Scholarships
2024 TUCC Graduate Recognition Ceremony
All completed applications/graduate recognition forms should be submitted electronically to: applications@trinitychicago.org by Thursday May 9, 2024. 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 9, 2024.
2024 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 Thursday May 9, 2024 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, 2024 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 Thursday, May 9, 2024.
General Scholarships
Rev. Barbara J., S.L. (Sam) & Michael Allen Scholarship – For Such a Time as This!
F 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.
MoreLucille Ellison/Kathryn Brown Memorial Scholarship
A pplicants must be graduating high school students entering college, community college, technical or vocational school in the Fall Quarter/Semester 2024. Consideration will be given to applicants with less than a “B” GPA. Applicants must submit:
MoreBarbara Johnson – Meredith Memorial Scholarship
A
pplicants must be entering college, community college, technical or vocational school in the Fall Quarter/Semester of the current calendar year and receiving a Federal Pell Grant.
Scholarship is renewable until a baccalaureate degree, or your first professional degree, or have used up all 12 terms of your eligibility of the Pell Grant.
Applicants must submit:
Coleman Outstanding Student/Youth Service Scholarship
T 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.
MoreAlpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Scholarship
H 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:
MoreThe 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) “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
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:
- School counselor/advisor/teacher
Rupert Graham, Sr. Award
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- Current official report card and current official test scores
- One (1) letter of recommendation from:
- A Teacher or Counselor
Cheryl Guyton Memorial Scholarship
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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
- Teacher or advisor
- 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 Albert J. Heard Memorial Scholarship
Justice, Social Work, or related field. First generation college students are encouraged to apply:
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- 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
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
- Graduate Recognition Form
- When applying for a Renewal Scholarship, please use the Renewal Application Form and submit this application with all previously stated documentation.
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)
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 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 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?”
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Margarette L Foley Bowers and Gus E. 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
- Include in Personal Statement how the scholarship will be used.
- 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)
The Brown Family Scholarship
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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 explaining “How will your future plans contribute to your families legacy?”
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
The Isaiah Phillip Woods Infinite Winning Academic Scholarship
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.
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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
- 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
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
Alzata C. & Judge R. Eugene Pincham “Can-cer-Vive” Memorial 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 a professor or advisor
- Graduate Recognition Form (if applicable)
The Arts
Joseph W. Evans - Struggling Artist Memorial Scholarship
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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:
- 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)
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
- 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.
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
- 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.
- 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 “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
- 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 “How Will a Degree in Media Help the African American Community?”
- 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.