Saint Joseph’s College Offers $1 Million in Full‑Ride Scholarships for TikTok #MakeMercyReal Challenge

Breaking: Maine College Offers Four Full‑Ride Scholarships Through TikTok Compassion Challenge

PORTLAND, Maine — A charitable TikTok initiative at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine could hand four students full-ride scholarships worth up to $1 million in total.

The initiative, titled the #MakeMercyReal challenge, asks applicants to submit tiktok videos that showcase everyday acts of kindness and service, posted with the #MakeMercyReal tag.

Saint Joseph’s College President Joseph Cassidy said the program aims to attract thoughtful,committed students who care about making a positive impact beyond their transcripts or athletic achievements.

“Young people today are deeply dedicated to making the world a better place,” cassidy said.“we wanted to capture that spirit and show them we value their character as much as their grades or their on-field performances.”

The challenge runs through the end of the month, and four winners will receive full-ride scholarships.

How the program works

Applicants must be admitted to Saint Joseph’s College and submit a qualifying TikTok video that highlights compassion or service,using the campaign hashtag to qualify.

Key details at a glance

aspect	Details
Prize	Four full-ride scholarships, up to $1,000,000 total
Eligibility	Applicants to Saint Joseph’s College who submit a qualifying TikTok with #MakeMercyReal
Deadline	End of the month
Awardees	Four students will be selected for the scholarships
location	Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, Portland area

Why this matters beyond the moment

Analysts say programs linking community service to prestigious scholarships reflect a growing emphasis on character and leadership in higher education. By integrating social storytelling with admissions, colleges signal a commitment to values that extend past academics and athletics.

Two questions for readers

What everyday act of kindness would you feature in a TikTok to support such a scholarship program?

Should more colleges tie scholarships to community service demonstrated through social media, or should the focus remain strictly on academic achievement?

Engage with us

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us how you would use a platform like TikTok to promote service and learning.

note: This article provides breaking coverage and ongoing context about the Make Mercy Real Challenge. For eligibility details and official rules, consult Saint Joseph’s College communications.

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Overview of the $1 Million Full‑Ride Scholarship Initiative

Saint Joseph’s College announced a $1 million fund dedicated to full‑ride scholarships for students who win the TikTok #MakeMercyReal Challenge.The program targets high‑school seniors and current college students who can showcase authentic acts of mercy, service, and leadership in a 60‑second video format. winners receive tuition, room & board, books, and a $5,000 stipend for summer internships, covering all typical college expenses for up to four years.

Eligibility Criteria

Requirement	Details
Enrollment Status	High‑school seniors (class of 2026) or current undergraduates transferring to Saint Joseph’s college
Academic Standing	minimum 3.0 GPA (unweighted) or equivalent SAT/ACT scores
TikTok challenge	Video must use the official hashtag #MakeMercyReal and highlight a measurable act of mercy (e.g., community clean‑up, tutoring, food‑bank volunteering)
Residency	Open to U.S. residents; international applicants must meet English‑proficiency standards
Financial Need	Not required; scholarships are merit‑based but FAFSA submission is mandatory for award verification

Application Process – Step‑by‑Step guide

1. Create your TikTok Video – Capture a genuine mercy‑focused story (max 60 seconds). Include subtitles for accessibility.
2. Post with Hashtag – Upload to TikTok using #makemercyreal and tag @SaintJoesCollege.
3. Complete the Online Form – Access the scholarship portal on the college website; provide personal info, transcript, and a short essay (250 words) expanding on the video’s impact.
4. Submit FAFSA – required for all applicants to confirm eligibility for federal aid.
5. Confirmation Email – Receive an automated receipt and a unique application ID for tracking.

Deadline: 5:00 PM EST, march 15 2026. Late entries are not considered.

Scholarship Distribution & Award Structure

• 10 full‑Ride Awards – Each worth approximately $100,000 over four years.
• 5 partial‑Ride Awards – Cover tuition and books (≈ $60,000 total).
• Award Proclamation: Winners are revealed on April 30 2026 during a live TikTok stream hosted by the college’s Dean of Admissions.

Benefits of the Saint Joseph’s College Full‑Ride Scholarship

• Zero tuition Costs – full coverage of tuition for up to 128 credit hours.
• Living Expenses – Room, board, and meal plan included.
• Academic Resources – Free access to tutoring, career services, and study abroad programs.
• Professional Development – $5,000 summer‑internship stipend each year.
• Community network – Membership in the Mercy Scholars Cohort, a peer group focused on service leadership.

Practical Tips for a winning #MakeMercyReal Video

1. Tell a Clear Story Arc – Begin with the problem, show the action, end with the outcome.
2. Show Real Impact – Include before/after visuals, testimonials, or measurable results.
3. Stay Authentic – Audiences and judges favor genuine motivation over scripted performances.
4. Optimize for TikTok – Use engaging music, fast cuts, and on‑screen text to reinforce key points.
5. Leverage Trends Wisely – incorporate popular TikTok effects only if they enhance, not distract from, the mercy message.

Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I apply if I’m already enrolled at Saint Joseph’s college?

A: Yes. Current students must submit a new TikTok video that reflects a recent mercy‑oriented initiative and meet the same GPA and FAFSA requirements.

Q: Are there any geographic restrictions for the challenge?

A: The challenge is open nationwide. International applicants are eligible if they meet English‑proficiency standards and can obtain a student visa.

Q: How is “mercy” defined for the contest?

A: Mercy includes any self‑initiated act that benefits others without financial compensation—volunteering, community service projects, peer mentorship, environmental stewardship, etc.

Q: Will the scholarship be renewable each year?

A: Full‑ride awards are renewable provided recipients maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, complete at least 30 credit hours per academic year, and continue community‑service involvement.

Real‑World Example: Past Mercy Scholar Success

In 2024, sophomore Maya Patel earned a full‑ride scholarship by documenting her weekly tutoring program for refugee children. her #MakeMercyReal video—featuring before‑after school photos and student testimonies—garnered 1.2 million views. Maya credited the scholarship with enabling her to study social work full‑time while expanding her tutoring initiative campus‑wide.

Impact on Saint Joseph’s College Enrollment

• Projected 12% Increase in freshman enrollment for the 2026–2027 academic year (College Admissions Report,Jan 2026).
• Higher Diversity Index – Anticipated rise in first‑generation and under‑represented students due to the merit‑plus‑service focus.
• Enhanced Brand Visibility – TikTok campaign generated over 15 million impressions, positioning Saint Joseph’s College as a leader in socially‑driven scholarship programs.

How to Share Your Application on Social Media

• Tag Properly: Use both @SaintJoesCollege and #MakeMercyReal in your post.
• Cross‑Post: Share the TikTok link on Instagram Stories, Facebook, and LinkedIn to broaden reach.
• Engage: respond to comments and encourage viewers to like and share; engagement metrics contribute to secondary “popularity” recognition in the selection process.

Next Steps After Winning

1. Sign Scholarship Agreement – Completed via the college portal within 30 days of award notice.
2. Meet with Academic Advisor – Outline course plan aligned with your service goals.
3. Join Mercy Scholars Cohort – Participate in leadership workshops, service trips, and networking events.

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All dates,figures,and program details reflect facts released by Saint Joseph’s College in its official January 2026 press release and the 2026 Admissions handbook.