The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) is a leading ecumenical advocate for excellence and diversity in Christian ministry and theological scholarship. It supports the next generation of leaders among pastors and scholars, providing fellowships and a network of support for gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Help for the Journey:
What will I do with
The Fund is also a resource for educational and faith communities, offering programs that encourage highly capable candidates to explore vocations in ministry and teaching. Since 1954, FTE has awarded nearly 6,000 fellowships in partnership with others committed to the future of quality leadership for the church.
my life
in light of
my faith?
In addition to fellowships for undergraduates exploring ministry, FTE offers fellowships for students in seminary and for doctoral and dissertation students from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds. We also support congregations in their role of identifying and encouraging young people to consider ministry as a vocation.
Fellowships for
Undergraduates Exploring Ministry
Supporting the next generation of leaders for the church.
Information about FTE fellowships is available on the Web at www.thefund.org.
Our society needs the gifts of young people who courageously ask that question— who aspire to work for the common good, to act for justice and to live as witnesses to God’s love. We are all called to lives of discipleship, but some are called to lead.
Our world needs gifted leaders with bright minds, compassionate hearts and exceptional character. The church needs bright, compassionate and exceptional young people who hear a calling to serve God’s world as pastors. That is why The Fund for Theological Education offers Undergraduate Fellowships to gifted college students who are asking, “What does God want me to do with my life?”—and are open to the possibility that ministry might be their calling.
“I hope to remain open to God’s call in my life, realizing that at any given moment, God may be speaking to me in a way I may not expect.” Melissa McNair
Furman University Student FTE Undergraduate Fellow
Eligibility
How to Apply:
To be considered for the FTE Undergraduate Fellowship, candidates must:
Candidates for the FTE Undergraduate Fellowship must be nominated by professors, school administrators, current pastors or campus ministers. Students will be informed of their nomination by FTE. Once a candidate has been notified by FTE of his or her nomination, the student must complete a fellowship application to be considered for the Undergraduate Fellowship. As many as 50 fellowships will be awarded through a competitive selection process.
v Be
nominated by a professor, school administrator, current pastor or campus minister (see How to Apply)
For Young Leaders Exploring Ministry Undergraduate Fellowships include: Financial award: Undergraduate Fellows receive a $2,000 award that may be used for college tuition, books, educational living expenses or a special experience related to the exploration of ministry. Conference: Undergraduate Fellows attend a conference where they and other FTE Fellows from across North America gather with theologians, pastors, church leaders and FTE staff for four days of thoughtful exchange, including worship, lectures, forums and informal time together. The conference
fosters peer and mentoring relationships as students explore ministry, service, theological education and the nature of Christian vocation. A network of support: Undergraduate Fellows receive mentoring and guidance throughout the year from FTE staff, other Fellows and advocates from churches and college campuses. This support helps them realize they are not alone as they consider whether they are called to ministry.
v Be a current sophomore or junior with a 3.0 minimum GPA at a North American college or university v Be
a U.S. or Canadian citizen under the age of 30
v Have
an interest in exploring ministry as a vocation
v Demonstrate
leadership ability in a church or school community
How to Nominate: FTE seeks nominations of students who have proven intellectual gifts and a commitment to Christian faith, and who exhibit leadership and a desire to serve. Nominees do not have to be committed to pastoral ministry, but should, in the judgment of the nominator, have gifts for ministry and be willing to explore the possibility of ministry as a vocation. FTE accepts nominations for eligible students from professors, school administrators, current pastors or campus ministers. Nomination forms can be found at FTE’s Web site at www.thefund.org. The deadline for nominations is February 1.
The application deadline for Undergraduate Fellowships is March 15. For further information about the nomination process and to download a fellowship application, visit our Web site at www.thefund.org or contact us at the address below.
The Fund for Theological Education 825 Houston Mill Road, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30329 Phone: 404-727-1450 Fax: 404-727-1490 Email: fellowships@thefund.org