DELORES T. COOPER COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Delores T. Cooper (DTC)

COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2024

Dear Graduate:

Congratulations upon your impending high school graduation! The Scholarship Ministry of First Baptist Church of Merrifield (FBCM) located in Falls Church is pleased and proud of your accomplishments.

We are also pleased to inform you of the Community Scholars – Delores T. Cooper Scholarship. Each year, the Scholarship Ministry grants scholarship awards to TWO high school graduating seniors in the local community who have gained acceptance to attend an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning. The eligibility criteria are attached.

Since 1977, Delores T. Cooper faithfully served as president of the Women’s Ministry, senior high Church School teacher and a member of the Scholarship Ministry. Delores had a love for children and a concern for their spiritual and academic development. This annual scholarship was renamed in 2008 to honor and remember her many contributions and years of service to the youth of First Baptist Church of Merrifield. Delores’ legacy of investing in the intellectual, spiritual, and academic development of young people will continue to live on in the lives of those she impacted and inspired.

HOW THE SCHOLARSHIP WILL BE AWARDED:

The Scholarship Ministry will review only those applications that are complete with
supporting documents and meet all scholarship requirements.

The FBCM Scholarship Ministry will award a $1,000 community scholarship to two students graduating from one of the select high schools or community affiliations, and who has a confirmed acceptance to an accredited institution of higher learning. The scholarship payment will be sent directly to the Financial Office of the school and will be applied directly to the student’s account for educational related expenses. The recipient of this award shall be required to notify the Scholarship Ministry of their official acceptance.

All graduating seniors will be recognized and presented at two events in June, the Delores T. Cooper Scholarship Banquet on June 14, 2024 (Format and details will be announced) and the Graduation and Youth Awards Ceremony on (date to be announced) during the First Baptist Church of Merrifield worship service (format to be announced). Additional details on these programs will be communicated to the scholarship recipient and their parents.

ELIGIBILITY:

1. 1. 1. An African American student who is a graduating senior at:
         • Annandale High School
         • Falls Church High School
         • Justice High School
      2. An African American student affiliated by residency within the James Lee or Tinner Hill communities in Falls Church.
      3. Student should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
      4. A confirmed acceptance letter to attend an accredited post-secondary institution
         that includes a four-year College/University, Community College, or Trade School.

Scholarship Application Requirements:

1. 1. 1. A completed application for the Delores T. Cooper Community Scholarship (all requested information must be provided).
      2. A copy of your college acceptance letter.
      3. Your student bio, senior photo, and favorite scripture or quotation. With permission, this information will be included in the DTC Scholarship Banquet Program
      4. Essay

**NOTE**

The deadline for submitting the completed application is SUNDAY, March 17, 2024.

The deadline for submitting the student bio is SUNDAY, April 14, 2024.

For scholarship consideration, the FBCM Scholarship Ministry must receive all applications by the deadline.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Deaconess Gail Greene, Scholarship
Ministry Chair, at (703) 629-0068 or ggreene957@gmail.com.