United Methodist Communications
Office of Public Relations
For Immediate Release
January 13, 2026
Communications ministry scholarship application window opens
Nashville, Tennessee – Persons interested in pursuing a career in religious communications are encouraged to explore the education support offered by United Methodist Communications (UMCom). Eligible parties have until March 15, 2026, to submit their applications for scholarship and fellowship consideration.
The agency’s annual educational financial assistance options available to U.S. citizens include:
The $6,000 Stoody-West Fellowship assists one United Methodist student in their post-graduate study at an accredited U.S. college or university who intends to pursue a career in religious journalism. The purpose of the fellowship is to enhance the recipient's professional competence through news writing for secular press, church press or church institutions in print, electronic, and broadcast media formats.
The $2,500 Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minority Students is awarded to an ethnic minority United Methodist undergraduate pursuing religion journalism or mass communications at an accredited U.S. college or university. The scholarship promotes excellence in communication ministry through electronic and print journalism.
Applicants for both opportunities will be judged on five criteria:
- Christian commitment and involvement in the life of The United Methodist Church
- Academic achievement as revealed by transcripts, grade point averages, and the required letters of reference
- Journalistic experience and/or evidence of journalistic talent
- Clarity of purpose in plans and goals for the future
- Potential professional ability as a religion journalist
“While we equip and train communicators across the world via various means, our fellowship and scholarship are one way in which we seek to encourage communications ministry efforts while meeting the communication needs of The UMC, now and into the future,” shares Dan Krause, General Secretary at United Methodist Communications. “As the communications agency for the denomination, these educational assistance opportunities are an extension of our mission and vision lived out as UMCom engages The United Methodist Church through Christ-centered communications and communicates the transformational impact of The UMC in the world.”
Complete details and application information are available on the United Methodist Communications section on ResourceUMC.org.
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About United Methodist Communications
As the communications agency for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Communications seeks to increase awareness and visibility of the denomination in communities and nations around the globe. United Methodist Communications also offers services and resources for communications ministry. Discover more about the agency at Resourceumc.org/Communications and follow them on Facebook.
Media contact:
Brenda Smotherman, bsmotherman@umcom.org
615-742-5488 - office