Community Connections Application 2026

Community Connections Scholarship Application

Once you begin this application you will not be able to save your work. We suggest saving the link to this page and utilizing a separate document to write your essays and then copy-paste them into the application when you are ready to submit.

Students admitted to the Community Connections Scholars program at Carson-Newman receive a scholarship in return for planning and executing campus-wide service events, with Christ as our ultimate example.

Read and follow the instructions carefully prior to submitting your application. Read fully the information on the Carson-Newman Center for Community Engagement (CCE) scholarship programs page before applying. Selected applicants will be invited for on-campus or video conference interviews.

If selected, you may be asked for documentation to support the data you provide. Likewise, all correspondence and award agreements will be generated from the personal information submitted below. So, please use proper spelling, capitalization and punctuation.

To learn more about the scholarship programs at the CCE, please visit our website at www.cn.edu/academics/center-for-community-engagement/

If you have more specific questions, please contact the Coordinator of Learning and Events, Rachel Rogers, at rrogers1@cn.edu, or by phone at 865-471-4743.

We are currently accepting applicants for the 2026 Fall Semester. Any current High School seniors looking to attend Carson-Newman in Fall of 2026 are encouraged to apply.

Acknowledgement

Please acknowledge that you have read and understand the application overview above, and tell us how you heard about the Community Connections Scholars Program.

I have read and understand the overview. *

Yes

How did you hear about the Community Connections Scholars Program at Carson-Newman?*

This scholarship application is only for students who have been admitted to Carson-Newman University. Please visit www.cn.edu to apply prior to filling out this application.

If you have already filled out the application, but are waiting to be officially accepted, please indicate the date your application was filed below and continue filling out the application.

Have you been admitted to Carson-Newman University?*

Yes

Contact Information:

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Birthdate*

Mailing Address*

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Demographic Information:

If you need to share any additional information about your academic history, please contact Rachel Rogers at rrogers1@cn.edu with your name and any additional information.

Which semester do you expect to begin attending Carson-Newman?*

What is your planned major? (Undecided is OK)*

Year of High School Graduation:*

What is your expected Carson-Newman graduation date? (the date you would be finishing your degree at Carson-Newman)*

High School Name:*

High School Address:*

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Essay Prompts:

For each of the questions below, please give us an authentic 1-2 paragraph answer that describes your experience or viewpoint.

The Community Connections scholarship is for students wishing to lead the campus in providing meaningful service opportunities for the student population. If you could create a service project for the campus, what would it be, and what ideas do you have for executing it?

When planning service events, it often takes many volunteers. What are your ideas for mobilizing your fellow students and the campus in service?
Have you ever helped plan and execute a service event with your church, school, or another organization before? If so, please share your experience with us.

Discuss the importance of Service in the context of Philippians 2:4-5. Why is service, and getting others involved in service, important? How does service help shape one's leadership abilities?

Additional Comments: Is there anything else you would like us to consider as we review your application?

Extracurriculars:

Athletic Involvement: Which varsity/intercollegiate athletic teams would you commit to at Carson-Newman University?*

Are there any other extracurricular activities you hope to be involved in during your time at Carson-Newman that you would like us to be aware of?

References:

References may be called to verify information stated in an application, give character reference, or answer other questions related to the applicant's ability to succeed as a Bonner Scholar. Please ask the individual for permission before listing them as a reference. Please do not list family members as references.

Reference #1

First and Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone Number*

What is your relationship to the reference?*

How many years have you known this person?

Reference #2

First and Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone Number*

What is your relationship to the reference?*

How many years have you known this person?

E-Signature:

By signing your name below, you are agreeing that all of the information in the application is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. You are acknowledging that this is your original work (not generative AI), and that you have completed this application on your own behalf.

Please type your full First and Last Name *

“Everyone should look not only for his own interest, but also to the interest of others. Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:4-5