ABCNJ Emerging Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by American Baptist Churches of New Jersey
Introduction
The American Baptist Churches of New Jersey seeks to equip and mentor emerging leaders who can serve effectively now and into the future. To support that goal, ABCNJ offers Emerging Scholarships for both undergraduate students and seminarians from churches in covenant with the Region. These awards are intended for students enrolled in accredited programs (two- or four-year), including Associate degrees, Bachelor of Arts/Science degrees, and graduate-level theological studies such as M.R.E., M.Div., or equivalent professional degrees.
Scholarship Awards
- Undergraduate: Eight (8) ABCNJ Emerging Scholar awards of $1,000 each for full-time students.
- Seminarian: Eight (8) ABCNJ Emerging Scholar awards of $1,500 each for full-time students.
Note: Awards for part-time students will be adjusted proportionally.
Who May Apply
- Must be a member of an ABCNJ church that is in covenant with the Region.
- Must be enrolled (or planning to be enrolled in the academic year following selection) at an accredited two- or four-year college/university or seminary. Acceptable programs include Associate, Bachelor’s (A.B./B.S.), M.R.E., M.Div., or an equivalent degree.
- Enrollment verification is required upon selection (examples: tuition receipt, letter from the registrar/bursar, or an official class schedule confirming enrollment).
Application Process and Deadlines
- The application period opens January 15, 2026, and closes April 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Completed applications and all supporting materials must be submitted within this window.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that references and official transcripts are received by April 15, 2026; incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee an award. If you have questions about applying, please contact the ABCNJ office.
Award Administration and Notification
- Scholarship funds will be issued by check and sent directly to the accredited institution where the recipient is enrolled. Awards will not be paid directly to recipients nor reimbursed to them.
- Notification emails to award recipients will be sent by May 15, 2026. Before inquiring about your application status, please check your inbox as well as junk/spam/trash folders.
If you need further clarification, contact the ABCNJ office for assistance.