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College of Arts and Sciences
Graduate Programs In Pastoral Ministries

   

Haciendo Caminos, Scholarships, & Financial Aid

Haciendo Caminos Fellowships

Santa Clara University's Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries is one of the eighteen Catholic Higher education institutions invited to participate in a Lilly Grant awarded to the University of Notre Dame and Boston College called Haciendo Caminos. Part of this collaborative intiative provides Fellowship grants to U.S. born and/or raised Hispanic Catholics to support their pursuit of graduate theological and pastoral ministries education to form pastoral leaders for parishes and communities throughout the United States. The GPPM is happy to offer this opportunity to students who apply for the full M.A. in Pastoral Ministries program. Funds are in addition to any scholarship money the GPPM awards.
 
Requirements:
  • Hispanic or Latina/o born or reared in the U.S.
  • Young adult between the ages of eighteen and thirty-nine (18–39)
  • Roman Catholic
  • Admitted to the M.A. in Pastoral Ministries
  • Demonstrated capacity to engage in pastoral theological education and employ that education in pastoral leadership roles, particularly within the Hispanic or Latina/o communities
  • Demonstrated financial need

GPPM Sources of Financial Aid

The types of aid available to our MA and Graduate Certificate students include the Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries (GPPM) Scholarships, or Federal Financial Aid in the form of loans.
 
The Rev. Francis L. Markey Women in Ministry Fellowships provides financial assistance for women who demonstrate financial need in parish or diocesan ministry who are enrolled in the Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries (GPPM) to obtain an MA degree.
 
*International students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid except for GPPM scholarships with certified ministry within California after the first year of stay.
 
Financial aid scholarships are annual awards.
  • The GPPM Scholarship,and The Rev. Francis L. Markey Women in Ministry Fellowship do not require students to file a FAFSA for eligibility. The Scholarships are detailed below.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a financial assessment tool that aids in assessing financial need. Any student interested in obtaining federal loans is required to file a FAFSA. For specific questions regarding Federal Loans or FAFSA information, please contact 408-551-1000 or email onestop@scu.edu
This scholarship is for those individuals active in or hoping to pursue some type of ministry (i.e., Liturgical Ministry, Youth Ministry, Life-long Faith Formation Ministry, Restorative Justice Ministry, Parish Ministry, Campus Ministry, etc.) and awards a 50% tuition scholarship.
Financial Aid applicants must:
Complete and submit your online application to the Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries MA degree or Graduate Certificate to be considered for a Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries scholarship.
Purpose:

The Rev. Francis L. Markey Women in Ministry Fellowships provides financial assistance for women in parish or diocesan ministry who demonstrate financial need and who are enrolled in the Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries (GPPM) to obtain an MA degree.

Application Requirements:
  • Currently working or have demonstrated intent to work in parish or diocesan ministry
  • Enrolled or recently accepted into the GPPM
  • Have demonstrated financial need
  • Application including all supporting documentation must be submitted by July 31, 2025 for Fall 2025 quarter
Requirements of those selected as Markey Fellows:
  • Provide annual letters of appreciation to the Fellowship donor(s)
  • Attend events arranged by the GPPM with the donor(s) and other Fellowship recipients (e.g. lunch or dinner)
  • Maintain academic progress toward the degree as a student in good standing
To Apply please submit the following to the GPPM office by July 31, 2025:
  • A Personal Statement addressing the following points:
    • The importance of women in ministry
    • The specific contributions you have and/or are prepared to make to your diocese
    • The difference this Fellowship will make for you in pursuing the Master’s degree
    • Anything else you would like the committee to know about yourself
  • A letter from the pastor of your parish in the diocese in which you live or work supporting your application for a Markey Fellowship
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your ministry
  • A résumé of your ministry including your volunteer work

Supporting documentation may be mailed to:

Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Kenna Hall, 110
Santa Clara, CA 95053-0337

Supporting documentation may be emailed to:
pastoralministries@scu.edu

 

Purpose:

The Cirone and Deck Family Scholarship provides financial assistance for women in parish ministry who are enrolled to obtain an M.A. Degree in the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries at Santa Clara University. Grants will vary in size with a primary preference for books, travel, or other related expense to enhance the education of women in the GPPM.

Application Requirements:

  • Applicants must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for assistance.
  • To be eligible, scholarship applicants must be enrolled in the GPPM with degree-seeking status.
  • The candidate for a scholarship must be currently involved in or plan to participate in parish ministry.

Requirements of those selected as recipients of The Cirone and Deck Family Scholarship:

  • Provide annual letters of appreciation to the Scholarship donors
  • Attend events arranged by the GPPM with the donors and other Fellowship recipients (e.g., lunch or dinner)
  • Maintain academic progress toward the degree as a student in good standing

 

 

  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

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Discover the SCU Online Difference:

The Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries at SCU seek to transform hearts and lives through the engagement of theology and ministry for competence, conscience, and compassion in accompanying others. We offer in-person, hybrid, and fully online options for an MA degree in Pastoral Ministries and/or a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy. Generous scholarships and fellowships are available.

Fill out this form to kickstart your future with SCU GPPM.

We will use this information to send you important program updates, events, and deadlines. Go to our Virtual Open House link above to sign up for an information session.