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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions regarding The Partnership Program, you may find most of the answers below. If you can't find the answers you need, or have other questions, please contact the Partnership Program at 1.978.646.4027 or via email at partnership@gcts.edu.

FAQs - The Partnership Program

How do I apply for the Partnership Scholarship?
- Students who have been admitted to Gordon-Conwell at the South Hamilton campus for a Masters Degree program, (excluding Master of Counseling and Master of Theology degrees), can apply for the Partnership Program by completing the application forms found on the GCTS website at www.gordonconwell.edu/admissions/partnership_forms.php.

What are the application due dates for the Partnership Scholarship?
- The due dates for the Fall semester is April 15th and for the Spring semester is November 15th. All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be received by these times to be eligible. The forms required are:

1. The application, including written responses
2. A list of potential sponsors
3. Three (3) letters of recommendation

Who are the Partners?
- Partners are individuals you know that will become members of your "supporting team". They can be family, friends, members of your small group or church members. As part of the application, you will provide the names of at least twelve individuals and a sending church that will be willing to support you through prayer and financial support throughout your seminary education.

How much will I get in scholarship money?
- Scholarship recipients will be awarded $9,000 towards their annual tuition (a tuition reduction of more than 60%). Recipients must be approved for renewal.

Am I able to combine the Partnership Scholarship with other scholarships?
- As a general rule, most scholarships at Gordon-Conwell are not "combinable" with other scholarships. However, accepted students may augment this scholarship through student loans and/or non-institutional scholarships. For more information about these opportunities, contact our Financial Aid Office at finaid@gcts.edu.

What are the admission criteria for this program?
- Primary criteria for selection will be: commitment to the local church, academic excellence, a strong sense of calling, proven leadership in ministry, and a demonstrated desire to explore and participate in training in the areas of biblical calling, stewardship, and discipleship.

What are the primary benefits that I will receive from this program?
- Scholarship recipients will:

• participate in focused mentored ministry training,
• gain practical ministry skills and experience in applying biblical stewardship principles,
• participate in other learning opportunities that emphasize the biblical principles of calling, stewardship, and discipleship.

Is there a limit to the number of scholarships awarded?
- The scholarship is available to 50 new students for each academic year, excluding the MACO and ThM degree programs.

How does the money given by my support team get to me?
- All financial support garnered by Partnership scholars is given to a scholarship fund for the Partnership Program. Rather than receiving direct support from donors, scholars are given a $9,000 scholarship for their participation in the Partnership Program. This enables donors to give on a tax-deductible basis, and Partnership recipients to receive aid in the form of an academic scholarship. Gordon-Conwell reserves the right to administer these funds as appropriate and matches them with other institutional resources. The "qualified scholarships" provided in the Partnership Program have been approved by the Internal Revenue Service through a private letter ruling.

What if my supporting team gives money in excess of the scholarship amount?
- Our hope is that all program participants will seek to build support from their team beyond the minimum guidelines, as they seek to build and maintain enthusiastic ministry networks. Regardless of how much money is given by supporters, program participants will receive $9,000 towards tuition, in addition to the other value-added program elements that focus on personal development in the areas of calling, stewardship, and discipleship.

Am I guaranteed to receive the scholarship for the duration of my study?
- The Partnership Program is designed so that those scholars that are selected will be able to participate for the duration of their academic program. All Partnership recipients will receive personal guidance and evaluation from the Partnership Program Director, which will include a semi-annual assessment for renewal. Those program recipients that have demonstrated sincere effort and success in the various elements of the program can expect to be approved for scholarship renewal. You must renew the scholarship each year in writing.

Can I use the same letters of recommendation as used for my GCTS application?
- No, you will need to obtain 3 new letters of recommendation.

I am a current GCTS student - am I eligible to apply?
- Yes - the Partnership Program is available to current GCTS students as well. The scholarship amount awarded for current students will be based on the scholarship amount offered during your first on-campus enrollment year.

Can I apply for Spring semester acceptance?
- Yes - if you are a new, incoming student or a current student at the Hamilton campus, you are able to apply for spring acceptance, with the exception of the MACO and ThM degree programs. The scholarship awarded reflects one semester of the scholarship totaling $4,500.

What if I wish to take more than 10 courses in any given year - am I able to?
- Yes - you can take as many courses in a year as you wish. (The Fall semester consisting of Summer Session III, Fall and January term courses; the Spring semester consisting of Spring, Summer I and Summer II courses).

What if I wish to take less than 10 courses in any given year - am I able to?
- Yes - the only requirement is that you maintain a full time schedule, full time being defined as 3 courses in the Fall and Spring semesters. Please keep in mind that the Partnership Program is only available for up to 3 years for a 3 year degree program, or 2 years for a 2 year degree program. Any course requirements remaining thereafter will be charged in full, so it is to your benefit to maintain an average of 10 courses per year to stay on track.