Michael Burke Sr. Memorial Scholarship: Empowering Faith-Based Initiatives in Higher Education

The Michael Burke Sr. Memorial Scholarship is designed to support college students who are passionate about sharing the Catholic faith and creating vibrant faith communities on their campuses. This scholarship, offered by organizations like Youth Apostles, aims to equip young adults with the resources and support they need to evangelize their peers and foster a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Understanding the Scholarship

The Michael Burke Sr. Memorial Scholarship seeks to encourage and empower young adults to be active witnesses of the Catholic faith and create positive community spaces. It aims to equip college students (including incoming freshmen) who have a knowledge of the faith and interest in sharing Christ's teachings with their peers. Recipients commit to the development and execution of a project that will engage their peers in a relationship with Christ centered on the values of the Catholic faith.

Who Was Michael Burke Sr.?

Michael Burke Sr. was a devoted friend of Youth Apostles who deeply believed in its mission. His commitment was to accompany young people as they grow in their relationship with Christ. The scholarship was established in 2021 in his memory.

Youth Apostles' Mission

Youth Apostles is a mixed association of priests, lay members, and consecrated individuals dedicated to drawing young people closer to Christ, particularly on college campuses.

Scholarship Details

Award Amount: The Michael Burke Sr. Memorial Scholarship awards $5,000 per year. It is disbursed as $2500 each semester.
Duration: The scholarship is potentially renewable for up to four years of college.
Purpose: The award money is intended to assist with educational expenses such as room, board, books, and tuition.
Additional Stipend: Recipients may also receive an additional stipend, up to $200 per year (with potential increases based on project needs), to execute their respective projects.

Eligibility and Application Process

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Michael Burke Sr. Memorial Scholarship is March 15.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be students currently attending or planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. They should also demonstrate a passion for sharing the Catholic faith and a commitment to creating positive community spaces.

Application Steps

Initial Application: Applicants must complete the initial application, detailing their knowledge of the faith and their interest in sharing Christ's teachings.
Interview (Top 10 Candidates): If an applicant is among the top 10 candidates, they will be interviewed by a panel on the scholarship board to assess their character and zeal for sharing the faith with others.

Awardee Responsibilities

Each scholarship recipient is expected to design and carry out a project that invites their peers to encounter a deep and vibrant faith life. This project should align with the values of the Catholic faith and aim to foster a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Examples of Faith-Based Initiatives

Christopher Pascoe, a scholarship recipient from 2023-2024, is about to finish his first year at Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia. Christopher was inspired to grow deeper in his faith by Laura Gossin. Laura is a Christendom College alumnus, an author, a parent, a teacher, and a friend of his mom. He had the pleasure of being her student for a homeschool class on C.S. Lewis and the Kingdom of God. She encouraged him to meditate upon the Scriptures daily and lovingly encouraged him to be a humble servant of God through various examples to follow-and not to follow-in Lewis’s writings, various writings of the saints and the Word of God. More from Christopher below:

Christopher Pascoe, a current scholarship recipient, hosted a Band of Brothers Stronghold Retreat. Thirty-seven people attended, including several priests and six speakers. He organized this retreat along with the peers in his men’s group, called a stronghold.

Another student, Jonathan Rosato, invited Christopher to apply for this scholarship because he knows he has always loved youth ministry. Christopher's project showcases a small group of men who are committed to becoming authentic, masculine warriors in and through Jesus. We read the book, Wild at Heart, sharing in small groups, praying together, and devoting ourselves to a particular resolution each week. My project has been extremely successful. I prioritize one-on-one encounters when advertising or encouraging attendance at my project meetings. Although at times this method impedes my ability to reach a broader audience, it has enabled me to grow much closer to the members of my group than I would have otherwise.

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These examples demonstrate the kind of impactful initiatives that the Michael Burke Sr. Memorial Scholarship aims to support.

The Importance of Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Michael Burke Sr. Memorial Scholarship is just one example of the many financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to students. Many institutions and organizations offer assistance to make education more accessible.

Newport Central Catholic

Newport Central Catholic offers a Catholic, private education at a reasonable cost for Northern Kentucky and at a substantially less expensive cost compared to private Cincinnati Schools. Their alumni, community, and Diocese support tuition assistance programs and scholarships to make NCC even more affordable. During the 1994-1995 school year, NCC established a Tuition Assistance Program. To qualify for aid, families must complete a FACTS student aid form. Those seeking additional details regarding this program should contact NCC Business Manager, Jeff Schulkens, at the main office, (859) 292-0001, ext. Students are able to earn a portion of their tuition through the Student Work Program. In this program, students perform light cleaning and maintenance duties generally after school. The money they earn is credited to their school tuition account. An average student can earn up to about $600 for his or her tuition. Due to the generous support of our Alumni and Community, they are able to offer scholarship opportunities in a variety of categories ranging from Merit to Need. If you have any questions concerning scholarships, please contact the main school office (859) 292-0001 or the Advancement Director. Contact us today and get on the schedule for one of our open houses or shadow days. As an 8th grader, take the High School Placement Test to determine scholarships and class level placements. Find yourself within a supportive community, filled with new experiences and fun traditions. There’s nothing like being a Thoroughbred!

St. Ignatius College Preparatory

St. Ignatius College Preparatory offers numerous scholarships, both perpetually and partially endowed. A new scholarship can be perpetually endowed at $100,000. A corpus of $25,000 is required to have a partial scholarship. The proceeds of the endowments are given annually to deserving and academically qualified SI students in accordance with the provisions of the scholarship.

Some of the scholarships offered at St. Ignatius College Preparatory include:

L. Edward
J. Thomas
J. Opal
I. Thomas
J. Mr. & Mrs. Renolds
J. Lawrence & Mae E.
J. Dr. & Mrs. Conchita O.
L. James
E. John
C. John
Burns ’81 Thanking John F. Sr.
O. P. Candelaria
D. Steven
V. Harry
K. Marilyn
Albert
Jr. Denis Ragan
J. Edward
J. Richard
Class of 1955
Brown, Jr. Edmund G. (Jerry)
Class of 1955, David P.
S.J. Richard L. McCurdy
Sr. W. Urie Walsh
Class of 1983, Daniel J.
J. Andrew
(’45) & Marion J.
Collins, Jr. James E.
Collins, Sr. John P.
John J.
Frances & Stanley A.
Hu-Eric K.S. Shou Mei
F. Michael
B. William
B. John
J. James
A. & Catherine
S.J. Brother Douglas Draper
W. John F.
J. & Cherie M. Edward
J. Donald
C. Margaret
R. Fred
John J.
L. Katherine
J. Albert
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy F.
A. & Marion M. Elton
J. William
Paul Koulos & D. Leo
E. David
L. John
Lagomarsino Francis A. (Class of 1927) & Jean Y.
D. Alfred
Jr. Gonzalo Legorreta
John J.
Lyden, Sr. John H.
& Jeanne M. Eugene F.
Sr. William W. Martin & Kay H.
T. Leo
Rev. Charles J.
Leon B.
J. William
Moore, Jr. Daniel J.
Daniel J.
James J.
J. B.
Daniel J.
Msgr. Ronald J.
The John J.
Paver, M. D. Kathleen & Robert L.
Captain Thomas J.
Gary L.
Kevin V.
S.W. & J.
Rev. William D.
Nicholas & Anne C.
Father Anthony P.
Anthony P.
L. Emmett & Bernice M.
Fr.
Lyla M.
Sisters of St.
St. Thomas F. Stack, Sr. & Jr.
Kate & John B.
Kirk C.
Jon E.
Burl A.
Matt A.
G. & Juliette L. Anthony
John C.
Charles A.
Rev. Robert T.
Judge Raymond D.
Joan Allen/Ms.
John R.
Thomas J.
Monsignor William J.
Class of 1955, David P.
Class of ’86, Fr.
Monica M.
Thomas J.
Michael J.
Dr. R.
Thomas J.
Ms.
James V.
I. W.
Michael J.
Rev. William J.
Leo A.
William T. & Mary M.
Patrick D. & Bridget T.
Manuel R. Martinez, Jr.
Michael J.
Terence V. C.
The Martin D.
Dr. & Mrs. William J.
Richard A.
Charles E.

The University of Scranton

The University of Scranton is committed to helping qualified students attain a college education. The University maintains an Office of Financial Aid. All students are considered for scholarship eligibility at the time of their acceptance. Students who want to be considered for need-based assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Priority filing date for incoming students is February 15; for returning students, April 15.

In order to be eligible for financial aid, students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Standards have been established for federal and University financial aid that measure a student’s progress toward a declared educational objective. These guidelines include a maximum time frame for completing a degree, a minimum percentage of credits completed each academic year and a minimum cumulative grade point average. Full-time students are expected to complete their undergraduate degrees within six academic years. Part-time students are allotted a period of time that shall not exceed 12 academic years.

Students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the J.A. Panuska, S.J., College of Professional Studies who are full-time students must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits per academic year. Students enrolled through the College of Graduate and Continuing Education as full-time undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 21 credits, three-quarter-time students a minimum of 15 credits, half-time students a minimum of 9 credits and less-than-half-time students a minimum of 6 credits per academic year. All students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in order to demonstrate satisfactory academic standing. Students should consult the Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aid Programs for a full definition of Satisfactory Progress Standards and the appeals process.

In accordance with federal regulations, all students who receive federal financial aid and who completely withdraw from the University during the first 60% of a semester will have their federal financial aid (Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grants, National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grants, Teach Grants, Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans) adjusted based on the percent of the semester completed prior to the withdrawal. That is, students will be entitled to retain the same percent of the federal financial aid received as the percent of the semester completed. The date of withdrawal will be the date the student begins the withdrawal process in accordance with the official procedures outlined in the catalog. There will be no adjustment to federal financial aid after 60% of the semester is completed. Students who must totally withdraw from school should consult with the Financial Aid Office on how the refund policy applies to their situation.

The University administers this federal program, which provides 5% interest loans to needy students. A Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required of all loan applicants. The Direct Stafford Loan allows students to borrow in their own name and requires no credit evaluation. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for all loan applicants. On the FAFSA, indicate that you are interested in student loans. Department of Education is the lender. Stafford loans have a fixed interest rate. The Subsidized Stafford Loan interest rate is 5.6%. The Stafford Loan can be either interest-subsidized (federal government makes in-school and grace period interest payments) or unsubsidized (student makes interest payments during in-school and grace periods or has interest added onto the amount borrowed and repaid with principal after grace period). Eligibility for interest subsidy is based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the federal needs analysis when the FAFSA is filed. Payment of principal is deferred while the student is enrolled. Students will be able to borrow a base amount that may be subsidized or unsubsidized, and an additional $2,000 per year that will be unsubsidized. Freshmen may borrow up to $5,500 ($3,500 base amount), sophomores, $6,500 ($4,500 base amount), juniors and seniors, $7,500 ($5,500 base amount). Students will be required to complete an electronic Federal Direct Stafford Loan Application/Master Promissory Note (MPN).

The Direct PLUS Loan is available to credit-worthy parents of dependent undergraduate students. PLUS Loans have a fixed interest rate of 7.9%. Parents may borrow the difference between the student’s total cost of education and all other aid the student is receiving. PLUS Loans should be applied for the academic year. For parent borrowers, interest will accrue after the first disbursement and repayment of interest and principal begins 60 days after the second disbursement. Parents can apply for a deferment to delay making payments. While you are in deferment, you will receive interest statements. Parents should apply for the Direct PLUS Loan beginning in June. The loan cannot be applied for more than 90 days before the start of the academic year. The Direct PLUS Loan process will be completed online. Parents will be required to complete a PLUS Loan preapproval with the requested loan amount and successfully complete the credit check. Once approved, an electronic Federal Direct PLUS Loan Application/Master Promissory Note (PLUS MPN) will need to be completed.

Designated by the General Assembly to administer the State Grant Program. Students may be awarded from $500 to $4,120 per year. A federal campus-based program administered by the University. Amounts may range from $200 to $2,500 per year to students who demonstrate exceptional need. Priority is given to Pell recipients. Provides federal grants, ranging from $400 to $5,350 per academic year, based on financial need. Department of Education. Must have achieved a 3.25 high school GPA and maintain a 3.25 for renewal. Must serve as a full-time teacher for at least four academic years at a high-need school within eight years after completing the course of study; otherwise, obligation will be treated as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Federal, need- and merit-based, two-year grant. Department of Education. The annual award is $750 for the first academic year and $1,300 for the second academic year. Department of Education. The annual award is $4,000. The University offers a number of awards based on academic merit (see “Scholarships”) and financial need. All accepted freshmen and transfer students are automatically evaluated academically for scholarship aid. A federal campus-based program that provides employment during the academic year and in the summer for students demonstrating financial need. The majority of the jobs are on-campus positions in various departments and administrative offices. Some jobs, both on and off campus, involve community service. Students seeking campus employment must file a FAFSA. Veterans and eligible dependents should consult their local Veterans Administration counselor in order to establish their eligibility for participation. Under the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the OVR provides help to qualified students. Each year the University offers merit scholarships based on a student’s high school record of academic achievement. These scholarships include both Presidential (full-tuition) and Dean’s, Loyola and Arrupe (partial-tuition) scholarships. Noteworthy among gifts to University of Scranton students are the amounts contributed annually by the Purple Club of Scranton.

The University of Scranton also offers a variety of endowed scholarships, including:

The Eugene J. and Elizabeth J.
The Alperin Family Scholarship: Members of the Alperin Family (Irwin E. Alperin, Myer Alperin, Toni Alperin Goldberg, the late Joel M. Alperin and their families) established this scholarship in 1987. It is given to incoming students who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom and financial need.
The Joseph James and Mary Agnes Andrako Scholarships: These scholarships were established in 1988 according to the provisions in the will of the late Joseph J. Andrako.
The John L. Astringer Memorial Scholarship: Created through a bequest from John L.
The Frank A. and Helen S. Baciewicz Scholarship: This scholarship was created in memory of Frank Baciewicz by his family and widow. The student must embody characteristics of generosity, thoughtfulness, humor, and mental and physical tenacity.
The Michael B. Bagdzinski Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established by family, classmates and friends of Michael, a member of the Class of 1999 who passed away during his senior year.
The Fr. Robert J. Barone Memorial Scholarship: Established by Linda D’Andrea Barrasse, M.D., ’77 and Rev. Richard E.
The Edward F. Bartley Scholarship: Joseph Austin ’52 and his wife, Mary, established this scholarship in 1996 to honor Edward Bartley, University professor emeritus.
The Anne M. Bednar Scholarship: This scholarship was established in 2001 by Robert J. Bednar Jr. ’69 in honor of his mother, Anne.
The Rev. John J.
The Rev. Paul R. Beining, S.J., Scholarship: This scholarship, established by the Scranton Jesuit Community to honor one of its own, is for a student born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania and who has demonstrated financial need.
The Velio E. Berardis, M.D., Memorial Scholarship: In 1989, Mrs. Dorothy Berardis established a scholarship to honor the memory of her husband, Velio E. Berardis, M.D. This scholarship provides awards, based on merit and need, to senior pre-medical students.
The Michael J. Bevilacqua Scholarship: The Bevilacqua family established this scholarship in 1989 as a memorial to honor the late Michael J. Bevilacqua.
The Monsignor Eugene G. Bilski Scholarship: Established in 2006 by Mrs. Mary Bilski Wardach in memory of her nephew, Msgr. Eugene G.
The Chester and Veronica Bochinski Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established by James C. Bochinski ’70 and his sister, Marie A. Ryan, in memory of their parents.
The Francis P. Boland, M.D., Memorial Scholarship: Family, friends and colleagues established this scholarship shortly after Dr. Boland’s death in 1987. Each year, a grant is given to premedical students.
The Paul M. and Joan A. Borick Scholarship: Dr.
The Charles F. “Chuck” Brierley Memorial Scholarship: Diane Brierley, wife of Mr. Brierley, established this fund in his memory.
The Margaret Briggs Foundation Scholarship: In 1995, the Margaret Briggs Foundation established this scholarship for an incoming freshman who demonstrates financial need.
The Burke Family Scholarship: Income from this scholarship benefits deserving students who demonstrate financial need. Thomas F.
The James J. Burns Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2006 in memory of Jim Burns by his son, David J. Burns, Ph.D.
The Alio J. Buselli Memorial Scholarship: Mrs.
The Rev. Henry J. Butler, S.J., Memorial Scholarships: Two scholarships have been created in memory of Fr. Butler who died in 1981 while serving as the executive vice president of the University. The first, for students from Holy Cross High School (formerly Bishop Hannan High School) in Scranton, was established in 1984 by James Summers. The second, for students from Scranton High School, was established in 1985 by John A. McCrane, a classmate of Fr.
The Private Frank J. Cali Scholarship: Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Cali created this scholarship in memory of Mr. Cali’s brother.
The Terrence S. ’28 and Jean McGuire Carden Memorial Scholarship: Terrence S. Carden Jr., M.D., ’60 created this scholarship in 2007 in honor of his parents.
The Bridget Carney Scholarship: This scholarship was established in 1972 by a bequest of James I. Kearney, M.D. Income from the scholarship, which is named to honor the memory of Dr. Kearney’s mother, is awarded to students, one or both of whose parents were or are parishioners of St.
The Timothy J.
The Cinram Manufacturing Scholarship: This scholarship was established in 1999. Sons and daughters of Cinram Manufacturing employees are eligible for this scholarship.
The James J. Clauss Scholarship: Established in 1973 by a local businessman and alumnus from the Class of 1947, this scholarship provides aid to students who require financial assistance but do not qualify for most aid programs based on financial need.
The Jon A. Clauss Scholarship: An endowed scholarship was established in 1980 to honor the memory of Jon A. Clauss, son of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Clauss of Justus.
The Justin Charles Collins Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2005 by family and friends of Justin Charles Collins, this is a need-based scholarship as defined by the Office of Financial Aid.
The Condron Ambition and Achievement Scholarship: Established in 2000 by Christopher M. “Kip” Condron ’70, this scholarship benefits incoming freshmen in the Kania School of Management who demonstrate exemplary ambition and self-achievement, particularly in non-academic areas.
The Rev. James J.
The James A. and Joan Connolly Scholarship: Mr.
The Connolly-Blewitt Family Scholarship: Established in memory of William G. and Loretto D. Connolly and Elizabeth M.
The John N. and Ann P. Costello Memorial Scholarship: Established by Attorney Margaret Costello in honor of her parents, this scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in either elementary education or business.
The Louis and Ernestine DeSarro Cortese Memorial Scholarship: Vincent E. Cortese ’37 established this scholarship in 1998 in memory of his parents.
The Michael S. Costello Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is dedicated in memory of Michael Costello, who was a member of the Class of 1996. He lost his life in the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center. The scholarship is available to certain surviving family members of 9/11 victims and children of the classes of 1993 through 1997.
The Cottone Scholarship: A bequest from Benjamin J.
The Grace H. Courtney Scholarship: Raymond S. Courtney established this scholarship with a bequest in memory of his wife.
The Cruciani Family Scholarship: Dominick A.
The William J. Cusick Purple Club Scholarship in Memory of Frank J.
The Salvatore Cusumano Family Scholarship: This scholarship, established through a bequest from Mr.
The Frank and Agatha Davis Memorial Scholarship: Thomas J. Davis, C.P.A., ’69 and his wife, Patricia, established this scholarship in 2007 in honor of Mr. Davis’ parents.
The Harold J. Davis, M.D., Scholarship: This scholarship, established in 1994, is presented to a female undergraduate from Northeastern Pennsylvania pursuing a degree in the health sciences. The recipient must be invo…

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