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.

2025 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 one personal statement question (see prompt 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
Resume or a list of your Extracurricular Activities during High School
Self-Portrait (photo) of the applicant

Optional (For High School Graduates)
- 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

Application and Decision Timeline

🌟 Final Deadline April 30th
Final Decision communicated at awardee's own church: The last week of May/first week of June
Award Ceremony at awardees own church: the months of June and July 2025

Essay Prompts

Total of 650 words

Leave each place better than you found it
The Coptic community has a rich history of resilience, faith, and intellectual contributions. How do you see yourself carrying forward this legacy in today’s world? Provide examples of how you blend tradition with modern aspirations.

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 2025. 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