GBHEM Scholarships Help Oluwapelumi Dada Pursue Innovation and Service
“I am deeply honored to receive this scholarship. Your generous support has lightened my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and professional development.”
— Oluwapelum Dada, Huston-Tillotson University
Oluwapelumi Dada, a student at Huston-Tillotson University — one of the 11 Black College Fund-supported schools, is on a mission to bridge the gap between technology and community service. With the help of General Board of Higher Education and Ministries Scholarships, Dada is pursuing a degree in computer science while actively giving back to the community that shaped him.
A proud member of his local church, Dada has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of service. His church plays a central role in supporting the community through food drives, free medical clinics, and tutoring programs for underprivileged students. These experiences have inspired him to blend his passion for technology with his commitment to social impact.
“Attending college is crucial for me to gain the advanced knowledge in computer science that will allow me to innovate and solve complex problems,” Dada says. “Seminary education is also important to deepen my theological understanding and serve my community with informed spiritual leadership.”
In five years, Dada sees himself as a lead software engineer at a top tech firm, developing innovative solutions to enhance user experiences and streamline operations. He also sees himself continuously learning and contributing to technological advancements that will shape the future of his field.
The scholarships he received have alleviated much of the financial burden of his education, allowing him to focus on his studies and career goals.
“I am deeply honored to receive this scholarship,” Dada says. “Your generous support has lightened my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and professional development. I am committed to achieving my goals and giving back to my community in meaningful ways.”
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.
Related Posts
Roland Fernandes, general secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, joined more than 500 higher education leaders in signing “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” a statement from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) defending the essential freedoms of U.S. colleges and universities against political interference and coercive government overreach.
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) approved a one-time Methodist Educational Fund (MEF) subsidy of $400,000 to each of the 13 United Methodist theological schools at its spring 2025 board of directors meeting.
Presentations from partners energize Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry board members, inspiring questions on how the church might be uniquely positioned to meet this moment of increased suffering around the world.
