GBHEM Scholarship Helps Chipongo Focus on Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
“Education is not just about personal growth; it’s a means to uplift others, especially women and girls. This scholarship eases the burden of my studies and strengthens my commitment to serving my community.”
— Jacqualine Chipongo, Drew University Theological School
Jacqualine Chipongo’s journey from a teacher in a vulnerable community to a candidate for ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church showcases the transformative power of education and faith. As the recipient of the E. Craig Brandenburg Scholarship for $3,000, She is one step closer to answering her calling to serve and lead.
For more than 10 years, Chipongo taught in a community where poverty and gender exclusion were prevalent, witnessing firsthand how education can empower those often marginalized. “Education is not just about personal growth; it’s a means to uplift others, especially women and girls,” she says.
This belief drives her studies at Drew University Theological School, where she’s pursuing a path to become a fully ordained elder in The United Methodist Church. Her ministry will focus on pastoral leadership, preaching, community engagement, and empowering women to take on leadership roles.
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry scholarship provides more than financial support — it affirms Chipongo’s calling. “This scholarship eases the burden of my studies and strengthens my commitment to serving my community,” she reflects.
Chipongo is involved in her church’s outreach efforts to address hunger and food insecurity. By providing hot meals, operating a food pantry, and offering immediate food assistance, her church creates a compassionate community for those facing hardship.
In five years, Chipongo envisions herself leading a diverse congregation, advocating for social justice, mentoring young clergy, and continuing to make a lasting impact on her community.
GBHEM Scholarship Program
GBHEM Scholarships offer financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, an average of $4 million is awarded to help students in the United States and abroad pursue their dreams through higher education. With this financial aid, GBHEM is opening pathways for students of all backgrounds to earn their degrees and serve as the next generation of leaders for the church and the world. Learn more.
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