Stanley A. And Wilhelmina Jashemski Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jashemski Scholarships For Undergraduate Studies In The Liberal Arts

The Stanley A. Jashemski Memorial Scholarship Fund was originally established in 1986 by action of the Session of the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church and through the generosity of the family and friends of Stanley A. Jashemski, a physicist with deep appreciation for the arts. For many years he and his wife, Wilhelmina, then a professor of humanities and ancient history at the University of Maryland, sponsored a Sunday school forum in which young adults could explore their faith in an intellectually challenging environment. Their shared commitment to encourage the development of persons with potential for inspired, enlightened leadership is reflected in the goals and purposes of the Fund. When Wilhelmina Jashemski died in 2007, the scholarship was renamed the Stanley A. and Wilhelmina Jashemski Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Jashemski Scholarships provide financial assistance for students of outstanding intellectual ability as evidenced by prior academic performance, and significant religious commitment as evidenced by formal membership in a religious body, regular participation in its worship life, and active involvement in its service ministry.

Ordinarily, scholarship recipients will:

  • be young people (17-25 years of age) who demonstrate in their thought and action the broad religious sensitivity characteristic of Stanley and Wilhelmina Jashemski;

  • active members of a Christian church;

  • have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 at the time of application;

  • pursue liberal arts studies, which is understood as having a balanced curriculum that includes the arts and humanities, sciences, social sciences, and mathematics. Qualifying students will normally major in one of these areas. Students from other fields must demonstrate how they are pursuing the liberal arts.

  • show evidence of social and civic concern

  • have financial need

Grants are made in amounts up to $10,000.

  1. Awards will be made based on the application and interview.

  2. Preference for awarding scholarships will be given to students who are (in descending order):

    • Members of Takoma Park Presbyterian Church;

    • Members of a Presbyterian Church in the National Capital Presbytery;

    • Members of a Presbyterian Church in the Synod of the Mid Atlantic;

    • Members of a Church in Metropolitan Washington, DC.

****Please note: we may not be able to interview all applicants.****

Full, completed applications are due by February 15th each year.

To Apply

Application instructions can also be accessed in a separate document.

All Applicants:

  • Complete the Jashemski Scholarship Application Form.

  • Send the essay and any other requested information in a Microsoft Word document to Jashemski@takomaparkpc.org.

  • Put your full name in the subject line of the email.

  • Ask your references to also use the email address above and to put your name in the subject line of the email.

New Applicants:

A complete application will include the following:

  • Transcripts of high school records or college records.

  • A list of four references who have been asked to write letters of recommendation to the Scholarship Committee:

    • one letter from a teacher with competence in the humanities

    • one letter from a teacher in the applicant's major field, if applicable (if major is in the humanities only three letters of recommendation are required)

    • one letter from the applicant's pastor (or campus chaplain)

    • one letter from an individual competent to comment on the applicant’s community service.

  • An essay on your sense of calling (vocational and academic) and how pursuing the liberal arts will help you pursue your goals. (Between 500 and 1000 words).

Returning Applicants:

  • Transcripts of all college records (a 3.5 GPS is required).

  • One letter from the applicant's pastor or campus chaplain.

  • An essay on your sense of calling (vocational and academic) and how pursuing the liberal arts will help you pursue your goals. Please also describe how your studies this past year are shaping your goals. (Between 500 and 1000 words).

Full, completed applications are due by February 15th each year.

Committee members may contact applicants and request additional documents if it seems these will be helpful for a decision.