The Nia Brown Romans 8:28 Scholarship

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Purpose: The Nia Brown Romans 8:28 Scholarship is designed to support, encourage, and financially assist graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated strong Christian character, academic achievement, and active service to the church and local community. This scholarship aims to honor and address their understanding of the meaning of Romans 8:28 as being part of God’s purpose for their lives. 

 

Eligibility to Apply: 

• Current baptized member of a Church of Christ in the Midwest.

• Graduating High School Senior, 2025/2026 school year

• 2026 Midwest Youth Conference attendance

 

The theme of this year’s Conference is 

“Clock It: Remember What God Hates.” 

 

Proverbs 6:16–19 (King James Version) challenges us to be honest about what damages relationships, integrity, and community. It names 7 things that are an abomination to God: “16These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” 

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Essay Requirements:

In a 500-word essay, address the following prompts:

1. Describe a time when you recognized one of these behaviors in yourself, school, family, congregation, and/or community. 

2. How did your behavior affect you, and what did you learn?

3. Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” teaches us that even if our current circumstances are uncomfortable, God has a purpose for those of us who love Him and keep His commandments. Connect the meaning of Romans 8:28 as you describe how you will choose to move differently as you work (or hope to work) against the things that God hates.

4. Christian Business Plan: Explain how this $500 scholarship would help you take a faithful next step toward the future God is calling you to as you step into your next season after you graduate from high school. How would the scholarship help support that growth, whether through education, training, travel, the military, workforce tools, or another meaningful and productive need? (Jeremiah 29:11)

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Your essay will receive points according to the following criteria:

• Content: Addresses the Prompts – 30 points 

• Clarity & Organization – 20 points 

• Grammar & Sentence Structure – 20 points

• Mechanics (spelling, punctuation, formatting) – 15 points

• Word Count (500 Words) – 10 points

• Submission Deadline – 5 points

 

The scoring rubric is attached for your guidance and reference.

 

Application and Essay Submission: Click Here

 

The application and essay must be received no later than June 1, 2026, 11:59 PM, CST

• Please do not use identifiers in the body of your essay. 

• Identifiers include the name, city, or state of your congregation, and the names of your minister, youth counselors, Bible class teachers, or church leadership.

• If selected, you will have the option to receive the scholarship via CashApp, Venmo, Zelle, or cash during the Banquet.

• If selected, you will be required to follow up with Sis. Nia Brown within 6 months.

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The Nia Brown Romans 8:28 Scholarship Rubric