Scholarships & Grants
Contact
Alexzandria Sanchez
Director of Scholarships, Ministerial Grants & Emerging Leaders Initiatives
Phone
Supporting the next generation of leaders through education, formation, and opportunity
ABHMS believes education is vital for developing faithful leadership and strengthening communities. Through scholarships and grants, we invest in the growth of students and ministerial leaders who are preparing for lives of service.
Each year, ABHMS provides financial assistance to American Baptist students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and seminary studies across the United States and Puerto Rico through its Scholarship Program. We also offer continuing education grants that support ministerial leaders in enhancing their skills through conferences, courses, and other learning opportunities.
These awards are made possible by the generosity of individuals, churches, and organizations dedicated to preparing future leaders for ministry.
Student scholarships
ABHMS scholarship awards help reduce tuition costs and enable students to focus on their academic and vocational growth.
Scholarship amounts vary and are paid directly to the student’s institution. Awards are available for both full-time and part-time students, including those attending community colleges. Depending on eligibility and available resources, awards typically range from $750 to $1,500, with some specialized scholarships offering larger sums.
Students can receive scholarship support for up to six years during their studies, as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Be an active member of an American Baptist church
Be enrolled at an accredited college, university or graduate program in the United States or Puerto Rico
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Reside in the United States or Puerto Rico
Provide a reference from a leader of the church where they hold membership
Specialized scholarships
ABHMS also administers several scholarships serving particular communities and callings, including:
Latin-American Baptist Seminary Scholarships (LABS) support American Baptist students of Latinx or Hispanic heritage who are preparing for ministry.
International Baptist Seminary Scholarships (IBS) are available for students whose first language is not English and who are pursuing ministry in the United States or Puerto Rico.
Ellen Cushing Scholarship awards aid female graduate students preparing for careers in the human services field.
Emerging Leaders Cohort
ABHMS supports developing young leaders through the Emerging Leaders Cohort.
This yearlong program provides students aged 18–24 with leadership skills in advocacy, organizing, storytelling, and community engagement.
Participants engage in virtual learning throughout the academic year, followed by an in-person retreat and summer internship.
Those in the cohort also receive a summer stipend and an additional scholarship award upon completing the program.
Scholarship application timeline
Applications for ABHMS student scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year were open January 15 – April 15, 2026.
Applicants will be notified of scholarship awards by email once the review process is complete.
Continuing education grants for ministry leaders
Learning does not stop after seminary. ABHMS offers Continuing Education (CE) Grants to support American Baptist ministry leaders seeking to deepen their skills, renew their vision, and strengthen the ministries they serve through conferences, courses, and training opportunities.
CE grant applications are accepted electronically in three cycles each year. Fully complete applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. ET at the close of the cycle window.
Cycle 1
The application window is September 15 - November 15
Decisions will be announced by December 15Cycle 2
The application window is January 15 - March 15
Decisions will be announced by April 15Cycle 3
The application window is May 15 - July 15
Decisions will be announced bu August 15
AB-affiliated colleges, universities & seminaries
Past Scholarship & Grant Recipients
Support your journey. Strengthen your calling.
Whether you are preparing for ministry, continuing your leadership journey, or supporting those who will serve, ABHMS offers pathways to deepen your impact. Step forward with clarity, or help make that path possible for others.
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Apply for a Scholarship
Undergraduates, graduate students, and seminarians can take the next step in their educational journey with financial support designed to help you grow and serve.
The application window for the 2026-2027 academic year is now closed.
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Apply for a Continuing Education Grant
Ministry professionals can access grant funding for courses, conferences, training, and other development opportunities that support ongoing growth.
The application window closes July 15.
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Support Future Leaders
Give to the American Baptist Scholarship Fund and help cultivate the next generation of Christ-centered leaders.
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Questions?
Reach out to learn more about scholarships, grants, and how ABHMS supports your growth.
Contact the ABHMS Scholarship Office at scholarships@abhms.org or 610-768-2067