Georgia Harkness Scholarships

The Georgia Harkness Scholarship is a financial award offered through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), an agency of The United Methodist Church. It supports women age 35 and older who are pursuing preparation for ordination as an elder, typically through a Master of Divinity degree at a University Senate-approved seminary.

The scholarship is specifically intended for women who are seeking ministry as a second career, recognizing that many choose to enter theological education later in life after pursuing other professional or personal roles first. Unlike many traditional scholarships focused on younger students or undergraduates, this program is designed to support women returning to full-time, seminary-level training for a vocation of service and leadership.

In this article, you’ll learn what the scholarship is, who is eligible, what benefits it offers, how to apply, and some tips for a strong application

eorgia Harkness Scholarships — Key Highlights

• Scholarship Provider: General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) of The United Methodist Church
• Target Group: Women aged 35 and older
• Award Amount: Approximately $5,000 per recipient
• Selection Criteria: Academic merit; commitment to ministry; leadership potential; dedication to United Methodist service
• Fields Not Supported: Undergraduate programs, doctoral programs, and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) programs are generally not eligible
• Deadline: March 6, 2026
• Focus: Helps alleviate financial burden for women entering ministry later in life

Scholarship Benefits

The Georgia Harkness Scholarship provides meaningful support to qualified applicants who are balancing academic, spiritual, and personal journeys later in life:

• Financial Award: Recipients receive $5,000 toward their seminary education. This award is intended to help cover tuition, books, fees, room and board, or other educational expenses during the academic year.
• Focused Support for Ministry: The award is tailored to women pursuing ordained ministry as elders, a path that historically has had limited financial support for nontraditional candidates.
• Encouragement for Second-Career Ministry: By prioritizing applicants pursuing ministry after the age of 35, the scholarship encourages women who bring life experience, leadership skills, and maturity to their theological work.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Georgia Harkness Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Gender & Age: Must be female and at least 35 years old at the time of application.
• Educational Level: Must be enrolled full-time in a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program or other basic seminary degree.
• Ordination Track: Must be a certified candidate for ordained ministry in the elder track of The United Methodist Church at the time of application.
• Degree Focus: The scholarship is not available for undergraduate, doctoral (Ph.D.), or Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) programs.
• Preference for Second Career: While not always required, preference is often given to women who have chosen ministry after a first career.

How to Apply

Applying for the Georgia Harkness Scholarship is done through the GBHEM scholarship application system.

Typical Application Timeline

• The application period generally runs from early January to late March each year, though exact dates (for the year 2026, the daedline is March 6) vary annually.

Application Requirements

Applicants typically need to submit the following:

• Completed GBHEM Scholarship Application via the official portal
• Personal Essay describing your calling, ministry goals, and background
• Academic Transcripts from previous studies
• Letters of Recommendation (often including church or ministry leaders)
• Evidence of certified candidacy for the elder track in the United Methodist Church

For more details and to begin the application process, you can visit the GBHEM scholarships page

Tips for a Strong Application

Here are practical tips to help you submit a compelling Georgia Harkness Scholarship application:

• Prepare Early: Start gathering transcripts, recommendations, and personal statements before the portal opens.
• Write a Clear Personal Essay: Highlight your ministry calling, life experience, and why you have chosen ordained ministry as a second career. Explain how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
• Choose Strong References: Request letters from mentors or clergy who can speak specifically to your character and readiness for ministry.
• Demonstrate Commitment: Show evidence of ongoing involvement in church, community work, or leadership roles aligned with United Methodist mission.
• Meet Deadlines: Double-check official deadlines each year and submit well before the cut-off to avoid issues.

Why the Georgia Harkness Scholarship Matters

The Georgia Harkness Scholarship stands out for several reasons:

• Honors a Theological Pioneer: It celebrates Georgia Harkness, a trailblazing woman in theology, reinforcing the importance of women’s leadership in church scholarship.
• Supports Nontraditional Students: By focusing on women 35 and older, the scholarship recognizes the value of life experience and supports those pursuing ministry after other careers.
• Encourages Diversity in Clergy Leadership: The funding helps expand opportunities for diverse female voices in ordained ministry within The United Methodist Church.

Conclusion

The Georgia Harkness Scholarships provide a unique and valuable opportunity for women returning to education later in life with a deep calling toward ministry. If you are a woman over 35 wanting to pursue ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church, this scholarship offers not just financial support, it honors your experience, your journey, and your future service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much is the Georgia Harkness Scholarship worth?

• The award is typically $5,000 per recipient.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

• Women age 35 or older pursuing a master of divinity degree and certified as elder track candidates in the United Methodist Church.

3. Can I apply if I’m still in undergraduate studies?

• No. The scholarship is not available for undergraduate, doctoral, or postdoctoral work.

4. When is the application deadline?

• Application deadlines is March 6, 2026.