Scholarships offered by MTZ
Mt. Zion Baptist Church is proud to offer four distinctive scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, reflecting our commitment to educational advancement and community upliftment. As a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church dedicated to living our faith, loving our family, and lifting our community, we seek to support students who embody these values through their academic pursuits and service to others.
Applications will be accepted from March 2 through May 4, 2025. Three scholarships (Reverends Wright, Dawson, and McGruder Memorial Scholarships) require active Mt. Zion membership, while one (the Ms. Shirley Bewick Living Legacy Scholarship) is available to non-members. All scholarships support High School Seniors, and depending on the specific award, some are also available to current undergraduate or graduate students.
Available Scholarships
Students may apply for multiple scholarships but can only receive one award. Previous recipients within
the past three academic years are not eligible to apply. For questions or additional information, please
contact mtzscholar@mtzlife.com.
Rev. James C. Wright Memorial Scholarship
The Rev. James C. Wright Memorial Scholarship (up to $1,500) honors Rev. Wright's legacy of social justice advocacy and spiritual leadership, supporting students majoring in social sciences, humanities, psychology, public policy, theological studies, legal studies, and related fields. Only active members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church are eligible for this scholarship. Previous recipients within the past three academic years are not eligible to apply.
Rev. Joe E. Dawson Memorial Scholarship
The Rev. Joe E. Dawson Memorial Scholarship (up to $1,500) celebrates Rev. Dawson's skills as both a visionary leader and hands-on builder. This scholarship supports students pursuing architecture, construction, engineering, urban planning, business development, and vocational trades. Only active members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church are eligible for this scholarship. Previous recipients within the past three academic years are not eligible to apply.
Rev. Orlando McGruder Memorial Scholarship
The Rev. Orlando McGruder Memorial Scholarship (up to $1,500) commemorates Rev. McGruder's dedication to academic excellence and youth mentorship. It supports students in education, youth development, counseling, psychology, ministry, and communication fields. Only active members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church are eligible for this scholarship. Previous recipients within the past three academic years are not eligible to apply.
Ms. Shirley Bewick Living Legacy Scholarship
The Ms. Shirley Bewick Living Legacy Scholarship ($4,200 over two years) honors Ms. Bewick's lifelong commitment to educational equity, providing substantial support to students pursuing education, literacy, educational policy, and related fields. Only graduating high school seniors are eligible for this scholarship; active membership at Mt. Zion Baptist Church is not required. This is a one-time award.