wfn.org | 'Double Your Dollars' scholarship program overwhelmed

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Feb. 14, 2000 News media contact: Linda Green·(615)742-5470·Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{065}

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The overwhelming response to the "Double Your
Dollars" scholarships program of the United Methodist Foundation for
Christian Higher Education has prompted officials to close the application
process for the third consecutive year.
The foundation has received more than 250 applications to date for the 250
available scholarships for 2000 with a Feb. 1 postmark, according to
President George Miller. 
"The foundation, which offers scholarships for United Methodist students
through the program, was flooded with a record number of applicants on the
opening day of Feb. 1," he said. "It is exciting to aid so many students,
but it is discouraging to know that there are many applications that we will
have to send back to the churches."
In January, the foundation announced that was it increasing the number of
scholarships it offers to 325, with most of the new awards going
specifically to racial minorities. Those 75 scholarships are designated for
Hispanic, Asian and Native American students and are still available.
The Nashville-based foundation matches $1,000 for local churches raising
$1,000 for a member of their congregation enrolled or planning to enroll in
a United Methodist-related college, university or seminary.
The matching scholarship program began in 1997 with a goal of awarding 100
scholarships. The response that year was so successful that it was expanded
to 220 scholarships in 1998 and 1999.
For more information on Double Your Dollars for Scholars or other foundation
programs, call (800) 811-8110, visit www.umfche.org online, or write to P.O.
Box 340005, Nashville, TN 37203-0005.

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