The CBM Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement and community-based opportunity for students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve and their commitment to significantly impacting their schools and communities.
Eligibility Requirements
• Currently enrolled high school students in one of CBM Chapter states who will graduate high school during the 2023-24 academic school year. Individuals who have already graduated from high school are not eligible.
• U.S. Citizens
• Expecting to receive a high school diploma during the current academic year
• Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
• Able to verify a minimum overall C+/2.5 GPA in high school coursework.
Applicants may not be:
• Children or grandchildren of current national office employees, officers, or chapters.
• High school graduates
• Temporary residents
ELIGIBILITY
Candidates must
• Demonstrate outstanding leadership, character, communication skills, academic achievement, and commitment to their greater community.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance (minimum 2.5 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent)
• Be citizens of the United States of America
• Graduate from a high school in the current academic year (home-schooled high school seniors also are not eligible)
• Plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year
CHARACTERISTICS OF A SCHOLAR
LEADERSHIP
Scholars possess natural leadership skills, vision, and ambition, and pursue roles of influence and service. They use their influence to set a positive example for their peers and set a course for progress in their school and in their community.
CHARACTER
Scholars are rooted in their principles, values, and ethics. They earn the respect of their peers, school administrators, and community leaders by demonstrating integrity, dependability, conviction, and strong personal character.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Scholars use their skills as communicators to inspire others and affect positive change in the community. Using clear and purposeful communication skills and strategies, Scholars articulate a clear vision for improving the community and motivate their peers to contribute to a greater cause.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Scholars are driven to excel academically. They value a quality education as a means for personal advancement. Scholars seek the “hard” academic road and diligently pursue a high standard of achievement.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
Scholars actively engage in their community and make notable contributions of selfless service. Scholars take pride in their community and are, in turn, considered community assets.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Basic information about you, your parent/guardian, your high school, and your college plans.
2. Your involvement in extracurricular activities.
3. Your involvement in community service.
4. Your involvement in paid work.
5. Essay on a pivotal leadership experience.
6. Your high school transcripts (semifinalists only).
7. Two recommendations (semifinalists only).
8. A video response to an additional essay question (semifinalists only).
The Drew Initiative is a scholarship opportunity for students attending high school in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. graduating in the 2023-34 academic calendar year. This pilot scholarship initiative was created by CBM’s Civic Engagement Division and Reverend Stephen Tillett to introduce an opportunity to inspire the next generation of artists, poets, musicians, and truth-sayers. Named after Rev Tillett’s son Stephen Andrew (“Drew”) Tillett II this scholarship opportunity seeks to honor his life by acknowledging those who display an academic and creative curiosity about life.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A DREW INITIATIVE SCHOLAR
Drew was a gifted pianist, who planned to one day become a music producer. He was also a dedicated student of martial arts in his childhood, earning a Black Belt, and was an avid tennis player. Drew was also an enthusiastic and skilled chess player, as well. He had a love for languages and won a Silver Medal for his mastery of Latin and became bilingual (Spanish). Throughout his life, he was also very kind to senior citizens and children, often serving as a volunteer tutor to children, especially those struggling with math. Drew was also a fierce lover of people of African descent and always wanted to enhance our sense of community and self-sufficiency. This initiative seeks to recognize those students who are interested in making a difference in their community beyond their GPA.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• Currently enrolled high school students in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC who will graduate high school during the 2023-24 academic school year. Individuals who have already graduated from high school are not eligible.
• U.S. Citizens residing in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
• Expecting to receive a high school diploma during the current academic year
• Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution or vocational school.
• Able to verify a minimum overall C+/2.5 GPA in high school coursework.
Applicants may not be:
• Children or grandchildren of current national office employees, officers, or chapters.
• High school graduates
• Temporary residents
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must
• Demonstrate outstanding leadership, character, communication skills, academic achievement, and commitment to their greater community.
• Demonstrate strong academic or creative performance (minimum 2.5 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent)
• Be citizens of the United States of America who reside in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
• Have two recommendations: one (1) from a teacher and one (1) from a community member.
• Have completed 30 community service hours.
• Complete an application package which includes an application, essay (written or visual), recommendations, and letters verifying the community service quota. All materials must be completed and submitted by May 24, 2024. Incomplete application packages will not be reviewed.