Gen Ed Ministry

Scholarship Fund Info

Donations

JOHN L. THURSTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The John L. Thurston Scholarship Fund was re-established in March of 1988 and re-implemented in July 1988 under the auspices of the General Education Ministry.

As a church ministry, it is the obligation of the General Education Ministry to nurture spiritual growth and encourage educational endeavors. Our ministry extends to helping individuals within our congregation experience a complete education to become productive and contributing members of the community at large. Recipients are encouraged to bring back to the church their time, talent and financial support in order to advance the Kingdom of God.

APPLICATION QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify for a scholarship, each applicant must:

• Be a Christian;
• Be an active member of New Covenant MB Church for a minimum of 12 months as of September 30, 2001;
• Participate actively in at least one of the ministries of New Covenant MB Church;
• Have an overall (cumulative) grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above;
• Be enrolled in a four-year accredited college or university or a two-year accredited school with the intent of receiving a degree or certificate as required by school; and
• Be a full-time student (enrolled in twelve hours or more of course work) or a part-time student (enrolled in a minimum of six hours of course work).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

COLLEGE APPLICANTS:

• Completed and signed Scholarship Application.
• An essay TYPED, doubled-spaced, in good manuscript form, 250 to 500 words. You will be disqualified for failing to type the essay. The topic of the essay is “HOW WILL YOU ALLOW THE LORD TO USE YOU IN 2003?”
• Interview with the General Education Ministry-Scholarship Committee IF YOU ARE A FIRST TIME APPLICANT. IF YOU APPLIED FOR THE JLT SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE YEAR 2001-2002 AND FAILED TO MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE FOR AN INTERVIEW OR RECEIVED A POOR OVERALL INTERVIEW SCORE YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO RE-INTERVIEW FOR THE 2002-2003 SCHOLARSHIP YEAR.
• Official copy of a transcript or grade report showing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 grade scale.

HIGH SCHOOL APPLICANTS:

• Completed and signed Scholarship Application.
• An essay TYPED, double-spaced, in good manuscript form, 250 to 500 words. You will be disqualified for failing to type the essay. The topic of the essay is “HOW WILL YOU ALLOW THE LORD TO USE YOU IN 2003?”
• Letter of Recommendation from the New Covenant MB Church ministry leader with whom you are active.
• Interview with the General Education Ministry – Scholarship Committee IF YOU ARE A FIRST TIME APPLICANT. IF YOU APPLIED FOR THE JLT SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE YEAR 2001-2002 AND FAILED TO MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE FOR AN INTERVIEW OR RECEIVED A POOR OVERALL INTERVIEW SCORE YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO RE-INTERVIEW FOR THE 2002-2003 SCHOLARSHIP YEAR.
• A high school transcript or alternative certificate of completion showing a minimum GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 grade scale.

Under NO circumstances will a scholarship be awarded to students with an overall GPA less than 2.0
All of the above requirements must be met in order to receive scholarship funds.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

All applicants are eligible to apply for funds from one or more categories.

Scholarships will be awarded on the 3^rd Sunday in September only if proof of registration has been received. The scholarship recipient or representative is expected to be present to receive the award. Under NO circumstances will scholarships be awarded prior to the 3rd Sunday in September. Each applicant will receive one half of the total amount awarded per semester. Each applicant must provide proof of enrollment for each semester in order to receive scholarship funds.

All scholarship applications should be sent to: Jerolyn Whitehead, 2003 Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, c/o New Covenant MB Church ~ 740 East 77th Street ~ Chicago, IL 60619 or applications may be submitted to Breian Meakens on or before Sunday, June 29, 2003 (mailed application must be postmarked no later than that date).

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS OFFERED

Academic Scholarship (High School and College students) Applicants must have a 2.0 GPA.

Stephen J. Thurston Service Award (High School students only) designed to recognize one youth of the church who has submitted to God’s will by giving of their time, talent and gifts. Applicants must be a High School Senior and be an active member of the New Covenant Youth Ministry for at least two years.

Outstanding Upper-Classman Students Award (College Juniors and Seniors only) Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.30 at the end of the sophomore year. Recipients remain eligible for the award each year as long as a cumulative GPA of 3.0 is maintained.

Dr. Freddie H. Dunn Ministerial Scholarship (High School and College students) Applicants must be a Ministerial student (taking courses which will lead to a theology degree.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship (High School students only) High School applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. The award will be presented to the High School student having the highest GPA.

Andre’ Tremain Branch Scholarship (High School and College students) was established to commemorate the educational achievements of Andre’. This scholarship will be awarded to a New Covenant Student who matriculates at Hampton University in Virginia, where Andre’ received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing, May 1997.

Carmen S. Lemons Business Award (High School and College Students) This award is applicable to a degree or non-degree seeking applicant who is interested in a career in business and/or the continuation and vocation of organizational enterprise. The applicant must attach a business card or business flyer as well as a small portfolio of their business to their application for consideration.

Samuel Rouser Mathematics Scholastic Award (College Juniors and Seniors only) The award provides assistance to collegiate juniors and seniors who have selected mathematics or computer science as a major.

Eddie L. Quaintance Teachers Scholarship Award (Teachers Only) The award provides assistance to teachers who desire to further their studies in the field of education, and to pay tribute to a devoted teacher and mentor that touched the lives of many people within and outside of New Covenant MB Church.

Post-Graduate Stipend (Graduate College students) Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Graduate Program for purpose of acquiring a degree or certificate, and must provide proof of such enrollment.

Continuing Education Stipend (Undergraduate College students) The purpose of the Continuing Education Stipend is to offer encouragement and support to those that have an earnest desire to seek a Bachelor’s Degree but can only do so on a part-time basis. Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours.

OTHER AWARDS

Myra L. Rush Fine Arts Award The purpose of this award is to provide opportunities for talented musicians to enroll in an enrichment program to enhance their gift of music and dance. Applicants must be an active member of New Covenant Fine Arts Ministry and posses musical talent. Applicants need not submit a John L. Thurston Scholarship application, but a written request MUST be submitted to the Minister of Music.

Children/Youth Academic Enrichment Award (ages 10-18 years) The purpose of this award is to provide opportunities for talented students to enroll in a gifted enrichment program in the areas of math, science and fine arts or to enroll in a student exchange program. Applicants must be an active member of a New Covenant Ministry, 10 – 18 years of age, and enrolled in an accredited program.