Scholarship History

The Rev. Merlin McCauley Memorial Scholarship has been established in memory of Rev. Merlin McCauley, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 62.  Rev. McCauley was the brother of U-CAN co- founder Donna Rowe. 

Rev. Merlin McCauley was a Sacramento minister who reached out to the faithful in pews, prisons and on radio and television.

Merlin McCauley was ordained an elder in the Church of God in Christ in 1972.  He founded and served as pastor of New Hope Christian Center in Sacramento.  Rev. McCauley also took his message to the airways.  During the 1970s he recorded sermons for broadcasts titled “The Voice of Hope” on independent Sacramento television and radio stations.  He also started a Christian newsletter. 

Rev. McCauley began a prison ministry, preaching and offering Bible study to inmates at California men’s and women’s prisons.  He also preached to homeless people at the Union Gospel Mission and in various parks in Sacramento.  He wanted to reach people who felt alone and isolated.  He felt he was led by the Holy Spirit to go out and talk to those most in need of God’s word.

The McCauley family has established the Rev. Merlin McCauley Memorial Scholarship so that his legacy lives on and his desire to see young people pursue a higher education at a Christian Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is realized. 

Scholarship Guidlines and Application

U-CAN will award up to five (5) $500 or more scholarships to U-CAN students who are matriculating to a Christian HBCU.  Scholarships will be awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence or potential, leadership skills, community service and church involvement.  Special consideration will be given to church involvement activities.  The scholarship awards should be applied toward tuition, room, board and books.  Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements to qualify.  The Rev. Merlin McCauley Memorial Scholarship is managed by U-CAN

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Eligibility Criteria (Scholarships will be awarded in Leadership/Community Service, Academic Excellence, and Church service)

• High school student graduating before June 30, 2008
• U-CAN program participant
• Planning to attend a Christian HBCU in fall of 2008 for the entire academic year
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5
• Participates in activities that demonstrate leadership and/or public service
• Participates in church activities that demonstrates faithful service (required)
• Must write 500 word personal essay

Required Documentation

• Completed attached application form 
• Copy of most recent transcript
• 500 word essay on one of the following items;
• Student must describe his/her personal and educational goals, where they expect to be in five years and how obtaining a college degree will help them achieve their goals.
• Why he/she decided to attend a Christian HBCU
• One letter of recommendation from; church pastor or official (preferred), school administrator, teacher, counselor, community member, or mentor.
• A recent photo

The completed application and required documentation must be submitted together, and mailed to:

U-CAN
ATTN:    Rowe-Leach Scholarship Committee
P. O. Box 5249
Fair Oaks, CA   95628

Deadline

The application materials must be postmarked by April 30, 2008.  Scholarships recipients will be notified by June 1, 2008.

Scholarship Recipients Obligations

No obligation of any kind is imposed on Rev. Merlin McCauley Memorial Scholarship recipients.  However, scholarship recipients will be asked to support U-CAN and its mission through volunteer hours for the program either during or after completion of the recipients degree program.  Recipients will be asked to notify U-CAN of any change of address, school enrollment or pertinent information.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION