“This special scholarship in Lisa’s name is a fitting tribute to her deep commitment to our students and ABF’s mission to serve Christian Scientists,” said Alistair Savides, Chair of the Board. “We are excited to name Matthew Consiglio, a sophomore in Marketing at Carroll University, as the recipient. Matthew is a dedicated Christian Scientist, an accomplished student, and plans a career in marketing, where he will focus on “helping people market their businesses, products, and services, whether it be social media posts, website design, or creative advertising.”

One of Matthew’s highlights academically included joining the AMA (American Marketing Association) club. This is a professional club that taught him various aspects of marketing. For one activity, he was given a tennis ball and fishing wire, and was asked to create an innovative product, market its new use, and create materials to market it. Not an easy challenge!

This year, a significant lesson he learned academically was to stay true to self. His greater confidence allowed him to step up more as a leader in group projects and speak up more in class.

Matthew recently shared with us his gratitude for the support of ABF and his Christian Science community.  He shared, “Christian Science has really helped me in my life…if I ever come across anything that may seem challenging in my life, I know I can conquer that challenge with ease.”

Alistair added, “Congratulations, Matthew! This scholarship is well-deserved and I’m sure you will do great things for mankind.”

If you would like to consider funding a special scholarship for Christian Scientists, please contact Sue Ellen Coughtry, Chief Advancement Officer, at sueellen.coughtry@albertbakerfund.org.

Congratulations to Ashley, the recipient of this scholarship. Ashley is a junior studying Finance, with a minor in Energy and Market Resources at University of California, Berkeley. Ultimately, she would like to have a career in investment banking.

This past year she joined a premier finance group club on campus. To become a member of this club she went through a rigorous extensive application process where she had a lot of preparation and interviews. Through this club, her group was responsible for running a hedge fund and making recommendations to the Board on how to invest the money.

She also joined the campus Christian Science Organization (CSO) and began attending church.

She loves being active in the CSO at Berkeley because it has given her a sense of community and inspiration throughout the academic term. Having a CSO has allowed her to talk to others and to find metaphysical support during challenging times like midterms and finals. Using Christian Science throughout her daily life has helped her overcome having a sense of anxiety and fear. “I’ve been working closely with the idea: “Not my will, but Thy will be done,” which has reshaped how I approach my future. I hope to pursue investment banking internships and summer positions in the years ahead, but above all, I trust in God’s direction.”

If you would like to consider funding a special scholarship for Christian Scientists, please contact Sue Ellen Coughtry, Chief Advancement Officer, at sueellen.coughtry@albertbakerfund.org.

Introduction: Don’t Let the Price Tag Scare You

Whether you’re choosing your first college, considering a transfer, or rethinking your financial aid package, the question is the same: “How am I going to pay for this?” The stress is real.

But here is the good news: You don’t have to figure it out alone, and you definitely don’t have to go broke. The secret is understanding the game before you start playing.

“The key is knowing how to get the most aid without having to pay it all back later.”
— George Snow Scholarship Fund

1. Know What You’re Actually Paying For

Before you fall in love with a campus, you need to look at the price tag—the real one.

The “Sticker Price” vs. Reality

Most students only look at tuition. That’s a mistake. You need to look at the Cost of Attendance (COA). The COA includes:

• Tuition & Fees
• Housing and Food (Room & Board)
• Books, Supplies, and Transportation
• Personal Expenses (laundry, toiletries, etc.)

The Three Tiers of Cost

“Remember, the most expensive option isn’t always the best option – many affordable schools offer excellent education and opportunities.”
— George Snow Scholarship Fund

2. The “Free Money” Hierarchy

When filling your financial bucket, always go in this order:

3. The Golden Ticket: FAFSA

You cannot ghost the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). It is critical.

4. The Debt Trap (And How to Avoid It)

How to stay safe:

• Align your college choice with your career salary. Don’t take on $100k in debt for a career that starts at $35k/year.
• Only borrow what you need. Just because a lender offers you $20,000 doesn’t mean you should take it all if you only need $10,000.

Your Future Self Will Thank You

Taking control of your finances now might feel like homework, but it’s actually self-care.

“By taking charge now, you’ll be giving your future self the gift of freedom—freedom to start a career, travel, or pursue passions without worrying about paying off massive student loans.”
— George Snow Scholarship Fund

The “Am I Ready?” Checklist

Screenshot this or download it to your phone for quick reference!

Material adapted from George Snow Scholarship Fund Guide by permission.

Download 2025 ABF Scholarship Poster (PDF)

Greetings to students attending Christian Science camps in the United States and Canada! Applications for Albert Baker Fund Scholarships can be found here: https://www.albertbakerfund.org/scholarships/

Download 2024 ABF Scholarship Poster (PDF)

The Albert Baker Fund (ABF) Board of Trustees is delighted to announce the Adam Messer Sustainability Scholarship to recognize his 9-years of inspired service to our Board and the ABF community.

“This special scholarship in Adam’s name is a fitting tribute to his deep commitment to our students and ABF’s mission to serve Christian Scientists,” said Alistair Savides, Chair of the Board. “We are excited to name Truett Sparkman, a first year Master’s student in Environmental Management at the Yale School of the Environment, as the recipient. Truett is a dedicated Christian Scientist, an accomplished student, and plans a career in corporate sustainability, where he will focus on helping businesses design and implement innovative processes to help sustain the environment.”

Truett recently shared with us his gratitude for the support of ABF and his Christian Science community, saying, “The inspiration and feeling of Love shared within my Christian Science network is both motivating and sustaining. I’m so grateful to ABF for investing in me as an influence for good in the world.”

Alistair added, “Congratulations, Truett! This scholarship is well-deserved and I’m sure you will do great things for mankind.”

If you would like to consider funding a special scholarship for Christian Scientists, please contact Sue Ellen Coughtry, Chief Advancement Officer, at sueellen.coughtry@albertbakerfund.org.

Helen and John Spangler Memorial Endowed Scholarship–Wesley Mills

Wesley Mills of Chicago, Illinois, is the recipient of this year’s Helen and John Spangler Memorial Endowed Scholarship. This fall Wes is beginning a one-year Master of Arts Program in the Humanities with a concentration in Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Chicago. Wes shared this gratitude for his scholarship as follows: “I intend to fully take advantage of every opportunity afforded to me throughout the master’s program, and to use it as a springboard to pursue a PhD and teaching career in cinema studies, sharing my passion for storytelling through educating future generations.”

This scholarship was established by granddaughter Jane Tritt, and great-grandson Scott Tritt, in honor of Helen Spangler CSB and John G. Spangler.

Jean Burgdorff Memorial Endowed Music Scholarship–Kendra Scott Fogg

This year’s Jean Burgdorff Memorial Endowed Scholarship was awarded to Kendra Scott Fogg of Lexington, South Carolina to attend the Vocal Pedagogy Professional Workshop taught by Boston Conservatory faculty at Berklee College of Music. In her note of gratitude, Kendra shared that the workshop …”has given me a complete refresh on my approach to singing and teaching.” And she was able to apply the new techniques to a solo she sang at The Mother Church after the workshop. Kendra teaches private voice lessons and sings as a soloist in Christian Science branch churches.

This scholarship was established in memory of Jean Burgdorff, a dedicated humanitarian and Christian Scientist devoted to music and the arts.

UC Davis Endowed Scholarship–Nick Lynch

Nick Lynch of Foresthill, California, is the first recipient of the newly established UC Davis Endowed Scholarship. Nick’s scholarship helped pay his tuition to complete the Professional Coaching for Life and Work Certificate, a five month program offered by UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education. Nick explains his goal, “My whole purpose for returning to school at a non-traditional time is to equip myself with the tools to help as many people as possible. The UC Davis certificate program will further establish my credibility, deepen my understanding, and continue my progress in blessing others–my high goal for my education.”

This scholarship was established by the Christian Science Organization (CSO) at the University of California Davis to support students attending the university.

If you are interested in funding a special scholarship to support Christian Scientists studying at a specific institution of higher education, pursuing a particular field of study, or residing in a specific state, please contact Janee Shaw, Chief Development Officer at (916) 594-9513.