#102 In 2011, thousands of California prisoners went on hunger strike to protest harsh treatment. Since the prisoners’ five core demands where not fully met as a result of the 2011 action, the strike is scheduled to resume next month.
ESA is the premier project of the Sider Center on Ministry and Public Policy at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University. That’s a mouthful! What it really means is that our non-profit mission is supported not only by generous donors, but by a seminary committed to faith and justice.
ESA’s work is supported by Sider and Wilberforce Scholars, who give 10-15 hours a week in exchange for 50% or more of their tuition for graduate programs at Palmer Theological Seminary.
Sider Scholarship
SIDER AND WALLIS SCHOLARSHIPS
Overview
Each academic year, up to ten entering students will receive Sider Scholarships and up to ten entering students will receive Wallis Scholarships. Sider and Wallis Scholarships cover half the cost of tuition at Palmer. The scholarship remains in effect through the student’s entire academic career at Palmer so long as he or she is a full-time student (at least 16 units per academic year), maintains a G.P.A. of at least 3.0, and continues to meet the criteria for acceptance described below.
More About the Sider and Wallis Scholarships
The Sider and Wallis Scholarships may be applied toward any of the Seminary’s masters degree programs, but they do not apply to tuition for the outside institution of any dual degree program.
The Sider Scholarship is named for Palmer professor and world renowned evangelical social activist Ron Sider. The Wallis Scholarship is named for Jim Wallis, founder of the Washington, D.C.-based Sojourners community and of Sojourners magazine.
Sider and Wallis Scholars will give 10 hours a week during the school year to supporting the activities of the Seminary’s Sider Center on Ministry and Public Policy. Through their association with the Sider Center, these scholars will gain valuable experience in research, writing, and networking in holistic ministry and public policy, as well as a greater understanding of how to merge scholarship with popular writing and organizing for social action. In addition, Sider Scholars will be mentored by Professor Sider and others associated with the Sider Center.
Two of the Sider Scholars entering Palmer each year will be Sider Writing Scholars. These will be selected based on editorial/journalistic interest and ability. (Applicants may be asked to submit writing samples in addition to the Sider Scholarship application materials.) Sider Writing Scholars will support the Sider Center’s editorial projects, including Prism magazine.
Requirements
To receive a Sider or Wallis Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
Academic Criterion:
- A minimum of a “B” (3.0) average for the most recent earned degree.
Personality Criteria:
- Is known to be a person of integrity.
- Demonstrates emotional maturity; has a clear sense of self in relation with others.
- Is growing as a disciple of Christ, evidenced by commitment to regular bible reading, prayer, and worship.
- Shows evidence of commitment to the embodiment of the Gospel’s call for justice and compassion.
Community Criteria:
- Shows concern for others, in speech and action.
- Evidences commitment to personal spiritual and emotional growth in the context of the university community (campus life, chapel, small groups).
- Has been actively engaged in the life of a local church community.
To Apply
Those applying for a Sider or Wallis Scholarship must complete the regular application process for admission to the Seminary.
They must also complete the Scholarship Application Form and arrange for a letter of reference from an undergraduate professor to be sent to Palmer. Relevant forms may be obtained from the Seminary’s admissions office, or they can be downloaded using the links below.
Application Deadline/Notification Timetable
To receive highest consideration, all admissions and scholarship-related materials should arrive at Palmer’s Admissions Office by August 1. If slots remain open, the Seminary will continue to consider Scholarship applications through the Spring semester acceptance period.
After an applicant has been accepted as a student at Palmer and all required materials have been received, the review process begins. This enables the Seminary to inform applicants of their status in a timely manner.
Have questions about the Sider Scholarship or working with ESA? Please contact us.
