MEA offers a scholarship opportunity for BIPOC students attending MEA partner schools during the 2025-26 school year. Applications are due April 1.
By Jessica Griggs for Mennonite Education Agency
ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Education Agency) — Mennonite Education Agency is offering the MEA Scholarship for BIPOC Students once again for the 2025-26 academic year. Interested students are encouraged to apply for the scholarship here, by the April 1 application deadline.
First awarded in 2023, this is the third consecutive year that the MEA Scholarship for BIPOC Students has been offered. The scholarship provides financial support for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to attend MEA partner schools, to further the education of future Mennonite Church USA church leaders.
“We believe strongly in supporting BIPOC leaders in and for the church,” said Michael Danner, executive director of MEA.
“It is an opportunity to play a role, if small, in helping students who are committed to their faith, connected to the church, and engaging in education at a partner college, university or seminary. It is a joy for the selection committee to engage each applicant. “
Mennonite students who identify as BIPOC and who are attending an MEA partner school — Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Bethel College, Bluffton University, Eastern Mennonite University, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Goshen College and Hesston College — may apply for a one-year scholarship of up to $4,000. Applicants must also be permanent residents of the United States, as well as members of or active participants in a Mennonite Church USA-affiliated church to be considered for the award. Previous scholarship winners and graduating seniors who are committed to attending an MEA partner school are also encouraged to apply.
MEA will provide up to $4,000 in scholarships for each partner school, which may be awarded to an individual or split between several applicants. Scholarships will be awarded based on the applicant’s involvement in their local church and their vocational objectives.
Applicants will be required to provide the following with their application:
- A letter verifying attendance from the MEA partner school where the applicant attends.
- A personal reference letter and an academic or work reference letter, including contact information for potential follow-up.
- A letter from an MC USA-affiliated church pastor, verifying applicant’s membership or active participation in the church.
- A completed MEA Scholarship for BIPOC Students application form.
Anyone interested in contributing to the scholarship fund can visit the donation portal on the MEA website or send donations to MEA at 3145 Benham Avenue, Suite 2, Elkhart, IN 46517-1970. Checks should be made payable to Mennonite Education Agency and designate “BIPOC Scholarship.”
Mennonite Education Agency, the education agency of Mennonite Church USA, is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana. MEA partners with Anabaptist-Mennonite educational institutions and programs to fulfill the educational mission of MC USA.
