MLK Programs
Carrying Dr. King’s work in Rensselaer County.
Troy Area United Ministries has honored Dr. King's vision in this county since 1997, through the Ronald J. Dukes Memorial Scholarship and the work of the MLK Committee. The scholarship supports students ready to confront racism, poverty and injustice in their own neighborhoods.
Troy Area United Ministries has carried Dr. King’s work in Rensselaer County for decades: the scholarship below, and the observances, conversations and community work the MLK Committee organizes through the year.
Coming up on MLK Day
Every year the MLK Committee marks the holiday with worship and a meal, open to the whole county. MLK Day 2027 falls on Monday, January 18. The worship celebration is the day before, on Sunday, January 17, and the breakfast is on the holiday itself.
MLK weekend worship celebration
Sunday, January 17, the day before the holiday. A service of remembrance and recommitment, with guest speakers and music. The committee is still working out the details, and it will most likely be at Bethel Baptist, as it has been in recent years.
Time and location to be confirmed. Call (518) 274-5920 or watch News and events.
MLK Day breakfast
Monday, January 18, 8:30 am at Franklin Terrace, Troy. Neighbors, congregations and community partners at one table on the holiday itself.
Speaking this year: Rashida Taylor, Executive Director of the New York State Council of Churches.
Ticketing to be confirmed. Call (518) 274-5920 or watch News and events.
The committee also organizes observances, conversations and community work through the rest of the year. To take part, host something, or be told when the MLK Day details are set, write to Rev. Abby Norton-Levering at nortonlevering@taum.org.
The Ronald J. Dukes Memorial MLK Scholarship
Established in 1997 to carry forward Dr. King’s life and the nonviolent civil rights movement he taught. Renamed in 2015 for Ronald J. Dukes, who chaired the MLK Committee.
Who can apply
- High school seniors or GED recipients entering college
- Rensselaer County residents, or members of a TAUM congregation
- (Immediate family of TAUM staff and board aren’t eligible)
What we look for
Commitment to Dr. King’s goals · financial need · academic record · community service · personal goals · a finalist interview
How to apply
- Download the application, 2026 MLK Scholarship Application (PDF)
- Gather your materials, your essay, your most recent transcripts, and a recommendation from a school official or community leader. If you live outside Rensselaer County, add a reference letter from your school or congregation
- Mail it postmarked by the deadline to: MLK Scholarship Committee, 392 Second St., Troy, NY 12180
Applying for 2027
The form above is the 2026 application, and its deadline of May 4 has passed. The 2027 form and deadline are set in the new year. Write to nortonlevering@taum.org and we will send it to you as soon as it is ready.
For students who show up for their community
This scholarship isn’t only about grades. It’s for young people already doing the work, mentoring, organizing, serving, who carry Dr. King’s vision into their own neighborhoods. We help with the next step.
Past recipients
Every one of these students was already doing the work in their own neighborhood before we ever met them.
2026
Chance Davis · Karalina Hastings · Ethan McMahon · Desmond Pickens Harrison · Jahnia Venson · Emma Waugh
The scholarship has been awarded every year since 1997, and we are putting the earlier years back together from the committee’s records. If you received this scholarship, or you know someone who did, we would be glad to hear from you: nortonlevering@taum.org.
Questions? Abby Norton-Levering, nortonlevering@taum.org