Scholarships
Please note the new deadlines.
All completed applications/graduate recognition forms should be submitted electronically to: applications@trinitychicago.org by Wednesday May 12, 2021. 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 Wednesday May 12, 2021.
2021 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.
- 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. *waived for the year 2021
- In order to receive a scholarship from Trinity United Church of Christ, the applicant or a family representative must be present at the Scholarship Sunday Ceremony.*waived for the year 2021
- Failure of an applicant or family being present to receive the scholarship award,the award will be forfeited.*waived for the year 2021
- All applications and requested supporting materials must be submitted to the Committee no later than Wednesday May 12, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
- Students attending college out of town may participate in Adopt A Student as their Ministry
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 12, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
- In order to receive a renewable scholarship from Trinity United Church of Christ, applicant or family representative must be present at the Scholarship Sunday Ceremony.
- *Students attending college may participate in Adopt A Student as their Ministry
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 Wednesday, May 12, 2021.
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.” - One letter of recommendation from a ministry director or community service supervisor
- 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
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 and ACT/SAT test scores
- Copy of acceptance letter from the college/university you plan to attend
- One (1) letters of recommendation from:
- A member of Trinity U.C.C.
- Teacher or counselor.
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Coleman Outstanding Student/Youth Service Scholarship
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- 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 an Adult member of Trinity U.C.C., Teacher or counselor
- Graduate Recognition Form if applicable
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:
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- Current official college/university transcript
- 300-500 word essay on the Black Value System
- One (1) letter of recommendation from:
- An adult member of Trinity U.C.C.
- A School counselor or advisor.
- When applying for a Renewal Scholarship, please use the Renewal Application Form and submit this application with all previously stated documentation.
- Graduate Recognition Form if applicable
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Scholarship
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- Current official transcripts and ACT/SAT test scores
- 300-500 word essay on the importance of civic leadership
- Copy of acceptance letter/ registration in a four-year college or university
- One (1) letter of recommendation from:
- Adult member of Trinity U.C.C.
- School counselor or teacher.
- Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The Henrietta J. Dodson Memorial Scholarship
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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 demanding course of study - Current high school or post-secondary transcript
- An essay (150 – 300 words) describing “a hardship or struggle you have faced and how
it has shaped, influenced or motivated you to achieve your goals/dreams” - Two (2) letters of recommendations from a Teacher/Professor and Counselor
- High School Seniors should have a minimum 2.0 GPA. and be accepted into a college,
Timothy Lucas Harper 'Continuing a Male Legacy' Memorial Scholarship
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- 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:
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- School counselor/advisor/teacher
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Rupert Graham, Sr. Award
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- Current official report card and current official test scores
- One (1) letter of recommendation from:
- An Adult member of Trinity United Church of Christ
- A Teacher or Counselor
The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Scholarship
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- 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 - One (1) letter of recommendation from:
- An Adult member of Trinity United Church of Christ
- A Teacher or Advisor
Cheryl Guyton Memorial Scholarship
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- Current official transcript and ACT/SAT scores
- 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 Director/supervisor of the community organization(s) in which you serve in some capacity or position
- Graduate Recognition Form
- When applying for a Renewal Scholarship, please use the Renewal Application Form and submit this application with all previously stated documentation.
The Sylvia P. Cato HBCU Educational Achievement Award
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- Current official college or university transcript
- 500 word essay, which addresses “How I Plan to Use My Major/Chosen Career to Make a Difference
in the World.” - One (1) letters of recommendation from:
- a professor or advisor
The Sylvia P. Cato Educational Achievement Award
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- Current official college or university transcript
- 500 word essay which addresses “How I Plan to Use My Major/Chosen Career to Make a Difference
in the World.” - One (1) letters of recommendation from:
- a professor or advisor
Dr. Maurice M. McNeil Scholarship
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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
Monica Moss “New U Smoothie” Scholarship
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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
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Bozeman & Brown Memorial Scholarship
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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
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
The Brookins Scholarship
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- Current Official high school or college transcript with at least a 2.7 GPA
- College acceptance letter and proof of registration
- Submit a 500 WORD essay that includes your aims and activities, your own specific involvement and experience with progressive social activity,the major groups in which you are no and have been active in that encourage activism and social justice to combat the injustices taking place in our community.
It should also include a discussion of your long-range goals and concerns, and explain how your proposed study will benefit movements for social change - One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher
- One (1) letter of recommendation from an academic advisor or counselor
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Mechell Daniel Boynes Memorial Scholarship Award
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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.
- One (1) letter from a ministry director or community service organizer
- One (1) letter from a teacher, counselor or advisor
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- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Dr. Katherine Williams Phillips Memorial Scholarship
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- Official high school transcript
- College acceptance letter and proof of registration
- Letters of Recommendation from a counselor, teacher and TUCC Clergy or Officer.
- 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?”
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Margarette L. Foley – Bowers Memorial Scholarship
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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.
- 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.
The James D. Montgomery, Sr. Scholarship
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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.
- 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.
The LGBT Educational Scholarship
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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
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Ray and Venetia Helm Memorial Scholarship
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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 dreams at an accredited college or university”
- One (1) Letter of recommendation from teacher, college professor or director/supervisor
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Herald and Delores Johnson Memorial Award
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- Current Official college transcript
- College acceptance letter and proof of registration
- Submit a 300 WORD essay explaining why you have chosen to attend an HBCU and how you plan to support the institution after your graduation and beyond.
- One (1) letter of recommendation from a college/university counselor or advisor
The Arts
Joseph W. Evans - Struggling Artist Memorial Scholarship
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:
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- Three (3) examples of your work (will be returned)
- A 250-word essay on artistic interests, goals and aspirations
- One letter of recommendation from:
- Art teacher or adult member of Trinity UCC
- Adult member of a community organization who verifies community activity
- 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.
Joseph Cedric Graves Worship and Arts Scholarship
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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?
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Dr. Jeffrey P. Radford Memorial Scholarship
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- Current official college/university/conservatory transcript
- Documentation of honors and extracurricular awards in music
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Sciences
Elsie Benita Haines Memorial Scholarship
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- 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
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Dwain Phillip Lubin Engineering Scholarship
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. Applicants must submit:
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- Current official high school transcript and ACT/SAT test scores
- Copy of letter of acceptance into one of the above undergraduate engineering programs
- 200 word essay 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
- 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
Health Care
Annette Glenn Parker Memorial Scholarship
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- Copy of acceptance letter/ registration in a four-year college or university
- Current official transcripts and ACT/SAT test scores
- 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
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Download Application
Mildred Chapman Memorial Scholarship
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- 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
- 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.
Eva Mae Warfield-Johnson Memorial Scholarship
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- Current official transcript
- 300 word essay, “How I plan to use my skills in helping my church and community.”
- One (1) letter of recommendation from college/university professor or counselor
- Copy of acceptance letter into a registered 2 or 4 year nursing program
- Sealed letters of recommendation from
- Nursing school counselor/advisor/teacher
- Member of Trinity UCC Deacon Ministry
- When applying for a Renewal Scholarship, please use the Renewal Application Form and submit this application with all previously stated documentation.
Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. / Deacon Don Moody Scholarship
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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) sealed letter of recommendation from
- Teacher
- Councelor
- 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.
Education
Dr. Mary Henderson Wright Scholarship
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- Copy of acceptance letter/ registration in a four-year college or university
- Current official transcripts and ACT/SAT test scores
- 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 an adult Trinity UCC member
- One (1) letter of recommendation from a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- 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.
Swanegan Memorial Teacher's Scholarship
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- 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 your academic advisor or counselor
- 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.
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:
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- 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
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Theological
Rev. Samuel L. Ellis Theological/ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Scholarship
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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
- 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.
Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Sr. Scholarship
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- Current official seminary transcript
- Verification of active church and community involvement
- Have a stated goal in pastoral ministry
- 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.