As she begins her junior year at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, Madison is striving for more through UMHEF. She is one of nearly 1,000 students around the world impacted by United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) scholarships this year.

A recipient of the UMHEF Martha Forrest Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year, Madison is able to focus on her studies without struggling to cover the costs.

“This scholarship plays a role in successfully paying for my education and ensures I can reach my goals without having a doubt in my mind about paying for it.”

Madison, Paine College Student & UMHEF Scholar

With the support, Madison can focus on her studies and reach for her dreams. “I plan to work my way into pediatrics after I receive my undergraduate degree,” she says. “I love children, as well as helping people, so why not go into pediatrics and be the best at it?!”

A serious, driven student, Madison explains, “I always strive for more instead of settling for less.” Among her achievements, Madison was selected to represent Paine College as a White House Initiative Scholar in 2021. She adds, “This made a lot of people proud—including myself!” The staff of UMHEF is also proud—as I hope you are—to be a part of her journey.

Your contributions help thousands of young United Methodists like Madison, attending one of over 100 UM-related institutions of higher education, strive for more instead of settling for less.

Please consider a gift of $25, $50, $100, $500, or any amount to support our students. When you give to the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, you empower our young people and set them up for success.

The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) is still accepting applications for its Chaplain Samuel Grover Powell Scholarship, which supports seminary students preparing chaplaincy in a branch of the US military.

Applicants of this award DO NOT have to be members of The United Methodist Church.

Students in their middle or senior year at any accredited theological seminary and involved in a Chaplain Candidacy Program or serving a military reserve component after active duty in one of the United States armed forces are eligible. The value of this award varies. Learn about additional criteria and apply here.

This fund was established in 1980 by the family and friends of the Reverend Samuel Grover Powell after his death. Powell served as a chaplain in the United States Air Force for 28 years. He believed that “Military people deserve the best qualified chaplains, for they are not only serving God, but their country.”

Through its many programs, UMHEF awards more than $2 million in financial aid annually. Find out more about us. Please note that UMHEF is a private non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church.

July 13, 2022 | Nashville, TN

The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation is pleased to announce the newest member of its team. Marti Williams-Martin has joined the staff as our Director of Development.

Marti comes to UMHEF with over a decade of experience with The United Methodist Church as Director of Interpretation and the Director of Marketing and Engagement for The Upper Room. She has an MDiv and is a certified fundraising executive (CFRE). In addition to her work in nonprofit fundraising and marketing, Marti has served as an Associate Pastor in Richmond, VA and New York City. She also worked extensively in the Christian book publishing industry and lived in Dubna, Russia for a couple of years teaching English at a small economics college. The common thread throughout her career is her interest in sharing stories of impact and connecting people to life-changing resources, which is at the core of UMHEF’s vision.

Marti will oversee development/fundraising initiatives and donor relations for the foundation. Connect with her anytime at mwilliams@umhef.org or by phone via her direct line at 615-649-3970.

Learn more about the UMHEF staff.

Jadd Masso first received a UMHEF scholarship in 1995 as a student at Southern Methodist University and is now a lawyer living in Dallas, TX. He first joined the UMHEF Board of Trustees in 2010 and has since served in many roles of leadership. Below, Jadd shares some thoughts about making the connection between scholar and servant.

When I received a scholarship from UMHEF to help pay for my undergraduate education at Southern Methodist University, I had no idea of how great a blessing it really was. Of course, the money for tuition as appreciated, but what I didn’t realize then was how the scholarship would further strengthen my connection with the church.

I grew up going to Sunday school and was active in my youth group during high school, but (like many college students) was not particularly involved thereafter. Receiving a scholarship from UMHEF was, to me, a reminder of who I was, where I came from, and the community I belonged to.

While at SMU, I received frequent reminders from UMHEF about the church’s support for me and for hundreds of other students like me across the country. UMHEF stayed in touch with me after graduation, through law school, and as I began my career. As a young adult, I was eager to become a donor to UMHEF. I wanted to pay back the gift that had been given to me, so that other students like me could have the same opportunities–not just to attend a church-related college or university, but to do so with the love and support of their church community. My UMHEF scholarship inspired me to rekindle my involvement at church as an adult and to take on leadership roles in my local congregation.

I have also been honored to serve on UMHEF’s board of trustees since 2010. I support UMHEF now because I know that the scholarships we give are so much more than assistance with tuition. Our scholarships are a way for the church to connect with its youth during a transformational time in their lives and to inspire its future leaders.

Jadd’s reflection first appeared in the 2021 UMHEF Annual Review. Read the full report here.

Here at the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, we have many reasons to celebrate: UM students thriving as they seek God’s calling on their lives, schools committed to providing quality education, and YOU – our faithful and generous supporters!

In this year’s UMHEF Annual Review, we take a look back at the amazing ways God worked through you and our partners in 2021 to live into the foundation’s grand vision to make higher education possible for United Methodist students. 

Inspired after reading the impact made last year? You can be a part of the community of supporters changing the lives of hundreds of United Methodists every year.

Every year, the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation provides a FREE Lenten activity for anyone interested in focusing on their faith during this season. Lent is the 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter that begins with Ash Wednesday – this year, on March 2.

This year, we invite you to spend a few moments in reflection every day. Download the Reflection: 40 Days, 40 Words activity. During each day of Lent, spend a few moments reflecting on the word of the day.

What does the word mean to you? How might it reflect your own faith journey? Pray on each word and ask God to speak to your heart.

Feel free to share with family, friends, or distribute in your church community.

The following story was previously published in regards to our application season which is now closed.

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The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation has extended its scholarship application deadline for the 2022-2023 academic year to March 15 after receiving several requests for more time to complete requirements during this challenging time.

Students who are members of The United Methodist Church and planning to attend a United Methodist-related school, college, university, or seminary full-time are eligible to apply. UMHEF awards more than $2 million in financial aid annually.

Learn about UMHEF scholarship programs, FAQs, and how to apply. As part of its extensive library of scholarships, select awards are available for ethnically diverse students, including those who plan to attend UM-related HBCUs. In rare cases, students attending schools not UM-related may also qualify for awards and are invited to apply for the General Named Endowed program.

Please note that UMHEF is a private non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church.

Did you know that UMHEF offers scholarships designated to support United Methodist students attending select HBCUs? Students who are members of The United Methodist Church and planning to attend a United Methodist-related school, college, university, or seminary full-time are eligible to apply. Applications for the 2022-2023 academic year are accepted now through March 1, 2022. Awards range from $500 to $5,000.

UM-related HBCUs include:

• Bennett College
• Bethune Cookman University
• Claflin University
• Clark Atlanta University
• Dillard University
• Gammon Theological Seminary
• Huston-Tillotson University
• Paine College
• Philander Smith College
• Rust College
• Wiley College

More information on all of our award programs, eligibility criteria, the application process, and FAQs can be found here. Applications and supporting materials must be submitted online or postmarked no later than March 1, 2022. Those wishing to be considered for HBCU scholarships should apply using the General Named Endowed application and be sure to indicate which of the above schools they plan to attend.

The grand vision of UMHEF is that it be financially possible for qualified United Methodist students to attend a United Methodist-related institution of higher education. Annually, the foundation provides nearly 1,000 UMC students with scholarships totaling more than $2 million.

The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation is now accepting applications for scholarships to help fund the 2022-2023 academic year. Students who are members of The United Methodist Church and planning to attend a United Methodist-related school, college, university, or seminary full-time are eligible to apply. The deadline is apply is March 1, 2022 unless otherwise noted.

UMHEF’s two main programs are General Named Endowed (GNE) Scholarships and the United Methodist Dollars for Scholars (UMDFS) program. The GNE application is a typical competitive scholarship that considers leadership, GPA, and financial need. With this one application, students will be considered for over 100 different endowments (additional requirements may apply). Select awards are also available to those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities, other ethically diverse students, and more.

More information on eligibility criteria, the application process, and other important details can be found here. Applications and supporting materials must be submitted/postmarked no later than March 1, 2022.

The grand vision of UMHEF is that it be financially possible for qualified United Methodist students to attend a United Methodist-related institution of higher education. Annually, the foundation provides nearly 1,000 UMC students with scholarships totaling more than $2 million.

Amid the busyness of the season, the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation invites you to spend a moment every day of December this Advent thinking about the story of Jesus’ birth. With one Bible verse a day, may you find your own peace and joy in the journey to the miraculous gift at the manger.

Download the Verse-a-Day Advent Calendar below for FREE as our gift to you. It’s our hope that you may feel Christ with you during this special season.

The Robert Siegmund Rothe Scholarship Endowment Fund has been created to honor the memory of long-serving United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Board of Trustee Robert “Bob” Rothe of Kerrville, Texas, who passed away on July 29, 2021.

An alumnus of Southern Methodist University, Bob dedicated more than fifteen years to supporting the higher education of countless other United Methodist students through UMHEF. Once voted Trustee of the Year by his peers, Bob was respected and loved by all he served alongside.

Bob’s service went far beyond UMHEF. He served in leadership roles within community organizations like Allen Rotary Club, Allen Chamber of Commerce, First United Methodist Church of Allen, Allen Community Outreach, Arts of Collins County Foundation, Allen Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Allen Schools Foundation, and First United Methodist Church of Kerrville, TX.

Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to Bob’s wife, Merry Ann Rothe, and his family and friends.

Gifts may be made in Bob’s memory to the Robert Siegmund Rothe Scholarship Endowment Fund here. Simply choose the fund from the drop-down menu.

Having grown up in The United Methodist Church, Fernando Domingos sees a parallel between his interest in mission and his choice of psychology as his college major at Africa University: both focus on people and communities. With assistance from the Martha G. Rowlett and Robert J. Arnott Scholarship Endowment, awarded by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, Fernando is now working toward his Master of Divinity at Drew University with the aim to give back.

Although mission work is hard, Fernando knows it is God’s work, and God will sustain him. He looks forward to hearing the stories of others, becoming an advocate for social justice, and helping to build strong communities.

After graduating from Africa University, Fernando has spent the past two years in Brazil working with Shade and Fresh Water, an after-school program of the Methodist Church of Brazil for at-risk youth ages 6 to 14. Through his education and experience in Brazil, he saw a shortage in pastoral care and counseling services. His sights are set on this area of focus as he pursues his graduate degree at Drew.

Fernando’s lifestyle is “one set to serve God and others.”

Fernando shared that his first priority is to always give back smiles as he comforts those going through life’s challenges, and to orient others to have a heart of love and charity. His lifestyle is one set to serve God and to serve others. He prays that after completion of his MDiv, he can “extend the services of the church community in larger ways to help others through a great heart of love to the work of God in this earth.”

Learn more about the vision and reach of UMHEF.
Read about the Martha G. Rowlett and Robert J. Arnott Scholarship Endowment.
Support students like Fernando.