PURPOSE

To assist students graduating from 12th grade in preparing for ministry as pastors and educators in the Seventh-day Adventist system. This scholarship-to-employment program will help reduce the cost of education and provide a pathway to employment with mentorship, training, and job placement opportunities within the Pacific Union Conference.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. The student is a baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist church.
2. Completed application form with required attachments.
3. Recommended by the local conference.
4. Full-time enrollment at a Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher education.
5. Declare a major to become a pastor or teacher.
6. Employment within the Pacific Union Conference for at least 3-5 years post-graduation.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Four-Year Scholarship: $20,000/Year [If Attending LSU OR PUC]

This $20,000 scholarship consists of $5,000 from the local conference, $5,000 from the Pacific Union Conference, and up to $10,000 from La Sierra University or Pacific Union College.

• Students attending LSU or PUC:
  • The first $10,000 is not restricted by receipt of any other internal or external scholarships, awards, tuition assistance, or discounts.
  • The second $10,000 provided by La Sierra University or Pacific Union College is limited to 100% of tuition, required fees, and room and meal plans not covered by other scholarships.
  • The total over four years may be up to $80,000 if attending LSU or PUC.
• Students attending other SDA Higher Ed Institutions:
  • Receive a maximum of $5,000 per year for four years--the total over four years is $20,000.
  • After graduation, if the student is employed in the Pacific Union Conference, they may request partial loan payment assistance, limited to $200 per month for two years, paid by the Pacific Union Conference.
• Allowance for a one-year education-related deferral, i.e., students missions, task force, ACA.
• Changes in major, full-time enrollment, withdrawing, or not meeting qualifications and renewal criteria will forfeit future scholarship funds and may require the return of prior funds.

Renewal Criteria:

Automatic yearly renewal if the students meets the following criteria:

• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA from the institution of higher education.
• Verified acceptable progress toward the completion of preparation for a career in SDA pastoral or teaching ministyr.
• Participation in GYL mentorship and leadership events.

Dear Applicant,

If you are filling out this online application, you have been encouraged and inspired to explore what God is calling you to do with your life.

A local church pastor, conference youth director, teacher, or principal at your school, or possibly a friend has spoken to you and sees potential in you as a pastor or educator within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

We have been praying for God to raise up young people who will partner with us in preparation, including the nesessary education. If you desire to serve and are selected to join us in this process, you will receive the following:

• Scholarship funding for college
• Mentorship
• Work experience opportunities
• Opportunities to work for the Seventh-day Adventist Church after graduation

We look forward to seeing how God will continue to lead, equip, and use you as you remain open to the work of the Spirit in your life!

Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity!

Sincerely, 

The Growing Young Leaders Team

ATTACHMENTS (Without these vital components, this application will not be considered)

Student Essay (include answers to the following questions):

• Why do you want to be an SDA pastor or teacher?
• What experiences have you had that confirm your desire to be an SDA pastor or teacher?
• What impact would you like to make on the Seventh-day Adventist system?
• How do you see this scholarship influencing your life?

Reference Letters (2):

• One reference letter from a teacher or principal.
• One reference letter from the church pastor.

Headshot:

• Head/shoulder portrait for marketing purposes.

 

I hereby certify that the information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I am also aware that the information I have provided is subject to review and verification. I am willing to participate in Growing Young Leaders as outlined in the qualifications and criteria. I am aware that changing careers, not enrolling full-time, or withdrawing will forfeit future scholarship funds and may require the return of prior funds.