Mennonite Church USA is accepting applications for the 2026-27 Scholarship for BIPOC Students, offering financial support to students pursuing higher education at MC USA-affiliated colleges, universities and seminaries. The application deadline is April 1, 2026.
The scholarship, launched in 2023 to strengthen the future leadership of MC USA churches, provides up to $4,000 for one academic year. Applicants must identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color; be a member of or active participant in an MC USA congregation; and be admitted to an MC USA-affiliated institution.
“MCUSA believes in the power of education,” said Amy Yoder McGloughlin, MC USA denominational minister of education. “We want to see future leaders in the church trained to see the world through the lens of Jesus, pursuing the peace and justice of Christ wherever they serve in the future.”
Students who meet the eligibility criteria — including U.S. permanent residence and active involvement in their local church — may apply. Previous scholarship recipients and graduating seniors committed to enrolling at an MC USA-affiliated school are encouraged to apply.
Participating schools include:
- Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Indiana
- Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas
- Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
- Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia
- Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Virginia
- Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana
- Hesston College, Hesston, Kansas
MC USA will provide up to $4,000 in scholarships to each partner school, which the school may award to an individual or split it between several applicants. Scholarships will be awarded based on the applicant’s involvement in their local church and their vocational objectives.
Applicants must submit:
- A letter verifying attendance from the MC USA partner school where the applicant attends.
- A personal reference letter and an academic or work reference letter, including contact information for potential follow-up.
- A letter from an MC USA-affiliated church pastor, verifying applicant’s membership or active participation in the church.
- A completed MC USA Scholarship for BIPOC Students application form.
Conferences, congregations and individuals are encouraged to support the scholarship fund via the donation portal on the MC USA website by choosing “BIPOC Scholarship” in the notes field or by mailing contributions to:
Mennonite Church USA
718 N. Main Street
Newton, KS 67114
Checks should be made payable to Mennonite Church USA and designate “BIPOC Scholarship.”
Mennonite Church USA is an Anabaptist Christian denomination, founded in 2002 by the merger of the Mennonite Church and the General Conference Mennonite Church. Members of this historic peace church seek to follow Jesus by rejecting violence and resisting injustice. MC USA’s Renewed Commitments state the following shared commitments among its diverse body of believers: to follow Jesus, witness to God’s peace and experience the transformation of the Holy Spirit. Mennoniteusa.org
Written by Camille Dager