The Nellie Brooks

Scholarship Award

Sponsored by:

Connecticut District Council

Christian Education Auxiliary

Scholarship Application
2024 - 2025

Connecticut District Council Christian Education Auxiliary

NELLIE BROOKS SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES / REQUIREMENTS

Eligible Candidates / APPLICANTS

• must be members of their local Sunday School for a minimum of one year prior to application.
• must be faithful members of their local church and in good standing.
• must be High School graduates with the evidence of acceptance to an accredited college or Aenon Bible College.
• An applicant may also be a current college student with a grade point average of 2.0 or better.

INELIGIBLE candidates

• pursuing Masters or other advanced degrees or certification

• If you meet the above requirements, please complete the following steps. Please note that only complete applications will be considered for the award. All applications must include the following:

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

1. Completion of the attached application form. (Do not omit any information)
2. Evidence of “Acceptance” from a college.
3. A letter of recommendation from your local Sunday School Superintendent.
4. A letter of recommendation from your Pastor.
5. An essay written without the assistance of others.

2025 Theme: That Christ Be Formed In You

    EXPOUND on what these scriptures mean to you as you prepare for your “vocation”

   Scriptural Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are                 passed away; behold, all things are become new.

   Scriptural Reference: Ephesians 4:23-24 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on                 the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness

•      How will you exemplify God, make him real in yours and others’ lives on campus, whether you reside on campus         or are a commuter? 
•    Opportunities and situations will be presented to you as a student, how will you exemplify and glorify God?
  

Focus: High School Graduates
As a high school graduate, expound on how you can fulfill the scripture, on campus, among peers and professors, and through your chosen field of study.  Scriptural references should reflect a correlation “linking” to the topic and essay context.

1. Format should reflect basic grammatical structure, appropriate spacing, font, indentations and headings.

Focus: College Students
As a college student, expound how you have fulfilled the scripture and will prepare yourself for the next level. How will you manifest, demonstrate, “fulfill” the scripture (while enrolled, on a job, doing graduate work etc.)?

1. Scriptural references should reflect a correlation “linking” to the topic and essay context, higher order thinking, the ability to be fluid in your thoughts, and should reflect an understanding of the breadth and depth of all scriptural references.
2. Scriptural references should reflect proper citations (APA format) or citations page. Visit the following website for APA Style:  http://www.professays.com/essay/apa-essay-format
3. Format should reflect basic grammatical structure, appropriate spacing, font, indentations and headings.

All applications must be postmarked no later than May 16, 2025 to be considered.

 Mail all completed applications to:

The Nellie Brooks Scholarship Committee

c/o Sis. Monique Shaw

364 Central Street

Springfield, MA 01105

QUESTIONS??? CALL: 413-733-4871 Email: moniqueShaw064@gmail.com 

         NELLIE BROOKS SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY 2025 - 2026                                                 

RUBRIC

This RUBRIC has been prepared to assist you in the composition of your essay. Your essay submission will be scored by this criteria.

• Content – This is the “breath” and “depth” or the substance of your essay. The evaluators will be looking for evidence of alignment with the THEME and SCRIPTURE(S). Keep your focus narrow and personal.                            25 Points

• Structure – 750 words. Comply to the defined word limit. If using Word, use Word Count under Tools on the toolbar. Paragraph- format can be block or traditional paragraph.                                                                                                        20 Points

• Grammar - Use good grammar skills: inclusive of capitalization, sentence structure, punctuation and spelling. If using Word, use spell check and grammar check.                                                                                                                                          20 Points

• Presentation - Submissions should preferably be typewritten and double-spaced. Pay attention to spacing, margins, and be consistent in the font used (standard essay uses Times Romans, 12 pt.).                                                                 15 Points

• Scriptural References  – We have provided the Scriptural Reference(s) and Essential Question-Prompt. Scriptures included in your essay must align with the Scriptural Reference provided.                                                                      20 Points

NELLIE BROOKS SCHOLARSHIP 2025-2026   

HELPFUL HINTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ESSAY

Timeline

• Meet the submission deadline: May 16, 2025
• Have your essay completed within 3 weeks of submission. This allows time for “peer review” (a spiritual friend, prayer partner), “expert review” (perhaps an educator, guidance counselor), “spiritual review” (perhaps, your Pastor, Sunday School Superintendent).
• RECOMMENDATION: Submit (mail) FINAL COPY of essay to Chairperson one week BEFORE due date.
• DO NOT PROCRASTINATE.

Content

• 750 Word maximum
• Use the key scripture(s) as the foundation for your essay
• Research and embed supporting scriptures.
• Align all additional scriptures with the reference scripture(s).

Grammar /Mechanics

• Each paragraph should be based on one thought (a well-developed topic sentence with several supporting sentences).
• Your writing should be fluid, allowing the evaluator to read and follow with clarity and ease.
• Have at least two people proof-read your essay before finalizing it. Ask them to “look” for grammatical/mechanical errors and ask if it was free flowing (easy to follow the thoughts).

Scriptural References

• When possible, quote entire scripture.
• Adhere to grammar rules when quoting scripture.
• Cite where the scripture can be found.
• When quoting a scripture, ensure it is “aligned” with your thought and theme.

helpful websites

• www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/essay-skills  
• http://custom-writing.org/blog/writing-tips/free-essay-writing-tips/118.html
• http://www.college-financial-aid-advice.com/scholarships-for-minorities.html