The Health Care Education Scholarship supports Church of the Brethren members pursuing degrees in nursing, medicine, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy, and other health professions.
Scholarships of $5,000–$10,000 are awarded each year.
Applications for 2027 are due May 21, 2027.
About the scholarship
A commitment to serving and caring for others has long shaped how Brethren live out their faith. The Health Care Education Scholarship carries that commitment forward by supporting people who are preparing to put their gifts, knowledge, skills, and compassion toward the well-being of their communities and the world.
The scholarship is made possible by the Church of the Brethren’s Health Education and Research Endowment.
Who is eligible?
The Health Care Education Scholarship is available to members of the Church of the Brethren pursuing degrees in nursing, medicine, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy, and other health professions.
To be considered, applicants must:
- Have completed at least two years of an accredited college-level health care program, or a four-year degree preparing them for a health care-related graduate program.
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Be pursuing a degree that prepares them to work as a front-line health care provider.
Previous recipients are encouraged to apply for renewal. In accordance with the scholarship guidelines, renewal applications will receive priority consideration.
Ready to apply?
Before you begin, review the application instructions and checklist for a complete list of requirements and materials you’ll need to submit.
Complete the online application and submit all required supporting materials by May 21, 2027.
Meet our scholarship recipients
Cassine Cavante
Miami (Fla.) Haitian Church of the Brethren
“The emergency department has shaped me into a clinician who is resilient, attentive, and deeply committed to serving others with excellence.
Seth Lowey
Carson Valley Church of the Brethren (Duncanville, Pa.)
“My motivation to serve patients flows directly from [my] Brethren values, guiding to me approach the medical field with humility, empathy, and a commitment to caring for the whole person.”
Jenny Harper
Panora (Iowa) Church of the Brethren/Hands of Christ Fellowship
“For me, serving others in the operating room is a huge blessing and a passion.”
Shannon Coughlin
Church in Drive (Saginaw, Mich.)
“I want to prevent, comfort, and advocate to give my patients the best care possible.”
Nathan Saffer
Bethel Church of the Brethren (Arriba, Colo.)
“I fully grasped the impact that a person can make if they are dedicated to serving others.”
Jesse Funkhouser
Round Hill Church of the Brethren (Toms Brook, Va.)
“I try to go above and beyond in my clinical interactions to effectively build a therapeutic relationship with every patient that I encounter.”
James Wood
Church in Drive (Saginaw, Mich.)
“I want to help heal people, learn about people, and establish a real human connection with people who are undergoing medical care.”
Kourtney Cole
Chicago (Ill.) First Church of the Brethren
“I desire to become a clinical psychologist… because it will allow me to truly contribute to my community to help make a difference in the world.”
Page Gerlach
Church in Drive (Saginaw, Mich.)
“I feel so blessed to have the knowledge and the skills that God has given me, and I can’t wait to use my talents to serve Him as a nurse.”
Kara McGiness
Church in Drive (Saginaw, Mich.)
“I plan on spreading God’s word and love with my patients and their families.”
About the Health Education and Research Endowment
For decades, the Health Education and Research Endowment has helped Church of the Brethren members pursue education and training in health care. Established in the late 1950s with an original focus on nursing education, the endowment reflects a long-standing commitment to preparing people to care for others in their communities.
In 2025, the scholarship program expanded to include medicine, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy, mental health care, and other health professions. The endowment also supports continuing education and professional development for health care staff within the Fellowship of Brethren Homes.
Questions
Have questions about eligibility or the application process? We’re happy to help.