Scholarships have been awarded to students of our congregation seeking financial aid to help further their quest for higher education since 1983. Since then, scholarships have been awarded to more than 300 deserving students active in our church, planning to attend a post high school educational facility.
The Scholarship Committee, founded in 1986 and consisting of approximately six lay members nominated by the Committee on Lay Leadership, strives to administer the scholarship monies consistently and fairly.
The link to the 2026 application will be available in January 2026
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF GENEVA SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA
William K. and Ruth A. Bullock Scholarship
Amounts: Awards of $2,500 or $5,000 based on planned educational programs. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, based on the planned educational program in the first award year. A short application will be required to continue receiving subsequent awards. At least two $2,500 scholarships and one $5,000 scholarship will be awarded each year.
Background: Donated from the estate of Mary Bullock in memory of her parents, William K. and Ruth A. Bullock, who both emphasized the importance of education. Mary loved being a kindergarten teacher in the Villa Park school district for 40 years. She was beloved by all who met her, especially her students and co-workers. She loved life; singing, dancing, and playing the piano were her passions.
Eligible applicants will meet the following criteria:
- High school seniors who are actively involved with UMCG OR referred via a current UMCG Mission/Church in Society Partner Organization
- Participate in extracurricular activities at their school as well as their local community
- Planning to attend a 2-year, 4-year, or short-term credential/certificate program as an undergraduate student
- Demonstrate financial need
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Preference is given to students planning to attend a community college or technical/vocational school
- Preference will be given to students studying education
Awards amounts will be based on the recipient’s planned educational program, as follows:
- Short-term credential/certificate program: $2,500, one-time
- 2-year degree program: $2,500, eligible for renewal
- 4-year degree program: $5,000, eligible for renewal
Lucinda J. Dittmer Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Up to $2,000
Background: Donated by Gary Dittmer in memory of his wife Lucinda. Lucinda was a member of Hugs and served on the Staff Parish Relations Committee. She was a faithful member of UMCG for 15 years. Lucinda was a teacher for academically gifted students in district 304. She joined the Illinois Math and Science Academy to develop its math curriculum and earned her PhD in problem-based learning while at IMSA.
Eligible applicants will meet the following criteria:
- High school seniors who are actively involved with UMCG
- Demonstrate financial need
- Planning to attend a 2-year, 4-year, or short-term credential/certificate program as an undergraduate student
- Preference for those planning to study education and/or women studying STEM
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
UMCG SCHOLARSHIP
Amount: $1,000 – the number of available scholarships will be dependent on the fund’s investment earnings in a given year
Background: High school seniors who meet involvement criteria and are not selected to receive a Dittmer or Bullock scholarship may receive a UMCG scholarship in their high school graduation year.
Eligible applicants will meet the following criteria:
- High school seniors who are actively involved with UMCG OR referred via a current UMCG Mission/Church in Society Partner Organization
- Not selected to receive the Dittmer or Bullock Scholarship
- Actively involved at UMCG for the last year, including but not limited to:
- Youth group membership
- Attending weekly services for more than half of the last year
- Mission trip participation
- Volunteering with mission partners/church in society