The Cole-Lacy Scholarship Fund is a permanent endowment of the First Presbyterian Church in
Pitman, NJ for the purpose of providing annual scholarships for graduating high school seniors or
college students. Preference will be given to students who are members of First Presbyterian Church in Pitman, who are involved in church activities, and who intend to major in education, music or ministry, as well as a medical field, social work, or non-profit work. However, all fields of study will be considered. Applications are welcome from high school, trade school, undergrad and graduate students who reside in the following New Jersey counties: Gloucester, Camden, Salem, and Cumberland.
Applications are comprised of the following:
- The attached form accompanied by a copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary, which includes the Student Aid Index (SAI). To protect your personal information, please submit the SAI page only.
- An original essay, written in your own words, that includes the information listed below.
The use of AI is not permitted to be used for your composition. Your submission must be delivered and written in your own words and style. The essay must be a minimum of 500 words. If this is the first time you have applied for this scholarship, your essay should:
● Describe your involvement within your faith community, giving specific examples.
● Share how your faith has shaped you as an individual, and how that has translated for your life.
● State what aspects of your faith will be important in continuing to guide you, providing
examples, if applicable.
If this is the second time you have applied for this scholarship, your essay should:
● Describe where God is active in your life right now. - An in-person interview with the Scholarship Committee. Interviews will be conducted on
Saturday, May 2nd from 2:30-6:00 Thursday, May 14th from 6:00-8:00pm and Tuesday,
May 19th from 6:00-8:00pm. Once your application form, Student Aid Index, and essay are received, please email or call the office for an interview slot at 856-589-1050 or office@pitmanpres.org.
Completed applications must be submitted by email to office@pitmanpres.org by noon on May 13, 2026. Under no circumstances will this application deadline be extended. Any application submitted after the deadline or that is incomplete will not be considered.
Previous applicants are welcome to apply again, but the scholarship will not be awarded more than twice to any individual. Scholarships will be awarded to recipients during worship on Father’s Day, June 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Awardees are strongly encouraged to attend and invite their guests for worship and a celebration during coffee hour following worship.
Questions may be directed to the Cole Lacy Scholarship Committee through the Church Office at (856) 589-1050 or office@pitmanpres.org. Click here to access the application.