DELORES T. COOPER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Delores T. Cooper (DTC)

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, VA is pleased and proud of your accomplishments.

We are also pleased to inform you of the Delores T. Cooper Scholarship. Each year, the Scholarship Ministry grants scholarship awards to high school graduating seniors who are members of the FBCM congregation and have gained acceptance to attend an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning.

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 (including any supporting documents) and meet all scholarship requirements.

The FBCM Scholarship Ministry will award a scholarship to graduating high school students who are active members of the church, including attendance and a minimum of one (1) ministry. The scholarship payment will be made directly to the Financial Office of the school the student is attending and shall be applied directly to the student’s account for educational related expenses. The recipient of this scholarship award shall be required to notify the Scholarship Ministry of their official acceptance. The amount of the scholarship award will be determined by the Scholarship Ministry.

All graduating seniors will be recognized and presented at two events in June; the Delores T.Cooper Scholarship Banquet on June 14, 2022 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 recipients and their parents.

ELIGIBILITY:

These eligibility requirements are effective September 1, 2020.
**NOTE: Students that are members of FBCM and entering their freshman year in high school PRIOR to September 1, 2020 are eligible for the full scholarship. Any student that becomes a member of FBCM after September 1, 2020 shall be governed by the eligibility requirements set forth.

1. 1. Active Member of First Baptist Church of Merrifield
      • Regular attendance at church worship o **The Scholarship Ministry recognizes that COVID-19 is a current factor for attendance and this will be taken into consideration.
      • Participation in church school, youth activities or a church ministry. A Ministry Leader shall validate participation.
   2. A 2.5 GPA.
   3. A confirmed “Letter of Acceptance” to attend an accredited post-secondary institution – a four-year College/University, Community College, or Trade School

Each scholarship will be awarded based on the following years of service and attendance at FBCM:
a. Four (4) years of attendance and service – $2,500 Full Scholarship
b. Three (3) years of attendance and service – $2,000 Partial Scholarship
c. Two (2) years of attendance and service – $1,500 Partial Scholarship
d. One (1) year of attendance and service – $1,000 Partial Scholarship

If a student dissolves membership with FBCM (that is, moves their membership or leaves the church; they no longer actively attend worship service; or they do not participate in church school, youth activities, or a ministry) and returns to FBCM, that student is only eligible for time of active service and attendance prior to returning.

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 and all information is SUNDAY, April 28 2024.

For scholarship consideration, the FBCM Scholarship Ministry must receive all
applications and information by the deadline. Please email your application and essay attached to ggreene957@gmail.com.

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