Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Announces Return of $1 Million #MakeMercyReal TikTok Scholarship Challenge
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Following a successful inaugural year, SJC brings back a full-ride scholarship initiative rewarding high school seniors who put compassion into action.
STANDISH, Maine — Following the overwhelming success and impact of its inaugural campaign, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (SJC) is officially announcing the return of the #MakeMercyReal TikTok Challenge. For the upcoming school year, the college will once again award up to $1 Million in full-ride scholarships to prospective first-year students who demonstrate empathy, leadership, and service in their communities.
The challenge invites prospective students to create a 15-to-30-second TikTok video capturing a genuine, everyday moment where they embody both compassion, recognizing a need and taking steps to help. Inspired by the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy and their founder, Catherine McAuley, the campaign bridges the College’s deeply rooted Catholic tradition of service with the dynamic reach of modern social media.
Rather than relying solely on traditional metrics, SJC will select up to four full-ride scholarship recipients based on video creativity, real-world community impact, and authentic storytelling.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring back the #MakeMercyReal Challenge,” said Saint Joseph’s College President Joseph Cassidy. “While GPA and game-day stats tell part of your story, we care deeply about the impact you make when nobody’s keeping score. Our world needs changemakers who don’t just feel compassion, but actively put it to work every single day. That’s what this scholarship celebrates: proving that kindness, character, and hands-on service are every bit as valuable as a stellar transcript.”
How to Enter
- Create a Video: Film a 15–30 second TikTok showcasing an authentic act of mercy or community support in action. (Note: Respecting the privacy and dignity of others is required).
- Post & Tag: Upload the video to TikTok using the hashtag #MakeMercyReal and tag the official College account, @saintjoesmaine.
- Apply: The challenge is open to prospective first-year students who submit a complete application and receive acceptance to SJC.
Submission Windows
The challenge features two review periods for the upcoming academic year:
- Fall Entry Window: August 1 – September 30, 2026 (Initial winner announced in October)
- Winter/Spring Entry Window: October 1 – December 31, 2026 (Additional winners announced throughout the Spring)
For full rules, submission guidelines, and eligibility requirements, visit www.sjcme.edu.
To learn more about the #MakeMercyReal initiative or to apply to Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, visit www.sjcme.edu.
About Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is the state’s only Catholic liberal arts college. Located on the shores of Sebago Lake in Standish, Maine, the college offers a diverse, inclusive community focused on compassion, justice, and environmental stewardship. The college’s 382-acre campus includes 2,500 feet of waterfront and is committed to sustainability.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers more than 40 undergraduate programs and 21 Division III athletic teams for approximately 800 on-campus students, along with certificates, undergraduate, and graduate degrees to over 2,000 working adults online, both in the U.S. and internationally. Learn more at www.sjcme.edu.
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