These particular scholarships are only available to new students and awarded by the enrollment department who begin in the Fall term. Current students are ineligible for the Perkins Scholarships.
John Perkins Fellowship:
New students each year are offered The John Perkins Fellowship. Each student receives this scholarship which covers up to 100% in tuition costs for a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Christian Community Development. Each Perkins Fellow will be invited to engage in a transformational experience. During the program, students are mentored, participate in urban ministry internships, and receive first-hand training from top urban ministry leaders.
Benefits of the Program
– Students are able to fully engage in academic and ministerial training without the financial concern of tuition
– Students are mentored by top urban ministry leaders
– In-context learning allows for immediate practical ministry training and transformational educational opportunities
– Community building activities designed for Fellowship participants allow students to
create a network of supportive peers
– Following graduation, students are able to audit a course at Northern for free each year in order to assist with life-long learning.
To Be Considered, an Applicant Must:
– Have a degree from an accredited undergraduate institution
– Be ADMITTED into the Master of Divinity program with an emphasis in Christian Community Development for the Fall term
– Applicant must complete the FAFSA (Federal School Code: G01736)
– Submit a completed John Perkins Fellowship Application form (filling out the interest form below will initiate your receipt of this application from the Admissions office)
– Be able to articulate a call to urban ministry through a 2-3 page essay
– In addition to the required Northern admission reference, Perkins candidates must submit two additional reference letters in support of their John Perkins Fellowship application
– Participate in an on-campus interview
– Be committed to full-time study*
– Currently live or agree to live in an urban setting approved by the program director (see “Living in Community” section below)
– Attend the community building activities, which are normally held in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago
– Currently serve or agree to serve in a ministry role at an urban church or ministry
*Degree must be completed in 3-5 years
Living in Community:
Students must live in an urban setting. This allows students to truly be transformed by the experience. All must engage in the community-building activities often held in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago.
Through a partnership with Lawndale Community church, each year a limited number of volunteer internships at Lawndale Community Church are made available to John Perkins Fellows. If you are interested in one of these internships, please note this on your application.
Upon completion of the steps above, the Scholarship Committee will evaluate the provided information and notify students as to whether or not he/she will be continuing on in the acceptance process (which will involve an on-campus interview).
Students must be admitted to Northern Seminary and have all their Scholarship Application materials turned into the Admissions Office no later than April 15th. Upon completion of the interview process, scholarship recipients will be chosen by the end of May for the following school year’s awards.
In order to receive additional information regarding the Presidential Scholarship or the John Perkins Fellowship application process, you must fill out the application form:
For more information regarding scholarships please visit our main Tuition and Aid page HERE.