Now accepting applications for the Katie Cannon Scholarship

Ministry provides opportunities for women leaders of color

by Gail Strange | Presbyterian News Service

Applications are now being accepted for the Katie Geneva Cannon Scholarship. (Contributed photo)

LOUISVILLE — Applications are now being accepted for the Katie Cannon Scholarship, sponsored by the Women’s Ministry Fund.

The scholarship supports Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) clergywomen and college women of color as well as other women of color with opportunities for leadership and spiritual development, helping women to develop leadership gifts and to be equipped for even greater service in the PC(USA).

The scholarship, named in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, a pioneer and legend in the PC(USA), provides financial assistance to qualifying women for expenses for a leadership development event in the United States.

“Attending the Center for Womanist Leadership established by Katie Cannon is a dream for many women of color,” said Jewel McRae, Coordinator for Women’s Leadership Development and Young Women’s Ministries. “This scholarship helps to make that dream a reality for many Black and Indigenous Women of Color (BIWOC).  I am delighted that the Office of Women’s Leadership Development and Young Women’s Ministry can assist with opportunities like these.  We are called to be lifelong learners and through this scholarship, Katie’s vision is being fulfilled.”

Jewel McRae

McRae says this year the scholarship amount will increase from $1,500 to $3,000 for BIWOC to use to assist with tuition expense, to pursue a seminary degree, and to become certified in different fields.

“The increase in funds is a result of fundraising efforts over the past couple of years, where the pandemic has caused women in ministry to begin to rethink where God might be calling them,” she said.

To be considered for funding, individuals must complete a scholarship application and provide supporting documentation. Applications will be reviewed by a staff team in the Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries (RE&WIM) ministry area. The deadline for applications is June 1.  Scholarships will be announced and disbursed by July 31.

The scholarship, the Women’s Ministry Fund (E049991), is a fund of Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries at the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

Gifts in memory of Cannon can be made online or by mail. Those wishing to donate to the scholarship fund should click here. Gifts can also be made by check; please make your check payable to “Presbyterian Mission Agency” and write “in memory of Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon — E049991” on the memo line. Please mail your gift to:

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

PO Box 643700

Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

The Women’s Leadership Development and Young Women’s Ministry provides opportunities for all women in the church as well as young women (ages 18-35) who are considering leadership roles in the church. The office sponsors leadership development training, organizes national and regional events that offer young women leadership training and opportunities for networking with peers and mentors, and advocates on behalf of women’s justice issues.

The ministry partners with other PC(USA) entities and related organizations to increase women’s voices and representation in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).