The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Scholarship Fund
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Created and managed by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Bridgeport
A 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization
A Message from Our Chairperson
Transforming Lives Through Education
We stand today at a special moment. It is a time of praise and thanksgiving for the resurrection of Jesus Christ - the fifty-day season of Easter - and between Ascension and Pentecost this Sunday. The church of God is advancing as we surrender to His will.
Three years ago I was appointed Chairman of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Fund of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Bridgeport and Vicinity (IMA). The purpose of the fund is to offer financial grants to students entering the first year of post-high school education. Some of our recipients are the first members of their families to go to college or to post-high school education.
The fund has grown through the sacrificial giving of donors. In 2024, twenty-nine students received $1,000 each. As we anticipate God’s giving of His Spirit at Pentecost, let us seek a fresh infilling that leads to joyful service. I ask you to consider making a donation to this year’s graduating seniors. There is no overhead and all of the money goes to the students.
On Saturday August 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Russell Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Bridgeport (555 Connecticut Avenue) there will be a ceremony at which this year’s grants will be awarded. You are invited to attend the one-hour ceremony, and to celebrate with joy our students’ accomplishments.
Your brother in Christ,
The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton
Our Cause
The MLK Scholarship Fund in Bridgeport is dedicated to providing educational support and scholarships to deserving students in the local community. Our mission is to break barriers to education and empower young individuals to achieve their academic goals. By awarding scholarships we aim to create a brighter future for our youth, one that is filled with promise and success.
This fund was created and is managed by The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Bridgeport and Vicinity (IMA), an organization of some eighty churches. The IMA provides scholarships to talented underprivileged high school graduates from the Greater Bridgeport area as they begin their post-secondary education.
The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Bridgeport and Vicinity (IMA) is a 501c3 Charitable organization which was created over twenty-five years ago and is managed so that 100% of all donations go directly to the recipients. All overhead expenses are absorbed by the IMA.
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The Rev. William McCullough, President of the IMA
Our Programs
Scholarship Initiatives
Higher education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. By breaking down barriers and providing opportunities, we can empower individuals to achieve their dreams and contribute to society., we can create a future where knows no limits, and education is a right for all.
Scholarship Support
Supporting Education Costs
Our scholarships provide assistance to students in need, covering some of their tuition fees, books, and other educational expenses. We believe that no student should be denied an education due to financial constraints.
Partnership
Making a Difference
Thank you for your support of the scholarship fund. Your contributions are making a profound impact on the lives of young individuals, empowering them to pursue their dreams and become catalysts for positive change in our society. Together, we are nurturing the leaders of tomorrow who will shape a brighter future for all.
Our Scholarship Recipients
Supporting Education Costs
Applicants for this scholarship are nominated by teachers, pastors, and other civic leaders. They show exceptional academic achievement and are recognized as good citizens in their communities. They apply for consideration once they have been accepted into a post-secondary program, and they are required to include in their application a letter of acceptance from the school they will be attending. Applications must be received by June 30th following graduation from high school, and scholarships are awarded in August before the new academic year.
Past recipients of these scholarships are attending state community colleges, universities such as the University of Connecticut, and private schools such as Brown University.
Scholarship Impact
Making a Difference
This past year we were able to help 29 college-bound students with grants of $1,000 each. This was a substantial increase over the previous year, when we gave scholarships of $500 each to 18 graduating seniors. President McCullough has challenged us to reach 50 students with $1,000 each in 2025.
The need of students is overwhelming and ongoing. It makes me think of the parable of the child who is on the beach after a high tide has stranded hundreds of starfish. She is picking them up one by one and throwing them back into the water. A man comes up to her and says, “You really can’t make a difference. There are way too many.” As she throws another back into the sea, she says, “It makes a difference for this one.” She picks up another and throws it into the sea and says, “It makes a difference for this one.”
Join Us!
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Fund
Here's how you can contribute to the scholarship fund.
By Check
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Make check payable to “IMA of Greater Bridgeport”
On the memo line write “MLK Scholarship Fund”
Mail check to:
The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton, Chairperson
33 Dora Circle
Bridgeport CT 06604
If your mailing address is not on your check, please print this form,
fill it out, and include it with your check so we can send you a year end receipt.
Name: ____________________________________________________
Street ___________________________________________________
City _________________________ State _____ ZIP _________