Overview

The Coptic Educational Foundation offers Merit Achievement Scholarship for Undergraduates for students graduating from high school (i.e., seniors) and students transferring from Community Colleges to 4-year Colleges or Universities. Selection is based on both academic and non-academic aspects of student achievements. The evaluation criteria for high school seniors is based on grade point average (GPA), extra-curricular activities, personal statements, community service, and other aspects such as leadership and work experience. The evaluation criteria for students transferring from Community College to a 4-year college or university is based on grade point average (GPA), extra-curricular activities, personal statements, community service, and other aspects such as leadership and work experience.

A one-time $1,500 scholarship will be awarded toward the educational expenses of four-year schools. This is a competitive award program. Not all students who apply will receive the scholarship.

2024 Merit Achievement Scholarship for Undergraduates

Student Eligibility:

• Graduating high school seniors or community college transfer students in the US

• Either student must be accepted to an accredited four-year college/university in the US immediately following graduation or transfer from community college.

• Be an active member of one the Coptic Orthodox Churches

• Demonstrate strong community involvement and awareness

Application Requirements

• Submit an online Application

• Answer two personal statement questions in regards to your community service involvement (see prompts below)

• Attach the following documents as PDF, DOC, or JPG files

• One Letter of Recommendation (Letter of Recommendation may be emailed directly by the recommender to sandy@copticedu.org)

• Unofficial Transcript (High School or Community College)

• Letter of Admission from College/University you plan to attend

• To receive bonus  points towards your application, you may upload one or more of the following:

  • For High School Graduates:

    • Certificate of Excellence or Honors Roll Certificate

    • A copy of all your AP exam scores, if you have taken any,  with a passing score of 3 or higher only

    • A copy of your SAT/ACT exam scores 

    • Resume or a list of your Extracurricular Activities during High School

    • Self-Portrait (photo) of the applicant

  • For Community College:

    • Resume or a list of your Extracurricular Activities during community college

    • Certificate of Excellence or Honors Roll Certificate 

    • LinkedIN page URL

    • List of Professional References

    • Self-Portrait (photo) of the applicant

Application and Decision Timeline

• Priority Deadline 🚀 Submit by April 27th for Bonus Points! 🌟 Final Deadline May 6th

• Final Decision communicated at awardee's own church: The last week of May, 2024

• Award Ceremony at awardees own church: the months of June and July 2024

Essay Prompts

Community Service Statement - Part 1 

(Total of 500 words)

Describe a service opportunity (only one) when you positively impacted your  community?

1.  In detail, provide the service, the location, your role, the time frame and any helpful additional information

2. In addition, explain the significance of the impact to your  community and the outcomes that resulted due to your service?

1. Personal Statement - Part 2  

(Total of 500 words)

1. Describe in detail an accomplishment, event or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. Make sure to answer the following questions below:

1. What was the event/accomplishment?

2. Where was the event/accomplishment?

3. When was the event/accomplishment?

2. Explain what you learned or how you have changed. Be specific about the transformation and demonstrate your personal growth.

Awards and Selection Process

CEF retains the right to change or terminate this program at any time. CEF is not responsible for applications lost, misplaced, or delayed through the mail or other delivery processes. Once submitted, the application becomes the property of CEF. All information is kept confidential.

Important to Note

• This Scholarship is ONLY for students who have been accepted to 4-Year College to start Fall Semester 2024. Students accepted to Community College are not qualified to apply.

• Be prepared to finish your submission at the same session as the application will not allow you to save and continue at a later time.

• Late applications will not be considered.

• The submitted application will be the property of the Coptic Educational Foundation 

• Applications submitted on/before April 27th will receive additional bonus points.

The application is closed.