These scholarships are available to students for full and part-time study toward the first baccalaureate degree or certification at colleges, universities, and vocational schools, or first master’s degree in theology. Applicants will be asked to describe the ways or organizations for whom they provide Christian leadership, especially those that help churches or ministries to thrive, address structural racism, and/or engage issues of poverty (which are three of the Synod’s most important goals).  Active participants in a congregation, new worshipping community or campus ministry within the bounds of the Synod of the Covenant are eligible to apply. Applicants are eligible to apply annually, up to a maximum of 5 years. Applicants must have and maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to be eligible. All financial grants will be made payable to the church session or campus ministry for distribution. Church or campus ministry will return the grant to the synod office if the student’s status changes.  Grants will not be considered after the application due date:  September 1, 2024.  Only completed applications will be considered.  Special consideration will be given to applicants who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, and to those with significant financial need.  Applicants and their sponsoring ministry will be notified by October 15, 2024.

The amount of the scholarship will be awarded on the basis of need, academic standing, and contribution to Matthew 25 work as noted above. If a scholarship is awarded, it is strongly encouraged that the student create a short “thank you” video, as a composite video will be put together to celebrate each one of you across the Synod.