisor
- 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?
Dr. Jeffrey P. Radford Memorial Scholarship
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onors Dr. Radford’s 30 years 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:
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- Current official college/university/conservatory transcript
- Documentation of honors and extracurricular awards in music
Dwain Phillip Lubin Engineering Scholarship
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ecognizes a graduating African American male high school senior who ranks 21 or lower in his class who has been accepted into an electrical, mechanical, or structural engineering undergraduate program, preferably at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The scholarship is renewable for up to three (3) years.
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- Current official high school transcript
- Copy of letter of acceptance into one of the above undergraduate engineering programs
- 200 WORD essays addressing the topic: “The Most Interesting Fact about the Engineering Field and Why I Chose to Pursue Study in the Profession.”
- One (1) letter of recommendation from teacher or counselor
Annette Glenn Parker Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory for the dedication of Annette Glenn Parker in the field of nursing. Prospective scholarship recipients are high school seniors who plans to major in the field of nursing, allied health or science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).
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- Current official transcripts
- Copy of acceptance letter/ registration in a four-year college or university
- 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
Mildred Chapman Memorial Scholarship
Recognizes 2- or 4-year nursing students, including students seeking healthcare
leadership, management, certification, or accreditation in the medical field. The scholarship is renewable for up to three (3) years. Applicants must submit:
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- Current official college or university transcript
- 300–500-WORD essay which addresses “How will my decision to become a nurse benefit the church and community?”
- One (1) letter of recommendation from college/university professor or counselor
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 commit to volunteer service in a related program. This scholarship is renewable for up to three (3) years:
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- 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) letter of recommendation from teacher or counselor
Dr. Mary Henderson Wright Scholarship
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onors 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 a graduating female high school senior who plans to major in science, technology, education, or mathematics. Applicants must submit:
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- Current official transcript
- Copy of acceptance letter/ registration in a four-year college or university
- 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.
Swanegan Memorial Teacher’s Scholarship
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ecognizes 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:
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- 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?”
- One (1) letter of recommendation from your academic advisor or counselor
Margarette L. Foley – Bowers & Gus E. Bowers Memorial Scholarship
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or female students who are currently or continuing some program which provides specialized training or education for those 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:
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- 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?”
Dr. Maurice M. McNeil Scholarship
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or current or continuing college students who are attending an HBCU, majoring in English or who have formally expressed pursuit of a career in teaching. This scholarship is renewable for one year. Applicants must submit:
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- 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
Rev. Samuel L. Ellis Theological/ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Scholarship
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ecognizes students enrolled in accredited seminaries. This scholarship is renewable annually for up to three (3) years. Applicants must submit:
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- 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.”
Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Sr. Scholarship
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onors the personal development and fidelity to Christian beliefs held by Rev. Dr. Jeremiah
A. Wright, Sr. and recognizes active Ministers In Training 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:
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- Current official seminary transcript
- Verification of active church and community involvement
- Have a stated goal in pastoral ministry.
