Reverend Dr. Thomas Johnson Scholarship Award

Rev. Dr. Thomas Johnson was a transformative pastor, educator, and community leader who dedicated his life to faith, service, and social justice. He served as the beloved pastor of Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Ridgewood, NJ for over 40 years, leading spiritual growth, health initiatives, and education programs. A champion for equity, he founded the Ridgewood/Glen Rock Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration in 1983—one of the first in the nation.

Dr. Johnson’s legacy lives on through his powerful message of redemption, his tireless advocacy for justice, and the countless lives he touched through his ministry and community leadership.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Ridgewood & Glen Rock seeks to award scholarships to candidates who have performed well academically, contributed to their community in a positive way, and demonstrated character in their lives.

Application

  • Each year the scholarship committee will identify graduating high school seniors who may be eligible to receive a scholarship award. Eligible students include those in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher), with a balance of extra-curricular activities, community/volunteer service. Eligible students must also provide documentation of acceptance to an institution of higher learning. Institutions of post-high school study, to include four-year accredited colleges, 2-year community colleges, and trade/vocational schools.

  • Applications for scholarship will be available online to students in the spring of each year. The deadline for submitting a completed application will be determined upon distribution of applications each calendar year.

    Students will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Academics (cumulative GPA- copies of transcripts must be attached), Extracurricular

    Activities (sports, clubs, hobbies/special interests, family activities), community service and volunteer work, personal essay, and two letters of recommendation from non-relatives. The Scholarship Committee will review applications and render a decision by no later than June 30th of the calendar year.

  • The deadline for the 2025 scholarship application is May 31, 2025.