The Stoody-West Graduate Fellowship is awarded by United Methodist Communications to give recognition to the work and lives of Dr. Ralph Stoody and Dr. Arthur West, who were leaders in public relations and information services in the Church.
This fellowship is awarded to a graduate student to enhance his or her professional competence and thereby help preserve the standards demonstrated by Ralf Stoody and Arthur West.
Contents
Award Information:
Amount: $6,000
Number of Scholarship Awards: 1
Deadline: March 15; Annually
GPA: Check the official website for more information
Major: Mass Communications, Journalism, Radio, TV, IT, Web Management, Public Relations, print or other related fields
Eligibility Requirements:
– Must be a United Methodist graduate student who is enrolled in an accredited graduate program at a 4-year college or university in the United States
– Must be dedicated to pursuing a career in religious journalism
Application Process:
1. Download the scholarship application form from Ws3.amazonaws.com/Website_Properties_UGC/scholarship-fellowship/documents/stoody_west_application.PDF and fill it out completely.
2. Request official copies of your transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you have attended. Have the school mail the copies directly to the Foundation in sealed envelopes. Your current college/university should also include proof of enrollment into a graduate program in journalism.
3. Compose an essay (about 500 words or less) discussing your commitment to the Christian faith, your interest in religious communication, and how you see the two intersecting in your life presently and in the future.
4. Include a recent photo of yourself – to be used for promotional purposes if you are awarded the scholarship.
5. Submit three (3) samples of your journalistic work. These can be in electronic, audiovisual, or print format.
6. Secure three (3) letters of reference from the following:
a. Local church pastor or a denominational official;
b. Chairperson of the department in which you are currently majoring as a graduate student; and
c. Employer or supervisor who can comment on your journalistic capabilities.
Their letters must be submitted directly to the committee via email or mail and should include their contact information.
7. Send all materials to:
Stoody-West Fellowship Committee
United Methodist Communications
Communications Ministry Team
P.O. Box 320
Nashville, TN 37202-320
Or
Stoddy-West Fellowship Committee
United Methodist Communications
Communications Ministry Team
810 12th Ave, South
Nashville, TN 37203-4744
Application Checklist:
Before you submit your application, please remember to:
• Request an official copy of your transcript(s)
• Secure three (3) letters of reference
• Include a good, recent photo of yourself
• Submit three (3) work samples
• Include your essay
Selection Process:
The Stoody-Wood Fellowship Committee will meet around the first week of April to review all submitted applications. Chosen finalists may be contacted by the committee for a short interview over the phone. The award recipient will be chosen based on:
• Applicant’s Christian commitment and involvement in the life of the United Methodist Church
• Academic Achievement as evidenced by submitted transcripts, GPA, and letters of reference
• Journalistic experience and/or evidence of journalistic potential/talent
• Clarity of purpose in future plans and goals
• Potential professional ability as a religious journalist
Award Disbursement:
The scholarship money will be distributed in two separate payments. The first half will be paid after the recipient provides proof of enrollment into an accredited graduate program at an accredited institution for higher education or department of journalism in the U.S. The 2nd half will be given upon verification of enrollment for the spring semester.
Contact Information:
Stoody-West Fellowship Committee
United Methodist Communications
810 12th Avenue, South
Nashville, TN 37203-4744
Phone: (888) 278-4862
Website: www.umcom.org