The Kenilworth Union Church Centennial Scholars Fund was founded in 1992 to support the education and vocation of Master of Divinity students called to minister to under-resourced areas of metropolitan Chicago.
Under the supervision of the Centennial Scholars Committee, recipients receive a scholarship to support their work for a total of four years as a full-time student, and total of six years as a part-time student, after completion of the first 1/3 of required classes. The type of work ranges from serving those that face challenges, economic or other, in education, housing and food, personal and family safety, and health care. While in graduate school (full-time or part-time), scholars are expected to conduct their work in the metro Chicago area through churches or other organizations serving under- resourced populations. Upon graduation, scholars will continue to receive funds for two years as they pursue full-time work in agencies, missions, or faith communities who preferably serve metropolitan Chicago under-resourced populations as described above. Each quarter the scholars are required to submit a short review of their progress, experiences, and short-term plans.
Prospective scholars have been historically identified through relationships between Kenilworth Union Church and the following metro-Chicago seminaries and divinity schools: Chicago Theological Seminary, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, McCormick Theological Seminary, North Park Seminary, Northern Baptist Seminary, Trinity International University, Chicago Theological Union and The University of Chicago.
Click here for a Centennial Scholar application form.
Applications should be submitted to The Reverend Dr. Katie Lancaster.
Payout schedule for full time students:
$5,000/year for final two years of graduate school paid in quarterly installments.
$7,000/year for the first two years employed in full-time work in areas described above, also paid in quarterly installments.
Payout schedule for part-time students:
$2,500/year for the final four years of graduate school paid in quarterly installments.
$7,000/year for the first two years employed in full-time work in the areas described above, also paid in quarterly installments.