Christian Leadership and Formation

This scholarship is for Lutheran undergraduate students who are actively engaged in leadership roles in their congregations, districts, synods, or Lutheran high schools.

Full tuition: Two awards are made each year.*

Scholarship awardees must enroll in REL 389 every semester and participate in the Christian Leadership and Formation (CLF) Program where they will be a part of the Lutheran Leader Cohort during their time at Valpo. 

*Lutheran Leader finalists who are not selected for the full tuition scholarship will automatically be considered for the Allen Scholarship which begins at $2,500/yr and can increase up to $5,000 in years 2-4.

Prospective students must be admitted for undergraduate studies at Valparaiso University and submit the Faith-Based Scholarship Application. To be considered for the Lutheran Leader scholarship, the scholarship application must be received by January 15. For questions, please email faithbasedscholarships@valpo.edu.

The REL-389 Symposium meets on Tuesday evenings during the academic semesters. Any VU student is welcome to enroll in REL-389. This is a time of fellowship that begins with a shared meal. Following the meal, students have the opportunity to dig into issues of faith, formation, discernment, and leadership through lectures, presentations, and dialogue. The weekly gathering also serves as a space for CLF students to build community with one another.

Every Fall and Spring a retreat takes place off campus. Typically the retreats begin on a Friday night and students return to campus late Saturday afternoon. This is a time for students to take time away to build community, reflect, and grow in their faith. Costs for the retreat are covered so that students can attend for free. Allen Scholars are required to attend a minimum of one retreat a year. Non-Allen Scholar undergraduate students are also welcome to participate.