Hey Future Leader!

If you are reading this application, it means someone sees God’s potential in you—and maybe even a call to make a difference in the world.

A local church pastor, conference youth director, teacher, principal, or friend believes you could serve as a pastor or educator in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We’re praying for young people like you to step up, grow, and make an impact.

If you feel called and are selected to join us, you’ll receive:

• Scholarship funding for college
• Mentorship from experienced leaders
• Work experience opportunities
• Opportunities to serve the Church after graduation

This is your chance to explore your calling, grow your gifts, and see how God can use YOU to change lives. Let’s see what amazing things God will do through you!

The Growing Young Leaders Team

PURPOSE

To support students graduating from 12th grade in preparing for ministry as pastors or educators within the Seventh-day Adventist system. This scholarship-to-employment program will reduce the cost of higher education while providing mentorship and employment opportunities within the Pacific Union Conference.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. The applicant 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 

[Applicable if attending La Sierra University or Pacific Union College]

• Details for LSU or PUC Students:
  • First $10,000: Unrestricted by other scholarships, awards, or tuition assistance. $5,000 from the Local Conference and $5,000 from the Pacific Union Conference.
  • Second $10,000: Up to $10,000 from La Sierra University or Pacific Union College. Limited to 100% of tuition, required fees, and room/meal plans not already covered by other scholarships.
  • Maximum total over four years $80,000.

 

• Students attending SDA Universities outside the Pacific Union:
  • $5,000: Unrestricted by other scholarships, awards, or tuition assistance. $5,000 from the Local Conference.
  • Loan Assistance: After graduation, if employed within the Pacific Union Conference, students may request loan payment assistance of up to $200 per month for two years from the Pacific Union Conference.
  • Maximum total over four years $20,000.

 

• Additional Notes:
  • One-year education-related deferral allowed (e.g., student missions, task force).
  • Changes in major, full-time enrollment status, or failure to meet qualifications and renewal criteria will forfeit future scholarship funds and may require repayment of previous funds.

805. 413.7316 education@adventistfaith.com

RENEWAL CRITERIA

Automatic yearly renewal if the student meets the following criteria:

• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA from the institution of higher education.
• Verified acceptable progress toward a career as an SDA pastor or teacher. For future teachers, this includes acceptance into the teacher education program after the sophomore year and satisfactory progress toward completing an SDA teaching certificate.
• Participation in Growing Young Leaders mentorship and leadership events.

APPROVAL PROCESS

• Application Submission: Submit the completed Growing Young Leaders application form with all attachments by April 15:
  • Future Pastors: Submit to the local conference Ministerial Department.
  • Future Teachers: Submit to the local conference Office of Education.

• Conference Recommendations:
  •  Each local conference may recommend two applicants to the Pacific Union Conference by April 30.
  • Typically, one scholarship is awarded for a future pastor and one for a future teacher.
  • Fourteen scholarships are awarded each year.

• Scholarship Disbursement:
  • Enrollment Verification: Each semester or quarter, the student’s enrollment and eligibility criteria are verified after courses begin.
  • Automatic Funding: Scholarship funds are sent directly to the Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher education once verification is complete. Students do not need to take any action.
  • Payment Schedule: Funds are divided and distributed according to the institution’s semester or quarter schedule.

• Employment Assistance:
  • After graduation, the program provides support to help the sponsored student find employment within the local conference or the Pacific Union Conference.
• Post-Employment Follow-Up:
  • The Growing Young Leaders team provides additional guidance and mentorship for two years after placement.

QUESTIONS

For inquires, please contact: education@adventistfaith.com

 

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 (1) reference letter from a teacher or principal.
• One (1) reference letter from the church pastor.

Photo:

• 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.

805.413.7316 education@adventistfaith.com