Scholarship Application
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The Cade Chapel Nate Ruffin Scholarship Board will award scholarships to all eligible applicants whose applications meet the requirements below. All required documentation must be included with the application. Email questions to nateruffinscholarship@gmail.com.
IMPORTANT DATES:
April 30, 2026: All Applications must be submitted by the due date
May 31, 2026: Applications are reviewed by the Committee
June 14, 2026: Recipients will be notified/contacted
August 1, 2025: Nate Ruffin Scholarship Award Ceremony
To be considered for the scholarship, you must be a graduating senior who meets one of the following:
You are graduating from Jackson Public Schools, or
You are a member of Cade Chapel M.B. Church, or
You are a resident of the Virden Addition Community. **Applicant must meet only one of the above criteria. **
Apply with the required documents and attach either a yearbook photo or your senior cap-and-gown photo. No selfies will be accepted.
Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
Includes a copy of high school transcript (including grades from the first semester of senior year). **Note: If selected as a 2026 recipient, a copy of your final transcript will be required before scholarship funds are disbursed.
Must include two (2) letters of recommendation. One letter MUST be from a high school teacher or Administrator/Principal. This letter should speak to the applicant's past academic performance and future potential. The second letter MUST be from a community leader, an organization director/leader, or a church member who can discuss the applicant's character and involvement in community, church, or school activities.
A narrative including the following headings and describing: (1) Why you should be awarded this scholarship, (2) Your Personal Motivation (What Motivates or drives you to be successful?), and (3) Your Future Ambitions or Plans. Use a separate paragraph for each topic, and be specific in your descriptions.
Attach a copy of the applicant’s most recent ACT/SAT and/or GED scores.
Attach a College Acceptance Letter from the college or university. Note: A letter of intent, pending completion of required classes or Financial Aid documentation, is not acceptable.
The first half of the scholarship award will be presented to recipients at the Nate Ruffin Scholarship Gala. The second half will be disbursed upon submission of the mid-term enrollment verification dated after November 1, 2026. This documentation should be emailed to nateruffinscholarship@gmail.com. The verification form should be submitted by November 30, 2026, and the award will be distributed by December 15, 2026.
Incomplete applications or documents received late will not be considered for an award. You may submit any questions regarding the application via email to nateruffinscholarship@gmail.com.