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Leadership Development and Scholarships Program

TRAINING TODAY’S AND TOMORROW’S LEADERS

The 20th anniversary celebration of Africa University begins with a procession.

Photo: Kathleen Barry, UM News

Through our Leadership Development and Scholarships Program’s World Communion and Leadership Development Scholarships, emerging church and community leaders prepare to share Jesus’ teachings with compassion and effectiveness. These highly selective scholarships support study in theology, health, community development, and human rights worldwide — fostering justice, healing, and Christian community.

Our 2025 Impact

See how we provided access to needed training and expertise for global partners.

$610,025

awarded for 111 scholarships
$610,025 in 111 scholarships approved to fill critical community needs.

50

unique institutions and schools attended
Scholarship recipients attended 50 unique academic institutions and schools studying a wide range of topics so they can make a positive impact in their communities.

Our Theological Commitment to Education Access

The General Boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry share a theological commitment to working to provide access to education. This commitment includes providing scholarships and other assistance to persons from disadvantaged groups that cannot access education and opportunities on the same basis as others. This commitment is grounded in our Methodist theological heritage and our beliefs about God’s call to work for mission and justice in the world.

As United Methodists, we believe that all people are created in the image of God and of sacred worth. We further believe that all people have a right to education. We recognize, however, that not all people have access to education. As United Methodists, our faith compels us to take concrete actions to oppose injustices that disregard the inherent worth of all people. This includes tangible steps to promote access to education through scholarships.

Stay Informed

The 2026 scholarship application portals have closed. If you have additional questions, contact the Scholarship Office at umscholar@gbhem.org.

Join the Interest List and we will email you when the next Scholarship Application Window opens. Fields marked with an * are required

Read Stories
of Impact

)> View All Leadership Development and Scholarships Stories

Women Rising Again in Honduras

Women in Honduras gather to explore God’s purpose and calling for their lives and form a new National Board of Methodist Women.
Read Story

Women Rising Again in Honduras

Women in Honduras gather to explore God’s purpose and calling for their lives and form a new National Board of Methodist Women.
Read Story

Partnership to Open Clinical Pastoral Education Site in the Philippines

Directors of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry approve a proposal for Mary Johnston Hospital in Manila to develop the first certified and accredited UMC CPE program outside the U.S.
Read Story

Partnership to Open Clinical Pastoral Education Site in the Philippines

Directors of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry approve a proposal for Mary Johnston Hospital in Manila to develop the first certified and accredited UMC CPE program outside the U.S.
Read Story

A Beacon in the Community

In seven years, an African American UMC in Alabama went from a pantry that served five people a month to a pantry that now serves 9,000 families a year and offers a clinic, services to the unhoused, HIV testing and navigation to care, prison re-entry, court programming, and mental health counseling.
Read Story

A Beacon in the Community

In seven years, an African American UMC in Alabama went from a pantry that served five people a month to a pantry that now serves 9,000 families a year and offers a clinic, services to the unhoused, HIV testing and navigation to care, prison re-entry, court programming, and mental health counseling.
Read Story
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Explore Our Other Ministries

Help grow Methodism in new places, strengthen churches and support programs that share the good news of God’s love.

New Faith Communities

Share the gospel and Christ’s love in new places, including Central African Republic, Honduras and Southeast Asia.

Mission Connections

Build partnerships to grow the church and understand its unique expression in different cultures worldwide.

Multiethnic Ministries

Serve vulnerable groups and work to fight inequality through multiethnic and racial-ethnic congregations in the United States.

Institute for Multicultural Ministries

Help church leaders understand cultural differences, build relationships and serve diverse communities, especially migrants and refugees.

Community Developers Program

A group of racial and ethnic churches across the U.S. working to strengthen The United Methodist Church’s ability to serve and partner with local communities.

In Mission Together

Connecting U.S. churches with global partners to help start churches, focusing on long-term development and self-sufficiency.

Racial and Ethnic Ministry Plans

Supports diverse communities through national and ethnic ministry plans that promote cultural inclusion and church growth.