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SEMI WELCA Endowment Scholarship Fund

Did you know that every year in May the SEMI WELCA Board awards scholarship money to seminary students?  You did!?!  Well, did you know that since establishing our endowed scholarship fund we've awarded over $20,000 ($20,333 to be exact!) in scholarships?  You did!?!  Well, then, good for you; because I didn't, at least not until I got elected to the Board.

Being able to provide financial support to students, especially to female students who may be entering the seminary to study for a second career or after raising their children, really makes a difference in their lives.  Every dollar of support is not only a precious financial gift, but is also a sign of affirmation for their call to public ministry. 

To be considered for a scholarship, candidates must be: 

• Studying (or beginning their studies) at an ELCA seminary where they are in academic good standing;
• Enrolled and in good standing in the ELCA Candidacy process seeking to become either a minister of word and sacrament or a minister of word and service; and
• Considered by their seminary to be studying as a full-time student and will not be on internship during the upcoming school year.

(Please note that students already receiving full-tuition support through the churchwide ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship program are not eligible for a WELCA synodical scholarship.)

The Board won't know until January, 2017 the actual amount available for us to distribute for the 2017-2018 school year.  (This year’s recipient, Vera McEwan, currently studying at Luther Seminary, received $1,900 in scholarship money.)  We can distribute the funds to one or more students, but we have to know who needs them.  First preference is given to students in or from this synod.  If you would like to recommend a seminary student for a scholarship or apply for one yourself, please send the following information to Joyce Brooks, President of SEMI WELCA, by April 1, 2017:

• The candidate's name, church, address, telephone number, and e-mail address;
• The seminary the candidate is or will be attending;
• A contact person at the seminary who the Board can contact with any questions about the student;
• A contact person on the synod's Candidacy Committee who the Board can contact with any questions about the student; and
• A short statement of how the SEMI WELCA scholarship money can assist you in pursuing your call.

Snail Mail can be sent to Joyce at 15409 Sorrento, Detroit, Michigan 48227.  Her e-mail address is chuckjoyce@aol.com.

These are annual awards, but a student can apply for a scholarship each year that she meets the eligibility criteria.  I strongly urge everyone who is eligible and has a financial need to apply!

Peggy Nelson, Treasurer, SEMI WELCA

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