SCHOLARSHIP WEBPAGE

The mission of the St. Sarkis Scholarship program is to support our youth in achieving their educational goals and prepare the next generation of Armenian church and community leaders.  For 2026, St. Sarkis Armenian Church is offering three distinct scholarship opportunities for students matriculated in, or accepted to, an undergraduate program at an accredited US college/university. 

St. Sarkis extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Karl Alajajian, Mr. Ara Barsamian, and the Estate of Mrs. Mary Arslanian, for their generous support in sponsoring these scholarship awards and investing in the future of our youth.

Scholarship Opportunities:

  • The Karl Alajajian Scholarship Program:  The son of Genocide survivors, Mr. Alajajian has devoted his life to celebrating and preserving Armenian faith, culture, and identity.  In 2023, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, bestowed upon Mr. Alajajian the “Knight of Cilicia” medal for his active participation and philanthropic contribution to the Armenian Community.  Mr. Alajajian is passionate about helping Armenian students, especially those in financial need, pursue their educational dreams. This scholarship provides two annual awards of $2500 each.  
  • The Mary Arslanian Memorial Scholarship Program:  Mrs. Mary Arslanian was a lifelong devoted member of our Church and had a significant impact on the lives of the young parishioners who were fortunate enough to be her students at our Suzanne & Hovsep Hagopian Armenian Saturday School. Her kindness, generosity, simplicity, and hospitality will always be remembered.  Upon her passing in April 2024, her children established a scholarship in her memory.  This scholarship provides two annual awards of $2500 each. Applicant must be a graduate of the Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian Saturday School where Mrs. Arslanian was a beloved teacher for many years.  

  • The Ara Barsamian Scholarship Program:  Mr. Ara Barsamian is a faithful parishioner of our Church who has shown great generosity over the years.  Passionate about Armenian youth development, Mr. Barsamian has established a scholarship program for a deserving student in the St. Sarkis Community matriculated in, or accepted to, an undergraduate program at an accredited US College/University.   One scholarship of $500.00 each will be awarded to the selected applicant.  

Guidelines:

  1. The application deadline is April 30, 2026.  
  2. Applicant and/or a parent must be a current member of St. Sarkis Church as of April 30, 2026.
  3. With a single application submission, applicant can elect to be considered for one or more of the scholarship programs, provided eligibility criteria are met.  However, an applicant can only be awarded one scholarship per year.
  4. Additional application eligibility, criteria, and instructions are specified in the Application Form.

Please click here to download an Application Form

Contact Information: For any questions about the scholarship, please contact Dr. Annita Nerses at chair@stsarkischurch.net.