Wilberforce Scholarship Program

The Wilberforce Scholarship Program is a competitive, regional scholarship awarded to qualified students who evidence character and have a vision for impacting their communities. In the program, students develop leadership traits and a strong biblical worldview through experience and internships with nonprofit organizations and leaders in the city, on the mountain, and beyond. Local committees, the backbone of the program, identify and mentor these young Christians who show potential to serve from a place of deep conviction and a passion.

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On this page Wilberforce Hometown Scholar Requirements / Features Contact

William Wilberforce

William Wilberforce, disregarding wealth and reputation, battled seemingly insurmountable obstacles to accomplish incredible acts of justice for Christ’s Kingdom. Named in his honor, Covenant’s Wilberforce Scholarship Program is designed to recognize and develop students who demonstrate similar initiative and persuasive leadership skills in issues of biblical justice. Read more about William Wilberforce.

Why a Hometown Scholar?

The Wilberforce Scholarship Program is designed to create a purposeful union of family, church, school, and calling. Wilberforce Scholarship opportunities are available in established cities where local volunteer committees are eager to raise funds, promote the scholarship program, and interview prospective students.

Our committee members build relationships and mentor each scholar through their college years, working to help scholars gain experience and find meaningful work whenever possible. During the break periods, especially summer, the goal is always to provide practical opportunities that complement their academic work and assist in discerning their callings.

As we select the scholars, our hope is that we would be able to come alongside them, mentor them, and pray for them. I love what Covenant College is doing for our community and for our world. I love the product that Covenant is producing. It's incredible that we have students from all over the country and the world coming to Covenant then staying in the city and starting businesses. Selfishly, as a resident of the Chattanooga area, that's the kind of cultural impact we want in our community.

Bart Rolen

Chattanooga Wilberforce Scholarship Committee Member

Requirements & Features

Leadership development
On-campus mentorship from faculty members
Fellowship and service with other like-minded Wilberforce scholars
Leadership and internship opportunities
Experience with and exposure to local non-profit leaders

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Christian character, commitment, and evidence of courageous leadership
Participation in on-campus Scholarship Weekend
Interview by the local committee
Essay addressing a community or national need for reformation
Acceptance to Covenant College
Minimum 3.0 GPA; no minimum test score required
One student from each class year (four students per Wilberforce region)
Residence within one of these designated metro areas:
- Atlanta, GA
- Birmingham, AL (attending church or school in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker counties)
- Dalton, GA
- Gainesville, GA (attending church or school in Hall, Barrow, or Jackson counties)
- Charlotte, NC
- Chattanooga, TN
- Nashville, TN (Middle TN)
- Columbia, MO
- St. Louis, MO
- Michigan
- Dallas, TX (available for incoming Fall 2027 cohort)
Wilberforce scholars are required to attend any Wilberforce dinners, events, or speaking engagements held throughout the year.

Intentional community is a key piece of the Wilberforce program. Similar to William Wilberforce’s experience of an intentional small group of supportive men and women, relationships with local committee members often last a lifetime and are an integral part of maintaining the deep connection to the local community while living on campus.

Under the direction of our faculty mentors, Wilberforce scholars are involved in activities to grow connections and develop thoughtful minds. Every month, Wilberforce scholars gather to challenge and to be challenged to give back to the Covenant community and the surrounding community. From serving local widows and in homeless shelters to a strategic weekend retreat where they choose which non-profit organizations they want to serve, students then work together in small groups on specific projects throughout the year alongside non-profit leaders and designated faculty mentors.

The backbone of the Wilberforce Scholarship Program is found in its intentional mentorship. In addition to the bond and support of like-minded students, Wilberforce scholars are provided faculty mentors as well as committee mentors back home. Each month, faculty mentors meet with Wilberforce scholars to provide guided discussions on how to apply classroom knowledge to current issues in ways that exemplify biblical leadership and gospel mindedness, along with effective practical experiences. Local committee members offer support from “back home” and stay in contact with their scholars as they walk through their journey together.

Mentor Qualifications

Of good reputation
Able to relate and share personally
Business or professional accomplishment
Able to give guidance about majors, summer internships, graduate school and career decisions

Atlanta, GA
Birmingham, AL (attending church or school in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker counties)
Dalton, GA
Gainesville, GA (attending church or school in Hall, Barrow, or Jackson counties)
Charlotte, NC
Chattanooga, TN
Nashville, TN (Middle TN)
Columbia, MO
St. Louis, MO
Michigan
Dallas, TX (available for incoming Fall 2027 cohort)

I am excited to get to know the passions and convictions that God has placed on the hearts of these young men and women and to assist them in learning how to become changemakers, not just dreamers. My prayer is that we will form a cohesive team that tackles challenges together, supports and encourages one another when obstacles seem too big, and celebrates even the smallest victories as a team, always giving the glory to God!

Dr. Lynell Martinez

Wilberforce Scholarship Faculty Mentor
Assistant Professor of Biology

Wilberforce Scholarship Program Contact Information

Prospective students who are interested in applying for the Wilberforce Scholarship are encouraged to contact our admissions staff at 706.820.2398 or by email.

If you are interested in supporting students by giving to the Wilberforce Scholarship Program, you are invited to contact our development office at 706.419.1100 or by email.