Reid Temple is proud to highlight the importance of education and scholastic achievement with the provision of financial support to help students as they pursue higher education. As a church, Reid Temple looks at the whole student, balancing an individual’s academic achievement with their service to the church and the community and clarity of vision for their futures.
The application process for the 2026 scholarship season will open on Friday, May 1, 2026
Scholarship Programs
LEE P. WASHINGTON SCHOLARSHIP FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
The Reid Temple AME Church LPW Scholastic Scholarship is offered to recent high school graduates who received their diplomas at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship is for training and education beyond the high school level.
Eligibility
The applicant must:
· Have a graduating cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher.
· Be able to confirm active membership at Reid Temple for the immediate previous two (2) or more years or have a parent/guardian that has confirmed active member for the immediate previous two (2) or more years.
· Be enrolled and/or accepted for enrollment in an institution of higher learning on a full-time basis.
Submit a completed application for consideration by the deadline. (No exceptions)
Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Completed applications must include the following:
1. Proof and attestation of membership at Reid Temple via provided membership (envelope) number or certificate of membership of student or parent. Note: membership will be validated via Reid Temple’s membership system. Prior to applying, please check your family’s membership status with Karen Hughley, membership coordinator, at khughley@reidtemple.org to ensure that your records meeting the scholarship criteria.
2. An official high school transcript.
3. Two (2) letters of recommendation*
a. One (1) letter must be from a Reid Temple AME Church leader (ministry or other).
b. One (1) letter should be from outside the church (school, community, etc.).
*Please do not ask the Pastor for a letter of recommendation.
4. An essay sharing a personal challenge that you have overcome and how overcoming that challenge will benefit your future education and career endeavors.
5. A graduation or professional photograph.
6. A letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment in the school you will be attending.
7. Copies of awards and recognition for outstanding academics, community service, sports or other activities (optional).
Only applications submitted online will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
THE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO VERIFY ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS APPLICATION.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED IS PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
LEE P. WASHINGTON BOOK SCHOLARSHIP
For Reid Temple members who have, due to unforeseen circumstances, taken a break in their undergraduate studies and are returning to school to continue their path towards a bachelor's degree.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be:
Able to confirm active membership at Reid Temple for the immediate previous two (2) or more years.
Enrolled in an institution of higher learning.
CONTINUING SCHOLARS
This scholarship is only open to students who were awarded the LPW Scholastic Scholarship as a graduating high school senior the immediate previous year. The winner of this award will receive a scholarship for his or her remaining three years of matriculation.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be:
An immediate past recipient of the Lee P. Washington Scholastic Scholarship for High School Seniors.
Enrolled in an institution of higher learning on a full-time basis for the upcoming semester.
Scholars eligible for this award apply directly to the committee and receive separate notification.
POSSE SCHOLARSHIP
Reid Temple has the opportunity to nominate three students for the Posse Scholarship program. If you meet the eligibility requirements, please request an orientation one-on-one conversation to learn more at scholarships@reidtemple.org.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be:
Current high school juniors. This scholarship is only for those who will be high school seniors in the fall of 2025 and have an expected graduation date in the spring of 2026.
Live or attend school in Prince George’s County or Montgomery County in Maryland; Washington, DC; Arlington or Fairfax County and Alexandria City in Virginia.
Be open to making an early decision commitment to a Posse partner institution if selected as a finalist. Early decision is a binding commitment and great option for students who are excited about attending one institution.
How to Apply
- Review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship.
- Complete the online application in full. Submit the following materials:
- Photo (graduation or professional)
- Official transcript Letter of college acceptance and/or proof of enrollment
- Proof of membership (member envelope number or other proof)
- Essay
- Letters of recommendation from the church and the student’s community (school, employment, service, social)
Non-Reid Temple Scholarship Announcements
Non-Reid Temple Scholarships
While Reid Temple is happy to award scholarships to church members, scholars are encouraged to seek and apply for other scholarships. Below is a short list of scholarships that have been shared with the church.
These are not Reid Temple scholarships, and any queries should be addressed to the point(s) of contact provided on the provider’s website.
2026 Scholarship Committee
Caroline Armstrong, Member Emeritus
Antoinette Beckham
Michelle Bryant
Katherine Fisher, Emeritus Chair
Dorcas Hart, Member Emeritus
Lelia Jackson
Dr. Marsha Mims-Word
Stephanie Parker
Tannikka Richardson, 2026 Chair
Joseph Smith, Committee Advisor
Paula Strickland
Dr. Betty Turner
Dr. Satina Williams
Contact Us
If you’re applying for a scholarship and don’t find the answer to your question in the information above, you can reach us at: info@reidtemple.org.