VanDyke-Alton (VDA) Scholarship

The VanDykes and the Altons strongly believed in the value of active participation in the life of the church and spiritual journeys. They saw the church as a Faith Community which expected a level of commitment to it from its members. Thus, it is expected that applicants have participated in programs and/or activities within First United Methodist Church (FUMC) and continue a connection with FUMC youth.

To Apply

  • Download the Application Form
  • Submit application to:  [email protected] by the scholarship deadline on the top of the application.
  • Scholarships will be announced in early May.  It is expected that all awardees plan on attending the 2nd Sunday May worship service when awards will be distributed.

Purpose 

The purpose of the VanDyke-Alton (VDA) Scholarship is to support:  

  • Education for members of FUMC as they graduate from high school and/or continue their education beyond high school 
  • FUMC’s youth program  
  • Those preparing for the ordained ministry  
  • Other opportunities with foci on youth and young adults   

Organization 

The VDA Scholarship Program is managed by the VDA Scholarship Committee.  The Committee makes policy and disbursement decisions. 

The finances are managed by the FUMC Foundation.   

The Fund 

The VDA Scholarship funds are invested through the First United Methodist Church Foundation, Madison, Inc. at the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation, Inc.  

  • The Treasurer of the FUMC Foundation, provides quarterly reports on the balance of funds available for distribution.  
  • Upon the recommendation of the Committee, it is permissible to distribute accumulated earnings and/or some of the principal.   
  • Scholarship amounts each year are based primarily on the number of qualified recipients and the level of funds available. 

Scholarships 

It is expected that applicants have participated in programs and/or activities in First United Methodist during the past year.  The Pastor(s)/staff with youth and young adults will vet the possible applicants to apply for the scholarship.  Students can submit their applications by March of the given year.   

Scholarships awarded to High School seniors will be for the same amount in a given year.  All other scholarships can be in varying amounts.   

The Committee will consider the following priority list when deciding on the annual scholarships.   

  1. High School seniors 
  2. Post High School young adults based on their activities in the current year with FUMC 
  3. Seminary students 
  4. Church activities – For example, Appalachia Service Project (ASP), Youth Missions, Methodist summer camps, retreats, etc.   

Other Activities 

The Committee may entertain other requests that are consistent with the VDA Scholarship program or the missions of FUMC related to the youth and young adult programs.   

Non-Discriminatory Statement 

Because All Means All – The VanDyke Alton Scholarship Program is open to all without regard to ethnicity, race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or disability.