MEA Scholarship for BIPOC Students

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

The Mennonite Education Association (MEA) Scholarship for BIPOC students was created to support students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, who are members or active participants of a Mennonite Church USA congregation, and who are attending or plan to attend a Mennonite college, university, or seminary that is partnered with MEA.

RECIPIENT
Awarded annually to BIPOC students who are:

Enrolled in an accredited degree or graduate certificate program
Member/active participant in a Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) congregation, as verified through a letter of reference from the congregational pastor
Admitted to an MEA partner school. Partner schools include Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Bethel College, Bluffton University, Eastern Mennonite University, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Goshen College, and Hesston College.

AMOUNT
Up to $4,000 per year for one year. Scholarship recipients can reapply, but the scholarship is not automatically renewable.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
April 1, 2025, for the 2025-26 academic year

OTHER SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Considerations: This scholarship is intended to further the education of future church leaders in MC USA. Connection to a local church and vocational objectives will be considered in making scholarship decisions.
Number: MEA will grant up to $4,000 in scholarships to each partner school each academic year. This amount may be divided between multiple applicants or awarded to a single individual at each school.
Duration: One year. Scholarship recipients can reapply, but the scholarship is not automatically renewable.
Program of study: Accredited undergraduate, graduate, seminary, or graduate certificate programs.
Location of study: On campus or from a distance
Applicant’s permanent residence must be in the United States
Applicant’s church affiliation: Applicant must be a member or participant in good standing of an MC USA congregation, as verified by a letter from the church.
Payment: Scholarships granted will be paid directly to the educational institution on behalf of the student.

APPLICATION FORM

By providing the following information in this scholarship application, I grant permission to Mennonite Education Agency (MEA) to use my personal information, including my name, photograph, and any other relevant details, for promotional purposes if I am awarded the scholarship. This permission includes, but is not limited to, the use of my information in press releases, on MEA’s website, social media channels, and other promotional materials. I understand that this information will be used solely to promote the scholarship program and may be shared with the public and media as deemed appropriate by MEA.

Name

Address

Email Address

Phone Number

Congregation Name

Congregation Address

Pastor's Name

Pastor's Email Address

Pastor's Phone

Please indicate the school you are attending:

Year in school

Degree program and Major (for example, 2-year Associate's degree in Nursing)

What are your vocational or career objectives?

What does being a Mennonite follower of Jesus mean to you?

How do your vocational objectives connect with your Mennonite faith?

APPLICATION PROCESS

Send application materials to MennoniteEducation Agency by email or mail:

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Letter verifying admission from an MEA partner school (AMBS, Bethel, Bluffton, EMU, EMS, Goshen or Hesston)
Completed MEA application form (applicant info, church info, school info, personal questions)
1 personal reference - letter of reference should include contact information for follow-up
1 academic or work reference (teacher, coach, or employer) - letter of reference should include contact information for follow-up
Letter of membership/participation from the church pastor

CONTACT

Michael Danner
info@MennoniteEducation.org
(574) 523-3045