First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport Scholarship in the USA
Posted July 29, 2026
About this opportunity
Opportunity Overview
The First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport awards an annual, non-renewable scholarship to seminary students preparing for ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA). The funding comes through the church's Legacy Fund and memorial gifts, and it is meant to ease the financial load of theological education for students committed to pastoral work. Preference goes to applicants with a personal connection to First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport, though the scholarship is open more broadly to those in the PC(USA) ordination pipeline. Recipients must be enrolled at a PC(USA)-affiliated seminary and actively participating in the ordination process as an Inquirer or Candidate. That means the scholarship is not for casual students or those exploring theology out of general interest. It is for people who have already committed to a path toward ordained ministry and need help covering tuition, fees, or living costs while they complete their studies. The award is not renewable, so recipients who need support in later years must submit a fresh application each year. First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport is a long-established congregation in northwest Louisiana, part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination. The church has a history of supporting theological education and nurturing future pastors, and this scholarship is one expression of that mission. For students who attend a PC(USA) seminary, the award carries the added benefit of recognition from a congregation that takes an active interest in the next generation of church leaders. Studying in the United States means adapting to a country where living costs vary widely by region. In most seminary towns, students can expect to spend roughly $1,000 to $1,500 per month on housing, food, and other basics, depending on the city. Climate ranges from harsh northern winters to hot southern summers, so where you study will shape your day-to-day experience. American seminaries typically offer a tight-knit campus culture, with chapel services, student groups, and community events that help students build relationships beyond the classroom.
Benefits
- Financial assistance toward seminary education
- Support for students preparing for ordained ministry
- Funding sourced through the church's Legacy Fund and memorial gifts
- Reduced educational expenses while completing theological studies
- Recognition from First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport
Eligibility
- Must be affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA)
- Must be participating in the PC(USA) ordination process as an Inquirer or Candidate
- Must be enrolled in a PC(USA)-affiliated seminary
- Must demonstrate a commitment to preparing for Christian ministry
- Preference given to applicants with a personal connection to First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport
- Previous recipients may apply again but must submit a new application each year
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
How to Apply
- Review the eligibility criteria and confirm you meet every requirement.
- Gather your application form, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Official Application Strategy & Insights
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in United States to 's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
Required Document Verification
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