About the Racial Ethnic Student Scholarship

The Racial Ethnic Scholarship Fund is an educational assistance program designed to encourage Racial Ethnic Students to complete their college education and graduate with an academic degree to prepare for life-long employment, elected, or volunteer service.
Funds for this program are provided by the Committee on Racial Ethnic Ministry, Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Applicants MUST be:

1. Racial Ethnic students whose permanent residence is in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies.
2. Active members in a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
3. Enrolled as least half-time and in good academic standing.
4. Making progress toward a degree.
5. Able to demonstrate financial need.

Applications will be evaluated, and awards selected based on information supplied on the form and the recommendations from a pastor and teacher/professor. Students must be able to demonstrate their leadership in a variety of roles. Winning consideration will focus on academic achievement and personal qualities reflected in church, school, and community activities.

It is your responsibility to see that the official transcript, financial aid information, letters of recommendation, and your application are all submitted by the deadline, September 30th. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All applicants will be notified by the committee if they have been chosen for an award or not. The scholarship award may only be used toward educational costs and will be paid directly to the school. The scholarship is a supplement to any other financial aid received by the student and becomes part of the total financial aid package.

Please read the application information below.

In addition to the application form there are several supporting documents that are required for a complete application. All six documents must be received by the Synod Office no later than the September 30 deadline. It is your responsibility to see that all documents have been submitted. If you would like to know if a document has been received do contact the Synod office (contact info. below). Incomplete applications will not be considered by the committee.

1. Application Form
2. Essays
   In the application form there are two essay questions to be answered.
3. Financial Aid Information
   The purpose of this form is to establish your need for funding. The financial aid office or the bursar’s office must submit the completed form directly to the Synod Office via e-mail or fax (information provided on the form). Contact the office early to give them adequate time to complete and submit the form to meet the September 30 deadline. Financial Information Form (fillable PDF).
4. Pastor’s Letter of Recommendation
   Ask your pastor to write a letter of recommendation describing your qualities of character, leadership, and outstanding contributions. If your church is currently without pastoral leadership or if the applicant is the spouse or child of the pastor, ask an associate pastor, Clerk of Session, or other church officer to write a letter. Allow enough time for the letter to be completed and submitted by the September 30 deadline. Letters may be submitted by email: office@lakesandprairies.org, or fax: 651-357-1141, or mail: 2115 Cliff Dr., Eagan, MN 55122. *
5. Professor’s Letter of Recommendation
   Ask a professor to write a letter of recommendation describing your qualities of character, leadership, and outstanding contributions. If you are a new student and do not know any of your professors you may select a teacher from your previous school. If the applicant is a the spouse or child of the professor or teacher, ask another professor, teacher, or school administrator to write a letter. Applicants attending college or seminary for at least a semester will request a letter from a professor. Allow enough time for the letter to be completed and submitted by the September 30 deadline. Letters may be submitted by email: office@lakesandprairies.org, fax: 651-357-1141, or mail: 2115 Cliff Dr., Eagan, MN 55122. *
6. Official Transcript
   The registrar’s office must submit an official copy of your transcript directly to the Synod Office at office@lakesandprairies.org. Allow enough time for your request to be completed and submitted by the September 30 deadline.
   Recent High School graduates should contact their school for information on how to request an official transcript.

The application may be completed online; you may save your application at any point and return later. The application is also available as a Word document, which may be printed and completed by hand.

*Questions about the scholarship application should be sent to office@lakesandprairies.org or phone 1-800-328-1880, ext.202.

The application period for 2023 is now closed.