Brief history
The Van Duzer Scholarship recognizes high school students in the Diocese of New Jersey for service to the church and to the community.
In 1987, members of the Diocesan Youth Commission decided to form a scholarship fund to assist young people entering post-secondary education. The scholarship was named for the Right Reverend Albert W. Van Duzer, eighth bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey.
For more than fifty years, Bishop Van Duzer was an advocate for youth in the Diocese of New Jersey. He served as Youth Director from 1949 to 1954 and was a member of the Board of Youth Consultative Service from 1953 to 1963. Bishop Van Duzer was one of the founding members of Youth Events in the Diocese of New Jersey and shared his vision of a full-time Youth Director for the diocese.
The first scholarship was awarded in 1989. Since then, over 150 scholarships have been awarded to youth of the Diocese. Some of the recipients have continued in the tradition of Bishop Van Duzer and work with young people in and beyond the diocese.
Criteria
The purpose of the Bishop Van Duzer scholarship fund is to assist high school seniors preparing to enter their first year of accredited post-secondary education. Applicants should be aware that certain criteria will be considered in the awarding of scholarship funds: service to the local and wider church, community service, academic achievement, and financial need. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all items are sent in by the deadline.
This fund is to assist high school seniors preparing to enter college and post-secondary education programs.
PLEASE NOTE: Incomplete packets will not be considered. All applications must be submitted electronically (Paper applications will not be accepted)
The information included in the application is used to assess the applicants on four criteria:
- Church involvement – local convocational, diocesan, wider Episcopal Church (this criterion is given the highest weight)
- Financial Need (this criteria is also given the highest weight)
- Community involvement (you may include a letter of reference supporting applicant’s
involvement) - Student essay
- Scholastic performance
Application process
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship from the fund, you can apply here, the below information will be required:
- Cover Letter
- Application Form
- Personal Essay
- Student Activities Form
- Letter of recommendation from the Rector/Vicar or Youth Leader
- Letter of reference the student’s guidance counselor and transcript with SAT/ACT form
- A completed financial aid form –Page 1 only with your EFC amount. (can be obtained from student’s high school guidance department)
A letter to parents and students and an application checklist is found here.
You are responsible for ensuring that all items are sent in by the deadline.
