UMCG Scholarships

Thank you for your patience as we took a pause in 2024 to make updates to our scholarship application and selection process. To make up for the lost year, we will be awarding two sets of scholarships. One set will be for current high school seniors planning to attend a post-secondary institution in the fall of 2025, and another set for students currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution and continuing in the fall of 2025.

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.

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