Jeremiah 29 Scholarship Program

Bethel University’s Jeremiah 29 Scholarship Program (J29) is designed for students who want to grow as leaders, scholars, and servants. Through leadership development, service, and community, J29 Scholars are equipped to use their strengths to serve others and make an impact. 

The program reflects Bethel’s commitment to a Christ-guided community that values inclusive excellence, expanding access and opportunity for students with financial need and those who may face additional barriers in pursuing higher education.

What is the Jeremiah 29 Scholarship?

The Jeremiah 29 Scholarship celebrates outstanding students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership potential, and a heart for service. Each year, Bethel selects 10 scholars to receive $2,000 annually for four years—a total of $8,000. This financial support is accompanied by opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, and academic enrichment.

Through the program, scholars have opportunities to:

• Develop leadership skills.
• Serve their communities through meaningful projects.
• Receive support and enrichment to help them thrive academically.
• Build relationships with other students committed to leadership and service.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Jeremiah 29 Scholarship, students must:

• Enroll as a first-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student at Bethel.
• Be a Minnesota resident.
• Have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Have a family adjusted gross income (AGI) of below $80,000 as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Demonstrate leadership potential, a heart for service, or academic promise.

Selections are made in accordance with federal civil rights laws and do not preference awards based on race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics.

When paired with the Bethel Promise Grant, the two awards may cover most of your tuition cost.

Application process

1. Apply to Bethel. Submit an application for admission and high school transcript.
2. Complete the FAFSA. Submit the FAFSA so Bethel can determine eligibility for need-based financial aid.
3. Apply for the J29 Scholarship. Complete the J29 Scholarship application by February 1, 2027, including a brief essay and one reference from a pastor, teacher, or community leader who can speak to the applicant’s leadership, academics, or service.
4. Connect with us.
   If you're selected as a semifinalist, a member of the J29 team will reach out to you about next steps.
5. Confirm your participation.
   Finalists will be notified and asked to confirm their participation in the J29 Program. Scholarship recipients will also be invited to a celebration in August.

Apply for the scholarship

Scholarship renewal

The Jeremiah 29 Scholarship is renewable at $2,000 per year for up to four years.

To renew the scholarship, J29 Scholars must:

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by Bethel University.
• Actively participate in J29 cohort activities.
• Continue demonstrating a commitment to leadership, service, and academic excellence.

The scholarship amount will be prorated for students who graduate in fewer than four years.

Questions?

For questions about the Jeremiah 29 Scholarship Program, contact j29@bethel.edu or the Office of Financial Aid.