Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship for Theological Education

Description

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship for Theological Education exists to: 

1. Develop leaders from underrepresented groups who are exploring theological education and Christian vocational leadership,
2. assist prospective students from underrepresented groups in making theological education a viable option,
3. support ethnic diversity and racial justice in theological and ministerial education, and
4. strengthen the discourse in the PLNU School of Theology and Christian Ministry.

In light of this, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship for Theological Education provides full four-year gap scholarships to cover all tuition and room & board costs for up to two incoming Christian Studies, Philosophy, or Theology, Justice, and Peace students of color annually with an emphasis on (although not limited to) students of African descent.

How to Apply

1. Access the online application form via the following link:
   • Application Link
   1. Obtain three letters of reference to substantiate your commitment to embracing and building communities that are diverse and inclusive (letters are to be mailed or emailed to the university as shown below by the application deadline date). **One of the letters must be a pastor’s reference.
      • Letters of reference can be mailed or emailed to the following:
        • PLNU School of Theology and Christian Ministry
          c/o MLK Scholarship Committee
          3900 Lomaland Drive
          San Diego, CA 92106
        • philrel@pointloma.edu
2. Application must be submitted electronically no later than April 1, 2024.

All applicants will be notified of decisions by April 15, 2024.

Qualifications & Criteria

• Men and Women are eligible and welcome to apply for this scholarship. 
• Students of color annually with an emphasis on (although not limited to) students of African descent.
• Have proven leadership experience, skills, and character.
• Have a minimum 3.3 GPA (high school).
• Be in good academic and judicial standing.
• Be on track to complete the degree by age 23 for eligibility for campus housing. 
  • Otherwise, off campus housing will need to be paid for on your own.
• Demonstrate a passion for promoting multicultural awareness as well as racial justice & reconciliation.
• Declare one of the majors offered in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry:
  • Christian Studies
  •  Philosophy
  • Theology, Justice, and Peace
• Submit all application materials by the deadline.
• Among other standard items, the application includes writing two essays:
  • The first essay interacts with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “A Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” See the application for further details.
  • The second essay interacts with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech, “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution,” which was given in the Golden Gymnasium on the current PLNU campus on May 29, 1964. See the application for further details.
  • The application provides specific questions and guidelines for each essay. Each essay must clearly address the provided questions and follow the provided guidelines.
  • Any incomplete application packets will be automatically disqualified from being reviewed by selection committee.
• Participate in a scheduled interview with the MLK Scholarship Committee after submitting the application.

Requirements to Keep the Scholarship

• Must declare one of the majors offered in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry:
  • Christian Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Theology, Justice, and Peace
• Must complete specific courses during each year receiving the scholarship.
• Must be on track to complete the B.A. at PLNU with a major in either Christian Studies, Philosophy, or Theology, Justice, and Peace within a total of four years of college studies.
• Maintain active participation in a student leadership role for the entire academic year at PLNU.
• Active involvement as an advocate for ethnic diversity, multicultural awareness, and racial justice & reconciliation in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry and across the University.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA (cumulative per semester) and at full-time enrollment status (12+ units per semester).
• Active involvement in local church leadership.
• An approved internship in a Christian ministry or theological education context during Junior year or the summer between Junior year and Senior year.
• Participation in the Diversity Leadership Scholarship (DLS) program and other required activities, workshops, assigned leadership responsibilities, and outreaches within the Office of Multicultural & International Student Services (OMISS).
• All recipients must meet as a group and individually with the scholarship committee as requested.
• Participation in at least one approved school sponsored pilgrimage or service-learning trip.
• Maintain a mentee/mentor relationship through at least one meeting per semester with an approved mentor during all semesters of receiving the scholarship.
• Must remain in good academic and judicial standing in order to maintain the scholarship award.
• Submit an annual report to the scholarship committee as part of a scholarship renewal process by a given deadline.