List of Scholarships
The GBHEM scholarship application opens in January of each year. You can only submit one application per year where it will be screened for all possible eligible programs. You may indicate on the first page of the scholarship application which of the below listed programs you would most like to be considered for. Award amounts below are a general estimate of awards given. Scholarship programs are divided into three categories: General Scholarships, Racial-Ethnic Scholarships, and Ministry as a Career Scholarships.
General Scholarships
General Scholarship Application
Undergrad $500 – $1,000; graduate $500 – $2,000
For undergraduate or graduate level students with a minimum of one year of active membership in the UMC and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Allan J. Burry Scholarship
$1,000
For undergraduates (incoming freshmen NOT eligible) who have been a member of the UMC for at least three years. Applicants should be active leaders in a United Methodist-related campus ministry and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The application will require a specific nomination from the United Methodist campus minister.
Baltimore-Washington Scholarship Merit Fund
$1,500
For members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference only. For students attending a United Methodist college in the Northeast Jurisdiction or across the United States. Applicants must have been an active member of the UMC for at least one year and are required to be enrolled full time with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Baltimore-Washington Conference Francis Asbury Scholarship
$500 – $1,000
For members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference only. Available for the child of a pastor. Applicants must be an active member of a United Methodist church within the Baltimore-Washington Conference for at least one year and are required to be enrolled full time with minimum 2.5 GPA.
Baltimore-Washington Conference Board of Trustees/Merit Scholarship
$800
For members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference only. Open to all students, based on need, GPA and finances. May be awarded to undergraduate, graduate or doctoral students who have been active members of the UMC for at least one year. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and attend an accredited institution within the U.S.
Baltimore-Washington Conference United Methodist Women (UMW) Scholarship
$400 – $1,000
For members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference only. Provides financial assistance for undergraduate students who are members of churches within the Baltimore-Washington Conference. The awards are made according to financial need, academic achievement and active church membership. Scholarships are renewable, and a new application must be submitted annually for review. This scholarship is not available to the child of a pastor. This scholarship is available to both women and men.
Baltimore Washington Conference United Methodist Men (UMM) Scholarship
$400 – $500
For members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference only. For undergraduate male students. Provides financial assistance for undergraduate students who are members of churches within the Baltimore-Washington Conference. The awards are made according to financial need, academic achievement and active church membership. Scholarships are renewable, and a new application must be submitted annually for review. This scholarship is not available to the child of a pastor.
David W. Self
$1,000
Designated for graduating high school seniors entering their first year of undergraduate study. Applicants must have one year active membership in the UMC, be enrolled in a full-time degree program at any accredited institution, have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be pursuing a church-related career.
East Ohio Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) Scholarship
Up to $5000
Awarded by the Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry to present CCYM graduating students based on merit and who have maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA.
East Ohio Merit Scholarship
Up to $5000
Awarded by the Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry to applicants based on Merit. These are one-time awards, however, students may continue to reapply as long as they remain eligible.
E. Craig Brandenburg
$1,000 – $2,000
For applicants over age 35 at any degree level. Preference will be given to students changing to a second career.
Elvina Jane Owen Scholarship
$500 – $1,000
First preference is given to students in the Johnstown District of the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference enrolled at Allegheny College. Second preference goes to graduate students from the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference majoring in education. Applicants must have a minimum 2.85 GPA and at least one year of membership in the UMC.
Esther Edwards
$5,000
Designated for a female administrator or faculty member pursuing a Ph.D. in leadership working for a United Methodist-related institution.
The Rev. Dr. Karen Layman Gift of Hope Scholarship
$1,000
Designated for undergraduates with at least three years of membership in the UMC. Applicants should be very active in UMC leadership and have minimum 3.0 GPA.
Miriam Hoffman Scholarship
$500 – $1,000
Designated for any grade level student pursuing a vocational career in music education or music ministry. Applicants must have at least one year of membership in the UMC and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Oregon-Idaho Conference Undergraduate Leadership Award Program
$1000
A scholarship is awarded to one undergraduate student from each of the four districts of the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference annually. Applicants are evaluated primarily on their leadership or potential leadership skills. Financial need is also considered. The scholarship may be used at any two- or four-year accredited undergraduate institution.
Racial-Ethnic Scholarships
Bishop John W. Hamilton Scholarship
$500
Designated for African American female students and preference will be given to orphans. Applicants must be full, active members of the UMC for at least one year and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Preference will also be given to students enrolled in one of the UMC’s historically black colleges/universities.
Blanche M. Hubbard Scholarship
$600
Designated for African American students enrolled in one of the UMC’s historically black colleges/universities. Applicants must have been a member of the UMC for at least one year and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
The Clinical Pastoral Education-Ethnic In Service Training (CPE-EIST) Stipend
Not to exceed $2,000
Designated for United Methodist clergy, certified candidates for ministry or seminary students accepted into an accredited Clinical Pastor Education (CPE) program or an accredited counseling program leading to licensure or credentialing for pastoral counseling. Preference will be given to racial-ethnic minority students. Learn more.
Dorothea H. and Raymond Dier Scholarship
$500-$2000
Designated for African American students attending A UM related HBCU (Bennett College; Bethune Cookman; Claflin University; Clark Atlanta; Dillard University; Huston Tillotson University; Meharry Medical; Paine College; Philander Smith; Rust College). Applicants must have at least one year of membership in the UMC and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
East Ohio Martin Luther King Jr. Merit Scholarship
Up to $5000
Awarded by the Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry to students who have maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Ethnic Scholarship
$500 – $900
Designated for racial-ethnic minority undergraduates who have been a member of the UMC for at least one year and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
HANA Scholars
$1,000 – $3,000
Designated for persons of Hispanic, Asian and/or Native American ethnicity who are in their junior year of undergraduate study or higher, including up to the doctorate level. Applicants must have at least three years of membership in the UMC and a minimum 2.85 GPA.
Helen and Allen Brown
$500 – $1,000
Designated for racial-ethnic minority undergraduates who have been members of the UMC within the Nashville, Tenn., or New Orleans districts for at least three years and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Journey Toward Ordained Ministry
$5,000
Designated for any undergraduate or graduate level racial-ethnic minority student pursuing ordained ministry (deacon or elder). Applicants must be age 30 or under, have a minimum two years of membership in the UMC and be enrolled in a UM-related institution. Undergraduate students must have a minimum 2.85 GPA and graduates must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The scholarship includes a mentoring program component.
Native American Ministries Course of Study Scholarship
Scholarships are paid to the Course of Study school or site and may cover tuition, books, and fees. This scholarship is funded by the Native American Ministries Special Sunday Offering. Scholarships are awarded to Native Americans attending GBHEM approved Course of Study regional school programs. Tribal cards must be provided to verify affiliation. We recommend that you refer to the list of regional schools for registration and course schedule for the COS school you are attending prior to submitting your scholarship application. Please make every attempt to submit your application to be considered for the scholarship PRIOR to the start date of your course. For additional information on curriculum and/or course goals, please click here.
Native American Seminary
$3,000 – $10,000
Designated for Native American students pursuing a degree at a University Senate approved seminary. Applicants must have a minimum of three years of membership in the UMC, be a certified candidate or pursuing candidacy and be born of Native American, American Indian or Alaska Native parent (at least one parent). Tribal affiliation and documentation is required.
Oregon-Idaho Conference Ethnic Leadership Award
$1000
For one undergraduate or graduate ethnic student who is a member of an Oregon-Idaho Conference church. Applicants are evaluated primarily on their leadership or potential leadership skills. Financial need is also considered. The scholarship may be used at any two- or four-year accredited institution of higher education.
Rev. Roger A. Hopson Seminary Scholarship
GBHEM’s mission is to award scholarships to support the higher education goals of emerging Christian leaders. To further this mission, we created the Rev. Roger A. Hopson Seminary Scholarship, in memoriam of Rev. Roger A. Hopson, devoted husband, father, and minister.
Scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing a Master of Divinity at one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries and schools of theology in the United States. With this scholarship 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.
Richard S. Smith
$1,000
Designated for racial-ethnic minority, graduating high school seniors entering their first year of undergraduate study. Applicants must have at least one year of active membership in the UMC and be pursuing a degree full time at any accredited institution. They must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be pursuing a church-related career.
Women of Color Scholars
$3,000 – $10,000
Designated for females born of at least one African, Black, Hispanic, Asian or Native American parent. Applicants must be pursuing a Ph.D. or Th.D. within the field of religious studies and aspire to serve on the faculty or in an executive administrative position at a UM-related theological school. Applicants must also have a minimum of three years of membership in the UMC and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Ministry as a Career Scholarships
Baker Scholarship
Designated for current United Methodist campus ministers, who have been in campus ministry for at least three years. Applicants must have received a master of divinity degree or equivalent, be pursuing advanced training (i.e., doctorate degree, certification or independent study), and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must also be committed to remaining in campus ministry.
Baltimore Washington Conference Sophia Dietsch Education Scholarship
$400 per year, $2,000 total
Designated for students from the city of Baltimore who are members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference. The scholarship is $400 per year up to $2,000 total and will be awarded no more than five years. Students must be a candidate for ministry in the United Methodist Church and must have held membership in a church of the Baltimore-Washington Conference for at least one year. Applicants must be a degree candidate at an accredited college, university or seminary.
Charles W. Tadlock Scholarship
$1,000 – $2,000
Designated for students who are certified candidates for ordination as an Elder, have successfully completed their first year of seminary and are pursuing an master of divinity degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference will be given to Missouri Annual Conference candidates, but the scholarship is open to all.
The Clinical Pastoral Education-Ethnic In Service Training (CPE-EIST) Stipend
Not to exceed $2,000
Designated for United Methodist clergy, certified candidates for ministry or seminary students accepted into an accredited Clinical Pastor Education (CPE) or an accredited American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) program. Also available to chaplains or pastoral counselors seeking to enhance their credentials in the areas of pastoral counseling or pastoral care. The scholarship is intended for racial-ethnic minority students.
Coleman Tyson Siekman
$700 – $1,500
Designated for ordained elders or certified candidates on the elder track who are completing the requirements for professional certification to serve as chaplains in the criminal justice system.
E. Craig Brandenburg
$1,000 – $2,000
Designated for applicants over age 35 who are pursuing a degree at any level. Preference is given to students changing to a second career.
Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship
$2,500 – $7,500
Designated for full-time master of divinity students enrolled at one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries/schools of theology. Applicants must be pursuing certified candidacy or be a certified candidate for ministry (elder or deacon), with demonstrated merit, progress and commitment in the candidacy process. Applicants should show demonstrated financial need and how this scholarship will help avoid additional student loans. Applicants will receive and must participate in assistance from a financial counselor from the EY Financial Planning Center. The award amount is based on matching donations and award approval from participating funding partners which could be one or more of the following:
- GBHEM
- The student’s United Methodist annual conference (if participating as a funding partner to the program)
- The United Methodist Foundation connected with the student’s annual conference (if participating as a funding partner to the program)
- View Participating Seminaries, Annual Conferences and Foundations
Fred Heather Memorial Scholarship
Awards amount determined by need of recipient.
Designated for ministry-endorsed persons completing requirements for professional certification, advanced training appropriate to their endorsed setting, or enrolled in Association of Clinical Pastor Education (ACPE) training toward certification as an ACPE supervisor. Applicants must be United Methodist members who are ordained in full connection or a certified candidate for ministry and are endorsed currently or potentially endorsed by the United Methodist Endorsing Agency (UMEA).
Georgia Harkness
$5,000
Designated for women, age 35 or older, pursuing a master of divinity degree at any University Senate-approved school of theology. Applicants must be a certified candidate for the elder track at time of application and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference will be given to applicants who have chosen ministry as a second career. Learn more about this scholarship.
James Leon and Myrtice Marie K. Peed Award
$7,000 – $10,000
The James Leon and Myrtice Marie K. Peed Award is open only to members of the South Georgia Annual Conference. Students must be a candidate for ministry in the South Georgia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students at an accredited college or university, or a seminary student (part-time or full-time) at a United Methodist University Senate-approved seminary. All applicants should be pursuing academic requirements for ordination as a deacon or elder. Recipients must serve in the South Georgia Annual Conference for at least five years after ordination. Note: Apply using the specific Peed Award application link. Scholarship Code for the Peed application: “GBHEMPeed”
Joaquin Garcia Scholarship
$1500-$2500
Designated for graduate level students pursuing graduate studies toward ordination as a deacon in full connection. Applicants must have a minimum of three years membership UMC and a 3.0 GPA.
John Q. Schisler Scholarship
$1,000 – $2,000
Designated for graduate level students pursuing ministry in Christian education. Applicants must be preparing to become a lay professional or ordained deacon in full connection. They must also have a minimum of three years of membership in the UMC and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Journey Toward Ordained Ministry
$5,000
Designated for any undergraduate or graduate level racial-ethnic minority student pursuing ordained ministry (deacon or elder) who is age 30 or under. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of membership in the UMC, be enrolled at a UM-related institution. A minimum 2.85 GPA is required for undergraduate applicants and a minimum 3.0 GPA for graduate level applicants. This scholarship includes a mentoring component.
Native American Ministries Course of Study Scholarship
Scholarships are paid to the Course of Study school or site and may cover tuition, books, and fees. This scholarship is funded by the Native American Ministries Special Sunday Offering. Scholarships are awarded to Native Americans attending GBHEM approved Course of Study regional school programs. Tribal cards must be provided to verify affiliation. We recommend that you refer to the list of regional schools for registration and course schedule for the COS school you are attending prior to submitting your scholarship application. Please make every attempt to submit your application to be considered for the scholarship PRIOR to the start date of your course. For additional information on curriculum and/or course goals, please click here.
Native American Seminary
$3,000 – $10,000
Designated for Native American students pursuing a degree at a University Senate approved seminary. Applicants must have a minimum of three years of membership in the UMC, be a certified candidate or pursuing candidacy and be born of Native American, American Indian or Alaska Native parent (at least one parent). Tribal affiliation and documentation is required.
North Carolina United Methodist Conference Ministerial Education Fund
At least $1,000
The North Carolina Annual Conference Ministerial Education Fund (MEF) Scholarship is available to certified candidates and full-time students within the conference. It is open to undergraduates during their junior and senior years and each of their seminary years while working on the basic degree for ordination. Students must attend a University Senate-approved school and maintain a C average throughout their academic career with intentions of serving in the North Carolina Conference or within the Connection for at least five years after graduation. All certified candidates who meet these requirements will receive at least $1,000 per year with completed applications.
Rev. Roger A. Hopson Seminary Scholarship
GBHEM’s mission is to award scholarships to support the higher education goals of emerging Christian leaders. To further this mission, we created the Rev. Roger A. Hopson Seminary Scholarship, in memoriam of Rev. Roger A. Hopson, devoted husband, father, and minister.
Scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing a Master of Divinity at one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries and schools of theology in the United States. With this scholarship 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.
Rosalie Bentzinger
$5,000
Designated for an ordained deacon pursuing a Ph.D. in Christian education who is enrolled in a University Senate-approved seminary. Applicants must have minimum of three years of membership in the UMC and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Rubie Plant Butterworth Scholarship Fund
$1,000
Applicants must be attending a UM seminary and be in the Deacon track of service to the church. Preference given to those working in a local church or preparing to work in a local church setting. Must demonstrate leadership in the local church and call to Deacon.
Special Seminary Scholarship
$2,000
Designated for students pursuing ordained ministry as a vocation who are certified candidates and are age 30 or under. Applicants must be enrolled at a UM-related seminary and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
