Wayfinders

Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activators

Application for 2026 Program
Who We Are

We believe in empowering the next generation of organizers and community leaders by connecting current college and university students with both the mentorship and financial resources to found a justice or spirituality experiment on their campuses. For over twelve years, the 1001 New Worshiping Communities initiative of the PC(USA) has launched hundreds of new faith-based projects across the country, aimed at providing space for groups that traditional churches have historically excluded or marginalized. We are here to provide coaching, financial support, and structure to help students who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities reach their fullest potential. We’ve learned that the most successful founders of new initiatives are those who have started anything in the past. We want to give college students the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial projects to awaken them to the possibilities for spiritual justice work beyond their college experiences.
Who We're Looking For

This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students that have a connection to a Presbyterian Church (USA) ministry (a church, new worshiping community, or campus ministry) who are excited to create a new on-campus initiative related to anti-racism, anti-poverty, or spiritual practice. Experience is not required; we expect your ideas to grow and develop throughout your participation. (Note: Applicants must be age 30 or under.)
What to Expect

We are committed to support each Wayfinder throughout the planning and implementation process. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance in late March. After attending an in-person incubator May 15-17, 2026, participants will begin to live out the plans they formulated under the mentorship and guidance of our program during the Fall semester. Each participant will also receive a $500 microgrant to cover any expenses for their project. During the trial run on campus, each student in our program will receive monthly one-on-one coaching to reflect on their goals and interpret their experiences. When the semester concludes, we will gather one final time for a debrief retreat from January 8-10, 2027 to share our journeys and learn from one another's experiences.
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Preferred Name
Pronouns*
Birth Date*

MonthDayYear
Age*
Optional: Please share any identity labels you claim that you would like the selection team to be aware of. Examples may include, but are not limited to, African, African American, Asian, Biracial, bisexual, Black, Christian, cisgender, disabled, female, gay, Latina/e/o, lesbian, living with a chronic illness, male, Native American, non-binary, Puerto Rican, queer, straight, transgender, White.
E-mail*
example@example.com
Cell Number*
Current Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Are you a US citizen? (Note: This answer has no bearing on your selection to the program, and is needed only to determine how to distribute your grant. Grants to international students will need to be distributed to their church or new worshiping community.)*

YesNo
Are you able to attend the Wayfinders Incubator Training in May 15-17, 2026, location TBD? (Your flight will be paid for by the program.)*

YesNo
Are you able to attend the Wayfinders Closing Retreat, January 8-10, 2027 at a location TBD? (Your flight cost will be covered by the program.)*

YesNo
What is the name of the Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation, new worshiping community, or campus ministry with which you are connected?*
Where is the PC(USA) congregation, NWC, or campus ministry located?*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Education
Name of College or University*
Major*
Anticipated Graduation Year*
Other College(s) info*
High School - City - Dates*

Narrative Questions
Which Wayfinders initiative are you interested in starting on your campus?*

Anti-racismAnti-povertySpiritual practice
In one sentence, tell us your initial idea for how you'd like to spend the $500 microgrant. (Your idea doesn't need to be fully formed yet!)*
For the Initiative you selected, tell us a bit about what you already know on the topic and how you learned it.*
Tell us about a time when you felt particularly motivated or inspired to take a particular action. What were circumstances? What did you do? What happened in the end?*
Tell us about a time when you worked with others toward a goal. What did you do to foster belonging and collaboration with this group?*
Tell us a bit about your spirituality (personal practices, communities you participate in, etc.). How has your spirituality shaped your understanding of your chosen Wayfinders topic (anti-racism, anti-poverty, or spiritual practices)?*

Employment and/or Volunteer History

Please list a couple of places where you have worked and/or volunteered. Alternatively, you may upload a resume and/or cover let detailing this information.
Place
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Title
Place
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Title
Attach Your Resume

Cancelof
Attach Cover Letter

Cancelof
References
Name of pastor, new worshiping community leader, or campus minister of the PC(USA) ministry you are connected to*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Name of someone who knows you well*

First NameLast Name
Relationship to you*
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Should be Empty:

Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activators

Who We Are

Who We're Looking For

What to Expect

Education

Narrative Questions

Employment and/or Volunteer History

References