Thea Bowman Scholars

Scholarship Sponsored by Sister Thea Bowman Foundation

Introduction
The Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation Scholarship exists to open educational opportunities for African‑American students who have faced economic hardship. The program provides financial support to attend an accredited Catholic college or university, and pairs that support with mentoring, spiritual and civic enrichment, community service expectations, and other campus‑based supports. Scholarship funds are provided through donations to the Foundation and through matching scholarships arranged with partner Catholic institutions.

Award amounts and funding terms
- Scholarship awards range from $7,500 to $10,000.
- Awards are applied toward tuition, on‑campus room and board, and required books, and are paid directly to the recipient’s institution.
- Awards are renewable yearly as long as the Foundation continues to receive donations and the recipient meets renewal criteria. The Foundation also partners with Catholic colleges and universities to secure additional funding; amounts may vary by institution.

Who may apply (Eligibility)
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be of African‑American descent (this program is limited to students of African‑American heritage).
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be a high school senior planning to enroll full time at an accredited Catholic college or university in the fall, OR be a current freshman or sophomore in good academic standing at one of the Foundation’s partner institutions (renewals require continued good standing at the partner institution).
- Have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5.
- Be active in high school activities and demonstrate good character.
- Be strongly recommended by a high school faculty member or the high school principal.
- Have been accepted for admission to one of the Foundation’s accredited Catholic college or university partners based on the applicant’s own merits (the Foundation does not assist or influence institutional admissions decisions).

Application materials and deadlines
- The online application opens after January 1 each year. Applicants must fully complete the online form.
- After January 1, applicants must email the remaining required documents (to the email address provided in the application materials) no later than March 26 of each year. Only completed application packets received by that deadline will be considered.
- Award letters will be emailed and otherwise forwarded to recipients by May 1 each year. Accepted awards and signed scholarship agreements must be returned to the Foundation by July 1.

Required application documents
1. Completed online application (available after January 1).
2. Essay: a typed essay of at least 600 words on this prompt — Sister Thea Bowman’s gravestone reads “She tried.” Explain what Sister Thea Bowman tried to accomplish and discuss the impact of her life.
3. Official high school transcript.
4. Copy of the university’s official acceptance letter.
5. Financial information:
- A copy of the FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) as evidence of financial need.
- A typed, double‑spaced statement of financial need, not to exceed 300 words.

Selection process
An ad hoc selection committee of the Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation reviews applications and determines award recipients. The Foundation is ultimately responsible for awarding scholarships. Award amounts and availability depend on Foundation donations and partner institution support.

Conditions for recipients
If selected, scholars must agree to the following:
- Permit their college or university to share grades and financial aid information with the Foundation for the purpose of awarding and maintaining scholarship assistance.
- Obtain mentor or Foundation director approval for on‑campus housing choices.

Expectations and obligations of scholars
Scholarship recipients are expected to:
- Enroll full time and meet regularly with their assigned college/university mentor; participate in activities that support their educational, personal, social, civic, and spiritual development.
- Complete at least 30 hours per year of service related to spiritual growth and development.
- Demonstrate leadership involvement on campus or in the community.
- Attend Foundation‑sponsored summer enrichment symposiums.
- Conduct themselves in accordance with the moral and ethical teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Strive to maintain a minimum college GPA of 2.5; the Foundation’s goal is that scholars remain at or above this standard. Failure to meet minimum standards may result in loss of funds.
- Participate in selected Foundation fundraising activities (for example, selling raffle tickets, attending the annual fundraising dinner, or meeting with potential donors).

Notes
- Scholarship funds are administered through the Foundation and partner institutions; award amounts and renewals are contingent on available funding.
- Only complete application packets submitted by the stated deadlines will be reviewed.