Volunteers Exploring Vocation Fellowships

The VEV Fellowship is for young adults who have participated in the national faith-based volunteer programs connected to FTE's Volunteers Exploring Vocation (VEV) initiative. This fellowship provides a $10,000 award to first year seminarians in an Master of Divinity or eligible Masters program oriented toward ministerial leadership. The award is disbursed over three years to offer financial help and fund a ministry internship opportunity.

What does it take to become a VEV Fellow?

Candidates for the Volunteers Exploring Vocation Fellowship must be current participants in one of the faith-based volunteer programs listed below, or have completed a year of volunteer service within the previous five years.

Qualified candidates must be:

entering the first- year of a full-time Master of Divinity program or eligible Master degree program oriented toward ministerial leadership at an ATS accredited institution (for Masters students, please click here and review the complete list of basic programs oriented toward ministerial leadership approved by ATS)
be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident of either country
age 35 or younger
persons who are currently participating in a year of service or have completed a year of service within the previous five calendar years
able to participate in all required fellowship activities

What does a fellowship include?

Award Stipend: VEV Fellows will receive a $10,000 stipend over three years that will be disbursed as follows: $7,500 ($2,500 per year) to be applied toward education-related expenses and $2,500 to fund a ministry internship normally done during the summer before the third year of seminary. This internship opportunity should enrich the Fellow's preparation for ministry and will be negotiated in partnership with FTE.

2012 FTE Leaders in Ministry Conference: Fellows will attend the FTE Leaders in Ministry Conference to be held June 19-23, 2012. This gathering brings together new FTE Undergraduate, Volunteers Exploring Vocation and Ministry Fellows with distinguished theologians, pastors and church leaders for several days of thoughtful exchange, including lectures, worship, forums, workshops, recreational activities and informal time together. Transportation, lodging, food and fees will be provided for VEV fellows.

2013 and 2014 Summer Community: VEV Fellows will also convene in the summer of 2013 and 2014. The exact dates and locations for those gatherings have not been determined, however they will be held during a three-day period in June. Students unable to attend the conference and retreats should not apply for the fellowship.

As many as 10 VEV Fellows will be named for the 2012-2013 academic year.