The Most Reverend David M. O'Connell, C.M.
Service Scholarship
Established in 2010, this scholarship will be awarded each year to an entering freshman student from the Diocese of Trenton in New Jersey who embodies Bishop David O'Connell's dedication to service. The scholarship honors Bishop O'Connell, C.M., who was appointed coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Trenton by Pope Benedict XVI in June 2010. Bishop O'Connell served as the 14th president of Catholic University for 12 years before stepping down. During his tenure, Bishop O'Connell emphasized commitment to service, a reflection of his Episcopal motto - Ministrare non ministrari - meaning "to serve and not to be served," from the Gospel of St. Mark.
This four year, full-tuition Most Reverend David M. O'Connell Service Scholarship will be awarded by CUA to a student from a parish within the Diocese of Trenton who has a demonstrated record of service (school and/or parish), and a commitment to service while at CUA and beyond. This award does not require a separate application or nomination form, but students who are interested are strongly encouraged to submit a service resume to CUA by January 15th of the current school year, highlighting service to their communities, schools, and parishes. Applicants are considered for this award by CUA based upon the completed Undergraduate Application for Admission. Final candidates will be asked to do an interview. While this scholarship is awarded in Bishop O’Connell’s honor, all communication is conducted only with CUA.
The Catholic University of America
Parish Scholarships
First-year and transfer applicants who are parishioners of Catholic churches in all U.S. territories are eligible for consideration for this $3,000 scholarship, renewable for up to four years. Receipt of this scholarship is not automatic and only one Parish Scholarship will be awarded per student.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure the Parish Scholarship information is completed as part of the admission application process. Applicants seeking consideration are required to complete the Parish Scholarship information section included on the Common Application. The required information must be submitted with the application and students cannot request consideration at a later date. No adjustments to scholarship awards will be made after admission and scholarship decisions have been rendered.
The Catholic University of America
Legacy Grant
Beginning with the Fall 2017 enrollment term, first-year and transfer students who have a parent, grandparent, or sibling who graduated from Catholic University (undergraduate, graduate, law) are eligible for the Legacy Grant, which is a $1,000 grant renewable for up to four years.
No separate application is required. All first-year and transfer students who are offered admission and meet the above criteria will automatically receive this grant.
The Bishop John Smith Scholarship
To be eligible for scholarship consideration, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Have been an active member of a Catholic parish in the Diocese of Trenton with demonstrated service to the parish
• Have successfully completed at least 16 academic units by the end of senior year and will graduate from high school in May/June
• Have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.0
• Have taken the SAT/ACT no later than December of the senior year and achieve a combined (evidence-based reading & writing and mathematics) score of 1000 in the SAT or a composite score of 21 in the ACT
• Have received notification of acceptance to Georgian Court University for the Fall semester
To apply for the Bishop John Smith Scholarship:
• Complete and return the enclosed application for the Bishop John Smith Scholarship by February 28
• Provide a written recommendation describing the student’s service to the parish prepared by the pastor of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Trenton of which the student is a member
• Write a minimum-300-word essay describing how you are “Living the Mercy Core Values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Service, and Justice” with examples from your life