Student Opportunities and Assistance
Students, ask your congregation for support!
Churches want to stay connected with you during your enrollment at college. Here are some ways they can do just that, both financially and relationally.
Policy and procedure for church matching grant program
Students who receive grants or scholarships that originate from a congregation, a church conference, or a group of churches who have pooled resources for the purpose of providing tuition assistance, may be eligible to receive a matching grant.
Undergraduate students must be admitted, domestic, and degree-seeking.
- Half-time students (6 or more credits/semester) may receive annual matching grants of up to $1,000 for the first $1,000 received (1:1 match) and an additional 1:4 match for any amount over $1,000.
Seminary students are eligible to receive ecclesial contributions to tuition and fees, regardless of degree program or full-time status. The Seminary graduate program offers substantial tuition scholarships up to 100% and, therefore, does not make additional matching grants.
Graduate students (CJP and MAC programs only) must be admitted, degree-seeking and enrolled at least half-time (5 or more credits per term).
- Counseling and Conflict Transformation programs may receive an annual matching grant award of up to $1,000 per year.
- Master's degree students may receive annual matching grants (dollar for dollar) of $1000 per award ($2000 career maximum)
- Lifetime maximum matching grant for MAC/CJP students is $2000 for master's degree programs and $1000 for certificate programs.
A Church Matching Grant Program Commitment Form is required for participation in the program.
March 1 is the “preferred response date” for churches to inform EMU of their intent to send funds for students.
Church grant checks should be made payable to EMU and mailed to the financial assistance office at least one week prior to the beginning of the enrollment period (approximately August 20 and December 31).
Awarding of matching grants is contingent upon availability of funds.
If a student receives grants from more than one qualifying source, EMU will consider the total amount as if it were one contribution, i.e. each contribution will not be matched separately.
Financial support contributed by a camp must come from its operating budget and be part of a uniform plan to benefit all workers going to college. Grants may not be given in lieu of wages.
Other suggestions for support
Many opportunities exist for churches to provide nurture and support to students enrolled in college. Here are some specific ideas for undergraduate students and seminary students.
Ministry Inquiry Program
This exciting opportunity of the Mennonite Church USA is designed for college-age young adults who wish to explore pastoral ministry. The program offers the opportunity to experience first hand what ministry is and to test a person’s gifts and sense of call.
