Seminary Scholarships

ELCA Fund for Leaders in Mission

• A full-tuition scholarship awarded by ELCA churchwide
• Applicants will apply online directly to Fund for Leaders beginning in January
• More information available at ELCA.org/FundForLeaders.

Southeastern Minnesota Synod Fund for Leaders Scholarship

• A partial scholarship awarded by the Southeastern Minnesota Synod
• This award can be used for tuition, books, fees, and other expenses (room, board, insurance, etc.)
• Candidates must meet the following criteria:
  • Are enrolled in an ELCA seminary
  • Are pursuing rostered ministry in the ELCA
  • Are considered by the synod to be in good standing in the ELCA candidacy process
  • Will NOT be on internship during the coming year
• Full and part-time students may apply
• Although Fund for Leader awards are intended primarily to pay for tuition, books, and fees, students who already receive full-tuition support through Fund for Leaders may also receive synodical scholarships to help with additional expenses. Please work with seminary financial aid offices to make sure you are aware of the tax implications of such scholarship awards.
• Online application form (each year it will be made available after the 1st of the year). Applications are due by April 1.

Wacholtz Rural Ministry Grant (Rural Ministry Only):
The purpose of this scholarship is to equip those seminary students who are discerning a call to ministry in rural communities.

• A scholarship for tuition only.
• Cannot receive another full-tuition scholarship through the ELCA Fund for Leaders or seminary financial aid.
• Candidates must meet the following criteria:
  • Are enrolled in an ELCA seminary
  • Are pursuing rostered ministry in the ELCA
  • Are considered by the synod to be in good standing in the ELCA candidacy process
  • Will NOT be on internship during the coming year
• Full and part-time students may apply
• Online application form (each year it will be made available after the 1st of the year). Applications are due by April 1.

Adolph and Emily Lokensgard Scholarship Fund

• A small scholarship gift given yearly to a seminary student in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod
• No application process
• Recipient will be notified by the synod in the spring
• Can be used as student deems needed
• Please work with seminary financial aid offices to make sure you are aware of the tax implications of such scholarship awards

For more information on any of these scholarships, please contact the Office of the Bishop at 507-280-9457.