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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    news article

    GBHEM to award $5 million to more than 2,300 students

    November 28, 2016 / By Kathleen Christiansen

    The General Board of Higher Education & Ministry’s Office of Loans and Scholarships will award more than 2,300 students a total of $5 million in financial assistance for 2016. Of those students, 25 are from the Upper New York Conference.

     “Thank you for your support in recognizing United Methodist Student Day, World Communion Sunday, and Native American Sunday, which all help fund a portion of our scholarships,” wrote Allyson Collinsworth, Executive Director of Loans and Scholarships, in an email.

    The remaining funds for these awards come from gifts, annuities, and endowments GBHEM has invested and administered for decades.

    Ian Urriola, a member of the Asbury First United Methodist Church in Rochester and studying at Wesley Theological Seminary, received the HANA Scholarship. He said GBHEM’s scholarship program shows The United Methodist Church is committed to providing access to higher education.

    “Graduating from college and going to seminary would have been much more difficult for me if I hadn't received that form of financial assistance,” Urriola said. “Because of this, the scholarship program is helping The UMC fulfill its mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

    There are many applicants who did not receive a scholarship due to lack of funds. If you would like to partner to make a difference for more students, contact Bruce Blumer at bblumer@UMCDevelopmentCenter.org

    Students who are members of The United Methodist Church may apply online for a Fall 2017 GBHEM scholarships between Jan. 3 and March 1, 2017. Student loans are also available at interest rates as low as 3.75 percent – lower than federal educational loan rates – with a credit-worthy cosigner.


    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."