GUIDELINES/POLICY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND 2025 

 

(printable version of 2025 Policy)

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The Scholarship Fund is made possible by income from an endowment designated for this purpose by St. Pete First United Methodist Church, St. Petersburg, Florida.  The Trustees will establish a committee to oversee the scholarship program which will select the recipients and determine the amount each student will receive.  The committee will consist of the chair and at least 2 other church members, all appointed by the Trustees.  Annually, the Trustees will establish the total dollar amount to be awarded that year.

 

Applications for the scholarship awards will be accepted during the months of February and March each year.  A notice of the application period will be printed in the church bulletin and information will be available on the church’s website.  In order to be considered for an award, a completed application must be submitted by March 31, 2025.  Hard copies of the application and supporting documents are preferred for privacy and security of the information.

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Applications should contain current details (not a copy from last year) of the student’s Christian life, involvement at St. Pete First UMC, and plans for the future so the Committee members can form an accurate understanding of each student and their academic situation. Awards are made primarily on the information provided in the application.

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The Committee will be guided by the following:

 

• Each applicant is to be a member of St. Pete First United Methodist Church unless the Scholarship Committee and the Senior Minister approve an exception. 

• Priority will be given to applicants in the following order:

  • Ministerial students

  • Religious education majors

  • Students who intend to work in Christian service

  • Church members who are full time, undergraduate students attending college or trade school during the following school year

  • Church members who are graduate students or attending college or trade school on a part-time basis

• Church activities, academic record and financial need of each applicant will be considered.  

• Continuing students must submit a new application each year.  Having received a scholarship in the past is not a guarantee that another award will be given.

• The committee will be mindful of the funds made available by the Trustees each year and will attempt to make equitable awards to as many applicants as possible.

• The committee will strive to work quickly after the application deadline so that the award decisions are made by April 30 each year.

• It is expected that individual annual awards will be in the range of $1,000-$3,000 but may vary from year to year.

• Funds will be sent directly to the school for credit to the student’s account.

Revised 1/24/2025​

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