Church Worker Scholarships

The purpose of the Scholarship Committee is to administer the application process for scholarships for men and women of the LWML Washington-Alaska District who are going into full-time church work and to award funds received through the voluntary donation of monetary gifts or mission grants. 

Scholarship Committee
Kim Collins (Chair), Greta Bernhardt

The scholarship application form and instructions for the 2027-2028 academic year will be available soon.

Scroll down to read about the LWML scholarship process.

LWML Washington-Alaska District Scholarship Recipients

CONGRATULATIONS!! 

Abigail Freeman has graduated from her studies at Concordia University in Irvine, California. She majored in Church Music with the goal of becoming a Director of Parish Music. Her home church is Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chehalis, Washington.

---- Update for the 2026-2027 academic year ----

Eric Breidert is in his second year studying at Concordia University in Irvine, California, majoring in Theology with plans to become a pastor. His home church is St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wenatchee, Washington.

Isaac Stults is a return recipient in his third year at Concordia University in Irvine, California. The scholarship helps support his undergraduate Psychology/Pre-Seminary studies. His home church is Zion Lutheran Church in Snohomish, Washington. Upon completion of his studies at Concordia, he plans to attend seminary to become a pastor. 

Kelsie Wiley is in her second year of studying Business Administration at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin. She works for the Lutheran Church in Administration which will help further her career and help the church. Her home church is Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Federal Way, Washington.

 

Ryan Stites, new scholarship recipient, is in his first year of studies at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a Theology/Pre-Seminary student. He is the son of Reverend Roger Stites. Ryan is a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Sequim, Washington.

How scholarship grants work...

When members of the LWML Washington-Alaska District desired to support individuals preparing to serve the Lord in church careers, they established a scholarship fund supported by donations. Contributions to this fund may be made by:

  • Individuals
  • Local LCMS Churches
  • Local LWML Groups
  • Scholarship Memorial Cards

A mission grant, if voted in by the members of the LWML Washington-Alaska District at a convention in even-numbered years, was given to specific seminary students. Now, that same mission grant, if voted in, goes into the scholarship fund so one pool of money will fund students wanting to go into full-time church work.

Today you can give directly to the scholarship fund and have your donation used only for scholarships, or you can give to Mites and a portion of that gift will provide scholarships for future pastors, teachers, deaconesses, and others planning to dedicate their life to work within the church.

Scholarships are awarded to individuals who have a home congregation in the district, plan to become full time church workers, are enrolled in a synodical seminary or university, and have demonstrated a financial need. Currently, the award is up to $2,000 a year for post-graduate students and up to $1,000 for undergraduates, which is sent directly to the financial office of the seminary or university and applied to tuition.