wfn.org | 'Double Your Dollar' scholarship program again overwhelmed

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

March 22, 1999	Contact: Linda Green*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{149}

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Overwhelming response to the "Double Your Dollars"
matching program of  the United Methodist Foundation for Christian Higher
Education  has prompted officials to stop accepting applications for a
second time.

According to George Miller, president of the foundation,  more than 300
applications have been received to date for the 220 available scholarships
for 1999. "The program has exploded, with applications surpassing our goal
of 220 in the first five days," he said. 
]
The opening date of the matching dollars program was Feb. 15, and
scholarships are awarded to eligible recipients in the order in which they
are received. "Therefore, the foundation cannot accept any more applications
for 1999," Miller said. 

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 first year was so successful that it was
expanded to 220 scholarships in 1998 and 1999.
Miller said the foundation would be looking for additional  sources in the
upcoming year in order to expand the program. "Our goal eventually is to be
in a position to help every eligible United Methodist student who comes to
us for help," he said.
 The foundation seeks to develop a sound funding base to ensure the
continuing presence and influence of the United Methodist Church in
providing higher education in a Christian context. For more information,
contact the foundation at P.O. Box 871, Nashville, TN, 37202-0871; phone
(615) 340-7385 or (800) 811-8110; Fax: (615) 340-7048.

______________
United Methodist News Service
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(615)742-5472