KAY DeMOSS
Senior Editor-Writer, Michigan Area
He has been there. Done that. So he knows from personal experience how beneficial scholarship dollars can be.
The Rev. David Bell, President and Executive Director of the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan, notes, “I was a recipient of Dollars for Scholars during my graduate and undergraduate years. I know the difference that and other scholarships made in my life and in the lives of other students.”
Rev. David Bell Many may think of the Foundation as a brick-and-mortar kind of operation focused on assisting churches with their capital needs. Yes, lower-interest loans and development of endowments remain staple services. But David explains, “We have reinvigorated our commitment to ministry and the local church.” He identifies leadership as a critical need.
This has led the Foundation to design the scholarship program to be more effective in meeting the needs of today’s seminary students. “This is one way we can impact the education process in a positive way,” David observes.
Recent findings from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Seminary Indebtedness Task Force reveal that the average education debt for United Methodist Masters of Divinity graduates has reached $49,303.
“The United Methodist Foundation is committed to clergy excellence,” David remarks. “We assist clergy with indebtedness by providing scholarships on two fronts—Dollars for Scholars and Scholarships for Seminary Students.”
Dollars for Scholars
United Methodist Dollars for Scholars (UMDFS) is administered by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation and “has been around for a long time” according to David. However, 2014 was the first year that the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan partnered in this effort, making it a quadruple blessing for the state’s students. UMDFS is a four-way partnership that begins with a $1,000 scholarship from the student’s local church. Then matching grants of $1,000 are made by the UM Higher Education Foundation, the United Methodist related school the student attends (college, university, or seminary) and The UM Foundation of Michigan. This makes the potential scholarship total $4,000. For more information about requirements and online application form, visit the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation website. There is also a list of participating schools.
In late March the Michigan Foundation will receive the names of UMHEF select students and will determine who to accept for their matching grant. The only qualifier for selection is that the student be an active member of a local church among the investment clients of the Michigan Foundation. In 2014 four Michigan scholars received dollars through this program:
- Margaret Williams (Marble Memorial UMC) attending Baldwin Wallace University
- Lucas Karr (Marble Memorial UMC) attending Ohio Northern University
- Dillon Burns (First UMC of Saline) attending Perkins School of Theology
- Eric Mulanda Nduwa (Sparta UMC) attending Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Scholarships for Seminary The application process for the Foundation’s 2015 seminary scholarships will open next week. Up to $10,000 may be received by full-time students who meet the eligibility requirements; a total of $5,000 for part-time scholars. Initial recommendation is made by the student’s Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Only certified candidates are eligible for assistance. Apply online at http://www.umfmichigan.org/scholarships.html. Helping Faithful People Live Generous Lives … that’s the aim of the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan, serving the church in Michigan since 1925. The Rev. David Bell is grateful for the generosity that helped him further his own education. Now he encourages individuals across the Michigan Area to help others. “I welcome new partners. Together we can invest in the church’s future by nurturing effective leaders,” he concludes.
Last Updated on February 2, 2024