Catholic College Scholarship Contest (Essay Scholarship)

Catholic College Scholarship Contest

The Cardinal Newman Society's annual Essay Scholarship Contest awards $5,000 toward college costs for high school seniors attending a Newman Guide-recommended college.

Award Details:

• Primary Award: $5,000 scholarship toward fall attendance at a Newman Guide-recommended college
• Supplemental Awards: Several Newman Guide colleges have agreed to provide additional $5,000 grants over three additional years (potential total: $20,000)
• Funding Source: Made possible by Joe and Ann Guiffre, advocates of faithful Catholic education

Eligibility:

• High school seniors in the United States
• Must sign up for the Newman Society's Recruit Me program
• Must explore the Newman Society's college search resources
• Must research Newman Guide-recommended colleges during college search

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus Areas: Faithful Catholic education; appreciation for Catholic higher education

Essay Topic: Essays must address the question: "A recent Pew Research study found that only 26% of self-professed Catholics under the age of 40 believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. In light of this finding, why do you think that it is important to attend a faithful Catholic college?"

Essay Requirements:

• Length: 500-700 words
• Judging criteria: Appreciation for faithful Catholic education and writing quality

History: Fourth annual contest announced December 13, 2019. Previous winners include Landis Lehman (2019, homeschooled from Lucas, Texas, attending Benedictine College)

Contact Information:

• Questions: Programs@CardinalNewmanSociety.org
• Cardinal Newman Society
• P.O. Box 1879
• Merrifield, Virginia 22116
• Phone: (703) 367-0333

Application Process

1. Sign up for Newman Society programs:
   • Register for the Newman Society's Recruit Me program
   • Use the Newman Society's college search tips and resources
   • Explore Newman Guide-recommended colleges
2. Prepare essay submission:
   • Write 500-700 word essay
   • Address the specified essay prompt regarding Catholic college attendance and Eucharistic belief
   • Ensure high quality writing and demonstration of appreciation for faithful Catholic education
3. Submit application:
   • Submit through the contest portal at: https://newmansoc.org/EssayContest
   • Include completed essay
4. Judging:
   • Essays evaluated on appreciation for faithful Catholic education
   • Quality of writing assessed
   • Winners announced

Required Materials

• Essay (500-700 words)
• Student contact information (as required by portal)

Contact for Questions

• Email: Programs@CardinalNewmanSociety.org