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The Kattie M. Wills Trailblazer Scholarship

The purpose of the Kattie M. Wills Trailblazer Scholarship (“KMWT”) is to honor the memory of Kattie M. Wills. Departing her earthly life at the age of 102, she observed many technological advancements and historical firsts, having lived through six wars and 15 presidencies. A pillar in the Lansing, Michigan area, “Mother Wills,” was a faithful member of the Church of God in Christ with a deep devotion to children and education. Known to her family as the original “Strong Black Woman,” she was a hardworking, single mother who managed to provide for her family with love and strong faith in God. 

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KMWT’s mission is to award grants to support the higher education goals of its recipients. The recipients of KWM are exceptionally qualified students with financial need.

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Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, or national origin.

  • Applicants to the Kattie M. Wills Trailblazer Scholarship must:
    Be a high school senior who plans to enroll in a course of study at an accredited four year college or university or technical in the U.S or be currently enrolled at an accredited four college or university or technical school Have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale), and rank in the top 20% of class Must demonstrate financial need Students must be a US citizen or legal resident Please note: Immediate relatives (defined as one’s parents, step-parents, siblings, spouse, children, step-children, foster children, in-laws, sibling in-laws, grandparents, great grandparents, step-great grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews) of a Divine Connection staff member, a member of the Divine Connection Board of Directors, Corporate Advisory Council Member of Divine Connection, or any Divine Connection-sponsoring entity are not eligible for Divine Connection scholarship programs.
  • Award Information
    If selected as a recipient, the student will receive up to a $500 award. At least one (1) award will be granted. Award distribution and number of awards granted are subject to change per the Kattie M. Wills Trailblazer Scholarship fund based availability.
  • Selection of Recipients
    Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, a statement of goals and aspirations, unusual personal or family circumstances, an outside appraisal and an essay of 500 words or less. Essay Topic: Why do you feel you should get the KMWT Scholarship? Financial need will be considered. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate need.
  • Notification
    Winners will be notified May 20, 2023. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients.
  • Payment of Scholarships
    Divine Connection processes scholarship payments on behalf of the Kattie M. Wills Trailblazer Scholarship fund. Payments are made in one installment in August in the upcoming academic year.
  • As part of your application, you must upload the following document:
    Current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Transcripts must display student name, school name, grades and credit hours for each course, and term in which each course was taken.
  • One online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf no later than
    May 6, 2023 11:59 pm EST
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