Continuing Education Program

The Interstate Baptist Association is pleased to administer several scholarship funds that benefit Northwest Pastors, Pastors Family and Ministry Leaders. These funds have been established by churches for the churches of Interstate Baptist Association. 

When applying for a scholarship for an academic year. Please know that  there are a limited number of scholarships available, it is important that your application be completed [grade transcripts or reports, application and two (2) letters of recommendation] before the deadline FEBRUARY 1, 2011. It is your responsibility to fully complete your application. We will not call or write to inform you of any incompletion. We will give consideration only to applications that are completed and in the Association office no later than FEBRUARY 1, 2011.

Should you have any questions which we may possibly answer, please feel free to contact our office (503) 452-2930

A completed application includes the following:

1.       Typed and signed Application; (download/view application)

2.       Most current grade transcript or report*;

3.       TWO letters of recommendation, one of which should be from your pastor**.

*First time applicants are required to submit a grade transcript. All others may submit a copy of their most recent grade report.

**In those situations where your parent is also your pastor or you are a pastor, a letter from the Director of Missions of your Association or a leader in your church is acceptable as a second letter of recommendation.

Scholarship Guidelines For Seminary Students

1. Scholarships will be given to students who are members of a cooperating Interstate Baptist Association Church.
2. Scholarships will be awarded for an academic year beginning in August. The total amount awarded will be divided equally for each academic period (Quarter or Semester) for the specific educational institution. (Summer term will only be considered in situations where the educational institution’s degree programs generally require courses during summer term.) Students who do not attend classes during a particular academic period will forfeit that portion of their awarded scholarship.
3. Scholarships will be paid on a pro rata basis based on the number of actual hours for which the student is enrolled.

Example: A full-time student takes 9 or more hours in a given semester. Therefore if a student enrolls for 6 hours for the semester they would be eligible for 67% of the approved scholarship for that semester.

Exception: The scholarship will not be prorated for the final semester when less than 9 credit hours are required to complete the requirements for the degree. In this case, the scholarship will be the lesser of the amount awarded or 100% of tuition and fees.

4. Students that are attending seminary for the first time are eligible to receive a scholarship.
5. For returning students to be eligible for scholarships there needs to be a completion of 15 credit hours of seminary work. The completion of 15 credit hours must occur prior to the beginning of the academic year covered by the scholarship.
6. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above unless other directives are given or stated by the donor of the designated scholarship funds.
7. It is the Association’s desire to financially assist as many leaders as possible in obtaining their continuing education and leadership development.
8. To be eligible for a scholarship for any academic year, a completed application package must be received at the Association office by February 1st. Students must re-apply each year.

Scholarship Guidlines For Undergraduate Students

1. Scholarships will be given to students who are affiliated with Interstate Baptist Association Church.
2. Scholarships will be awarded for an academic year beginning in September. The total amount awarded will be divided equally for each academic period (Quarter or Semester) for the specific educational institution. (Summer term will only be considered in situations where the educational institution’s degree programs generally require courses during summer term.) Students who do not attend classes during a particular academic period will forfeit that portion of their awarded scholarship.
3. Scholarships will be paid on a pro rata basis based on the number of actual hours for which the student is enrolled.

Example: Assume that a full-time student takes 12 or more hours in a given semester. Therefore if a student enrolls for 9 hours for the semester they would be eligible for 75% of the approved scholarship for that semester.

Exception: The scholarship will not be prorated for the final semester when less than full time hours are required to complete the requirements for the degree. In this case, the scholarship will be the lesser of the amount awarded or 100% of tuition and fees.

4. Primary consideration will be given to applicants in their junior or senior year. If applicant becomes a junior after the beginning of an academic year he/she will be eligible to receive a prorated scholarship for the academic period(s) remaining for that year. It will be the responsibility of the scholarship applicant to communicate when on the application form when they anticipate on becoming a junior.
5. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
6. To be eligible for a scholarship for any academic year, a completed application package must be received at the Association office by February 1st. Students must re-apply each year.