Scholarships on the Universal Application
Community Foundation of New Jersey – 2025 Universal Application Scholarship Opportunities
The Alfred J. Speak Scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, graduating high school senior from the greater Newark area. Preference will be given to students who are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of Newark and the First Presbyterian Church (Broad Street, Newark). Applicants will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid) and demonstrated unmet financial need.
The Bego Scholarship is awarded in memory of Begonia Alvarez Fernandez. “Bego,” as she was known to her friends, was the daughter of immigrants and the first in her family to receive an undergraduate degree. She went on to earn two graduate degrees and work as a school social worker and psychologist, all while raising her own family. Bego’s dedication to her family, the kids she helped and her love of learning inspired everyone she touched. In addition to her loved ones, Bego treasured two things in life — kids and education. This scholarship seeks to honor her memory and values. Preference will be given to students who are from recently immigrated families and are U.S. residents, naturalized citizens or first-generation citizens. The candidate must also be a resident of New Jersey, New York or Pennsylvania; must be a graduting high school senior; and must plan to attend an accredited four-year college. Candidates will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid) and demonstrated unmet financial need.
The Blossom Scholarship is awarded to college-bound, Black/African American graduating high school seniors from the greater Newark area or Paterson. The applicant must have pursued a rigorous course of study in high school, with particular emphasis on math and science courses. The applicant will show evidence of readiness for and commitment to pursue a STEM major. They should also demonstrate readiness for and a commitment to pursuing a STEM major. The applicant will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid) and demonstrated unmet financial need.
The Clanseer and Anna Johnson Scholarship is awarded to a college-bound Black/African American graduating high school senior who was born in the United States. Applicants must have obtained an “A” or “B” average on subjects relating to the sciences and mathematics. They must also maintain above-average grades overall in whatever curriculum they’re pursuing. The applicant will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid) and demonstrated unmet financial need.
The Dr. Crosby Copeland, Jr. Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a college-bound Black/African American male who is a graduating high school senior from Trenton Public Schools. This scholarship honors the legacy and accomplishments of Dr. Crosby Copeland, Jr., and his many years of dedication to the education of young people as a teacher, principal and superintendent in the Trenton Public School District. It was created through the joint efforts of the Copeland family and the Trenton Kappa Foundation to help young men develop their potential, achieve their goals and become successful productive adults. Students must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better. They must also demonstrate community involvement as well as unmet financial needs.
The David H. Roe Memorial Scholarship aims to reaffirm the academic success and professional leadership that Mr. Roe demonstrated during his lifetime. In addition to serving as a Chief Financial Officer of a large generic drug company, he was interested in mathematics, philosophy, skiing and airplanes. He was also able to indulge in various interests because he was lucky enough to get a college education. Mr. Roe’s scholarship aims to help graduating high school seniors from the greater Newark area who have a financial need; are seriously interested in mathematics, physics, biology, botany, or chemistry; and would like to pursue one of these disciplines at the college level. Please note that the scholarship isn’t intended for students pursuing an IT or Computer Science major. Applicants must be accepted to attend a four-year accredited college/university within the United States and enter their freshman year in the fall. The scholarship will be awarded based on both need and merit.
The Dominique Lisa Pandolfo Scholarship is awarded to a female, graduating high school senior from New Jersey who demonstrates outstanding personal character and leadership qualities. The scholarship is named in honor of Dominique, an extraordinary young woman who lived each day to the fullest. On September 10, 2001, she started her first day in graduate school at New York University. The day after, Dominique became a victim of the terroristic attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. The goal of this scholarship is to perpetuate her memory by helping young women develop their potential, achieve their goals, and become successful and proud Americans. Her family hopes the scholarship also instills the same spirit and zest for life that was so abundant in Dominique. Applicants must be accepted to attend an accredited college/university within the United States. The scholarship will be awarded based on both need and merit.
The Elizabeth Loudenslager Clark Scholarship was created under the will of Henry C. Loudenslager in memory of his deceased daughter. The scholarship is awarded to a female, graduating high school senior who is college bound and a resident of Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland or Cape May counties. The scholarship will be awarded based on both need and merit.
The Elsie E. and Joseph W. Beck Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior from Christian Brothers Academy (Holmdel), Seton Hall Prep (West Orange), Marymount School (NYC), St. Benedict’s Prep (Newark), Saint Vincent Academy (Newark) or Immaculate Conception High School (Montclair). Preference will be given to students who have been accepted to Caldwell College, Cornell University, Immaculate University, Lehigh University, the University of Notre Dame, St. Bonaventure University, Seton Hall University or the University of Vermont. The scholarship will be awarded based on both need and merit.
The ETV: Linda D. Murphy Village Strivers Scholarship is awarded to a Black/African American graduating high school senior from Morristown or Morris Township who has demonstrated consistent academic improvement throughout high school. It was established to honor the memory of a beloved, long-time Morristown resident — Linda D. Murphy. She served as a community leader and educator for many decades; worked as a teacher, principal, director, and non-profit executive; and made a lasting and positive impact that enhanced the lives of thousands of students, families, and the community at large. Linda’s passion for education and community involvement inspired the Village Strivers initiative with Empower The Village, as she played an instrumental role in its development shortly before her passing. Applicants will be evaluated on his/her engagement through activities or programs that support the local community, including community service or church engagement, work experience (paid or unpaid) and demonstrated unmet financial need.
The Hardyston Township First Aid Squad Scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, graduating high school senior who is a resident of Sussex County, demonstrates a significant first-response commitment to serving their community, and exemplifies a willingness to help others in whatever way they can. The applicant should believe in service before self — whether they serve for EMS, the Fire Department, or other volunteer emergency first-response agencies. The student should have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
The Harry H. Loudenslager Scholarship was created under the will of Henry C. Loudenslager in memory of his deceased son. This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound graduating high school senior who is a resident of Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland or Cape May counties. The scholarship will be awarded based on both need and merit.
The Howard Whitfield Masonic Scholarship honors the memory and life-long achievements of Howard Whitfield. Out of necessity, Mr. Whitfield began working at age 13 to earn a livelihood. Even though he always desired obtaining a higher education in liberal arts and/or the sciences, he was unable to complete his formal education. Because of his deep and abiding love for Red Bank and Monmouth County, Mr. Whitfield established a scholarship in his lifetime to assist graduates of Red Bank Regional High School to develop their potential, achieve their goal of obtaining an undergraduate degree, and become successful and productive adults. The scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, graduating high school senior who has achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. The scholarship will be awarded based on both need and merit.
The J. Oscar and Susan Florence Hunt Scholarship is awarded to a college-bound graduating senior from Gloucester or Salem counties. Preference is given to residents of Swedesboro, Auburn, Pedricktown and Penns Grove in this order of priority. The scholarship will be awarded based on both need and merit.
The James L. and Ruby L. Murray Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, graduating high school senior from one of the following schools: Trenton High School, Ewing High School, Cherry Hill High School West or East Orange High School. Mr. and Mrs. Murray not only instilled the importance of education and community in their sons, Edward James and Scott Butler. They also embodied those values in their own lives. When Mr. Murray returned from World War II, he earned a B.A. and an M.A. while Mrs. Murray earned an associate degree.They were also significantly involved with public schools and community organizations in each of the New Jersey communities where they resided — Trenton, East Orange and Cherry Hill. The Murrays were founding members of the Cherry Hill Minorities Civic Association, which provides annual scholarships to college-bound seniors from Cherry Hill High School. And they always taught their sons that studying historical and current events would help prepare them for the many opportunities and experiences that lay ahead; and they were right. Therefore, in their honor and loving memory, Edward and Scott seek to pass on their parents’ legacy through this scholarship. Applicants should plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in History, Social Science or Political Science at any college/university within the United States and have achieved a 3.0 GPA or better.
The Keith Hightower Scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, graduating high school senior from Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Union, Warren, Morris, Sussex or Hudson counties. The family and friends of Mr. Hightower valued the prominent businessman for his respect for intellect and creativity in science, technology and economics. So in his honor, this scholarship focuses on funding the higher education of seniors from northern New Jersey. Applicants must have participated in a science or math competition or in independent scientific research during their high school careers.
The KIDS IN BuSINESS Merit Scholarship is is for students who are or have been associated with the KIDS IN BuSINESS® (KIB) program in Newark and wish to further their education at an accredited institution within the United States. Founded as a non-profit organization in 1985 by Barbara Weiland, KIB educates children and families about starting a business, financial literacy, and building basic skills and knowledge. Since its inception, KIB has focused on giving back as well as fostering a sense of personal responsibility and community betterment. The awardee will be a student whose character, personality and leadership qualities are regarded as outstanding. The candidate may not necessarily be the top student in the class, but will have shown outstanding potential, merit and/or improvement. The award will include one or more scholarships (amounts will vary) for a graduating high school senior or a student currently enrolled at a community college (associate degree), four-year college/university (undergraduate degree), or a vocational school (specialty certificate). The applicant’s KIB participation will be verified, and the award may be applied to tuition and mandatory educational fees.
The Morristown Neighborhood House Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior from Morristown or Morris Township who is affiliated with Morristown Neighborhood House. The applicant may pursue a postsecondary education at a two- or four-year institution or an accredited non-profit technical school (certificate program).
The Peter Eisen Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who has experienced the loss of a biological parent before the age of 18. This scholarship was created by Mr. Eisen’s life-long friends to honor his legacy. Preference will be given to residents of Essex, Middlesex, or Bergen counties, and the student must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
The R. D. Hinsch Collegiate Sailing Scholarship Fund perpetuates the memory of Ralph Hinsch, his appreciation for collegiate sailing, and the benefits he experienced in skill building and being active in social settings as an active member of the Nyack Boat Club. Established in 2004, the fund provides one scholarship up to $12,000 to a graduating high school senior or a student currently enrolled in undergraduate studies at a college/university within the United States. The senior or undergraduate student should demonstrate an active and continued interest in sailing. The award is payable in consecutive annual installments of $3,000 if eligibility requirements are continually met. The total amount of the scholarship will be based on the number of years the student has left to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree. For example, a recipient entering their junior year of college would be eligible for a maximum of $6,000 in scholarship funding that would be payable over two years.
The Siegel Family Scholarship aims to help young people who are facing challenges to develop their potential, achieve their goals, and become successful and productive adults. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior or recent high school graduate (1-2 years out of high school) from the greater Newark area who has achieved a 2.5 GPA or better. Preference will be given to students who have been actively involved with GlassRoots or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson or Union counties.
The Stephen A. Johnston Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a college sophomore, junior, or senior — or a graduate student — who demonstrates an interest in vegetable crop production or a related field. Preference will be given to students majoring in plant pathology, and the applicant must demonstrate evidence of an association with the Rutgers University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
The Vincent P. Arabia Scholarship honors the memory and life-long achievements of Vincent Arabia, who bravely served in World War II. Although Mr. Arabia was paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 18, he didn’t let his injury limit his abilities. Instead, he became a motivated and intelligent man who was determined to live life to its fullest. Mr. Arabia earned the respect of his community and was known for being a generous man who tried to help those who needed it most. Although he never had any children, it was his dream to create a scholarship fund to help children reach their fullest potential in life despite their disabilities. This scholarship offers a limited number of college scholarships to benefit a physically disabled student whose mobility is impeded or blind individual. The applicant should be a graduating high school senior or an undergraduate student, and the scholarship is open to New Jersey students statewide. However, preference is given to South Jersey residents, with a particular emphasis on Burlington County.