MLK Scholarship
About the Scholarship
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship was established in 1997 to promote the memory of the life and work of Dr. King, and preserve the legacy of the nonviolent civil rights movement expressed through his example and teaching. In 2015, the scholarship was renamed in memory of former MLK Committee Chairman, Ronald J. Dukes.
It is the hope of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of TAUM that all recipients will explore how problems such as racism, sexism, classism, militarism, homophobia, ageism, and prejudice in our nation and throughout the world can be confronted effectively.
The 2026 Application for the Ronald J. Dukes MLK Memorial Scholarship Fund is now open. Download it by clicking on this button:
Scholarships will be awarded based on the following criteria:
1. Desire to implement the goals of Dr. King
2. Financial need
3. Academic record (promise of academic success)
4. Evidence of service to school, community and/or religious organization
5. Personal goals
6. Finalists will be expected to take part in an interview with Committee members. The interview will be a significant determining factor in the award.
Eligibility requirements:
1. Applicant is a high school senior or is expecting a high school equivalency diploma, and will be a first year college student.
2. Applicant is a resident of Rensselaer County or attend or hold membership in a congregation in Rensselaer County
3. Family members of TAUM Staff or Board Members are ineligble to apply.
Application MUST include:
1. Completed scholarship application, including essay
2. Most recent grade transcripts
3. Recommendation from school official or community leader
4. If not a Rensselaer County resident, you must provide a reference letter from the school or congregation
Application must be postmarked by May 4, 2026. Mailing address: MLK Scholarship Committee, 392 Second St., Troy, NY 12180
Questions? email Abby Norton-Levering, nortonlevering@taum.org
Donate to Support the MLK Scholarship Fund
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(Click the Donate button and then select “MLK Scholarship Fund” in the dropdown.)