Scholarship for Theology and Education Students

Offered by the Lake Union Conference

The Scholarship for Theology and Education was established to invest in the next generation of pastors, educators and faith-based leaders in the Lake Union Conference. (Photo by Katie Fellows)

The Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is once again offering its annual Scholarship for Theology and Education, providing critical financial support to students pursuing undergraduate degrees in theology or teacher education at Andrews University. Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are open until May 20, 2026. They must be submitted through the official Lake Union application form.

Rodney Palmer, chair of the Department of Religion & Biblical Languages and associate professor of religion, shares, “It’s important because there is a growing need for more pastors and educators. … The Lake Union scholarship lowers barriers so students called to the ministry of teaching and pastoring can complete their training without being derailed by finances.”

Established to invest in the next generation of pastors, educators and faith-based leaders, the scholarship aims to strengthen churches and schools throughout the Lake Union territory. At Andrews University, its impact is felt both academically and spiritually.

“Financial support through the Lake Union Scholarship enables future pastors and teachers to engage more fully in their coursework, mentoring relationships and hands-on practicum experiences, as well as local church and school involvement across the Union,” Palmer says. Through these relationships with Lake Union congregations and schools, students gain a clearer understanding of local needs and develop the skills and experience necessary for effective service.

This scholarship is open to members of congregations within the Lake Union Conference who demonstrate financial need and meet Andrews University’s admission requirements. Applicants must be formally accepted into either a theology or teacher education program at Andrews University; students who change majors after acceptance become ineligible. In addition, applicants are required to submit one letter of recommendation from a high school, homeschool or academy teacher. Theology recommendations should be emailed to religion@andrews.edu, and education recommendations should be sent to sedinfo@andrews.edu by June 15, 2026. Students must also be able to pass required background checks for field experience placements.

Recipients are eligible to receive up to $7,500 per semester, totaling up to $15,000 annually, for a maximum of four years. Continued eligibility requires maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrating satisfactory professional conduct and remaining in good academic standing. A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. Applicants are first reviewed by Andrews University, and eligible candidates are then ranked by their local conferences, with final selections made by the Lake Union Scholarship Committee.

A key component of the scholarship is its service commitment. “While there is not a formal requirement, graduates must be willing to work for at least four years after graduation within the Lake Union territory,” Palmer explains. “This commitment makes the scholarship a true partnership, in which the church invests in students and graduates then invest their gifts back into the church’s mission. It also strengthens staffing, continuity and the long-term health of Lake Union congregations and schools.”

Over time, this investment will build up the Lake Union region as a whole. “It creates a steady pipeline of trained pastors and teachers who know the territory and are committed to its mission,” Palmer said. “This strengthens stability, especially in areas that sometimes struggle to recruit and retain qualified and effective pastors and educators.”

The scholarship also closely aligns with Andrews University’s mission to seek knowledge, affirm faith and change the world. Palmer notes, “By making rigorous preparation in theology and education more accessible, it equips students to translate classroom learning into faithful, effective ministry and teaching across the Lake Union.”

For students who feel moved to study at Andrews but remain undecided, Palmer offers encouragement: “If you sense God’s call to pastoral ministry or teaching, don’t let uncertainty or finances be a barrier. The scholarship exists because the church believes your call matters and wants to help you prepare well and to serve Jesus and His people, across the Lake Union territory and beyond.” Ultimately, the Lake Union Scholarship fosters a cycle of education, service and community development that benefits both present and future generations.