National Fund Asks Educators and Clergy to Nominate Students for $1.5 Million in Fellowships

Local congregations can also tap funds to support first-year seminary students from their churches by nominating them for FTE Congregational Fellowships. These awards match financial support provided by the congregation for tuition and living expenses.

"Particularly in today's economic climate, with all its challenges, young people who aspire to serve others through ordained ministry need financial support as well as encouragement," said the Rev. Ellen Echols Purdum, FTE Director of Ministry Fellowships. "Church and society are in need of capable, compassionate young leaders who reflect the diversity of community and country. These fellowships help meet that need."

College and university faculty, administrators, campus ministers and pastors are asked to nominate current sophomores and juniors for $2,000 FTE Undergraduate Fellowships. Nominations are due Feb. 1, 2009; nominees must submit applications by March 15, 2009. Seminary deans or presidents are asked to nominate current first-year, full-time Master of Divinity students for $10,000 FTE Ministry Fellowships. Nominations and applications for FTE Undergraduate and Ministry Fellowships are due March 1, 2009.

Congregations may nominate young church members for FTE Congregational Fellowships; eligible students must be entering first-year, full-time Master of Divinity degree programs. Awards range between $2,000 and $5,000 for each fellowship; nominations and applications for FTE Congregational Fellowships are due April 1, 2009.

FTE is a leading ecumenical advocate for excellence and diversity in pastoral ministry and theological scholarship. It supports the next generation of leaders among pastors and scholars, annually providing more than $1.5 million in fellowships and support to gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds. For more information, including nomination and application materials, visit FTE's Programs & Fellowships Web page.