Deadline to Apply: Friday, April 3, 2026

Dear Man of Morehouse,

We are happy that you are interested in applying for the 2026 Joseph Merrick Sansom '65 Distinguished Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to supporting undergraduate students at Morehouse College from the Research Triangle area.

The Joseph M. Sansom '65 Distinguished Scholarship honors Brother Joseph Merrick Sansom, a 1965 Morehouse College alumnus and community leader from Durham, North Carolina. A former Deputy State Treasurer and the first African American on the RDU Airport Authority Board. Brother Joe's career at IBM and his contributions to economic development in Southeast Raleigh exemplify his dedication to education, leadership, and service. His legacy of mentorship and community involvement, including the development of Southgate and Cross Link Shopping Centers, continues to inspire future generations.

Please read the eligibility criteria and directions in its entirety. 

All sections of the application must be completed, or your application will not be considered or accepted.

If selected, each awardee will receive a scholarship award up to $4,000. Applicants should check their emails regularly for notifications from the Scholarship Commmittee. Decisions will be rendered no later than Friday, May 22, 2026.

If you have any additional questions, email the Morehouse Triangle Scholarship Committee at scholarships.morehousetriangle@gmail.com. 

The deadline to submit the application is Friday, April 3, 2026.

Additional Crieteria:

1. Undergraduate student at Morehouse College 

2. Permanent Resident North Carolina and one of the following nine (9) counties: Wake, Durham, Orange, Johnston, Pitt, Nash, Alamance, Guilford, and Cumberland

3. GPA- minumum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

4. Unofficial Transcript- should be uploaded to the application with official school sealed.

5. Essay- Typed essay with a miniumum of 300 words and a maximum of 500 words, double spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman (See details on application)

Essay Prompts: Choose one (1)

1. Standing Strong: HBCU Students and the Battle for the Ballot
Voting rights are under attack, and the next generation of leaders are being called to action. HBCU students have historically been at the forefront of social change. In this context, how should HBCU students vehemently defend the right to vote, and how can they turn challenges to ballot access into meaningful social action?

2. The Role of Boards in HBCU Leadership

Boards of trustees are responsible for oversight and long-term strategy, while presidents and administrators manage daily operations. In your view, how involved should governing boards be in the day-to-day operations of HBCUs? Where should the line be drawn to ensure accountability, institutional stability, and effective leadership?

2. Oversight vs. Management in HBCUs
As HBCUs navigate financial pressures, enrollment challenges, and public scrutiny, strong governance is essential. To what extent should boards of trustees involve themselves in operational decisions at HBCUs, and what risks arise when boards overstep or disengage from their oversight responsibilities?

3. Brotherhood as Resistance
In a society increasingly defined by division and individualism, brotherhood can be a radical act. What does brotherhood mean to you, and how have you practiced it in ways that promote unity, accountability, and collective success? Reflect on how the Morehouse brotherhood prepares you to build community beyond campus.

4. Black Manhood in the 21st Century
As conversations around masculinity, mental health, and accountability take center stage, reflect on what it means to be a Black man today. How has a father, father figure, or male mentor shaped your understanding of responsibility, vulnerability, leadership, and service in a complex world?

5. Calling Beyond the Sanctuary
Reflect on your own beliefs about faith and public service. Can one faithfully serve God while participating in civic, social, or advocacy organizations? How do your values guide where you draw boundaries between spiritual commitment and public engagement?

6. Two (2) letters of recommendation- one from a college official (e.g., faculty or staff that can attest to your academics) of Morehouse College and one from a community and/or public service organization or a church outreach program in which you have been actively involved in. 

Recommendation letters must be on official letterhead of the school, community orgranization, or program, and must be signed (digital signatures) are acceptable along with having a date. Recommendation letters should be uploaded as a pdf with your application.

Recommendation letters must be addressed to Morehouse Triangle Alumni Association Scholarship Committee; not 'To Whom It May Concern.' Failure to do so will be a reduction in scoring. Please be sure that you follow the detailed instructions and convey to your recommenders. 

If you have any questions regarding this scholarship application, please send inquries to scholarships.morehousetriangle@gmail.com.