🗓️ Applications are Open!

• For Spring Term 2024 (if you have not yet applied for Academic Year 2023-2024)
  • Apply November 2, 2023 to February 1, 2024
• For Summer 2024 and Academic Year 2024-2025
  • Apply June 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024

🧑‍🎓 Scholarships We Offer

The Albert Baker Fund (ABF) provides tuition scholarships to Christian Scientists pursuing degrees or certificates at accredited post-secondary institutions including community colleges, colleges, universities, graduate schools, and vocational training programs.

Scholarship funds are made payable directly to the educational institution.

✔️ Scholarship Requirements

Qualifications to apply for the Albert Baker Scholarship:

• You are a student of Christian Science and a current member of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts.
• You are able to provide a Christian Science reference.
• You earned a minimum 2.5 GPA for your most recently completed academic term.
• You are a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada. (Assistance is offered in other countries).
• You are enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution (including community colleges, colleges, universities, graduate schools, and vocational training programs).
• You have financial need as shown in your FAFSA / CSS.

👀 Gather Your Required Documents Ahead of Time

Documents must be saved in PDF format. You must complete the application in one session. There is no ability to save your progress during the application. Gather all required documents PRIOR to beginning the application.

☐ Verification of Membership in The Mother Church (TMC)

To request verification of your membership in The Mother Church please email clerk@christianscience.com with your request and include your name, address, phone number, and membership number (if you have it). It may take several weeks to receive your email verification. Save the verification email as a PDF. Alternatively, you can submit your most recent per-capita form.

☐ Christian Science (CS) Reference

An active Christian Scientist who has personally witnessed your practice of Christian Science and can speak to your character, integrity, and current practice of Christian Science, must complete an online CS Reference form on your behalf. This person cannot be an immediate family member. Your application will not be processed until we have received the completed CS Reference form. Here is the URL to send to your CS Reference: https://www.tfaforms.com/4961710

☐ Student Statement

If you are a returning applicant, do not copy / paste your Statement from a previous year. You must write a new statement each year. We are interested in how you have grown in the past year. Please tell us about yourself, including your academic and non-academic interests. Share why you are furthering your education, your choice of career field, what you hope to accomplish with your education, and any future plans. Describe how you personally use Christian Science in your daily life, including specific examples. Include any other life circumstances you would like us to consider. The length of the essay should be one page, double-spaced, and no more than two pages. Label the top of your document with: Your Name, Date, School, Year in School, and NLC Graduation Date, if applicable.

☐ Academic Transcript

The academic transcript for your most recently completed high school or college term must include your name, date of the term, grades for courses taken during the term, and the term GPA.

☐ Letter of Enrollment / Acceptance of Admission or Course Schedule

First year students must provide a letter showing enrollment or acceptance of admission for the upcoming term at your accredited institution. Returning students must provide a course schedule for the upcoming term.

☐ Confirmation of Tuition Fees

Acceptable documents include an invoice or bill from your institution, a copy of your Financial Aid letter from the institution, or information from the institution’s course catalog or website with tuition pricing included.

☐ Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from FAFSA or CSS Profile

Your application must include your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from EITHER the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Student Aid Report (SAR), or the school-provided EFC based on the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.

Submit a PDF that shows your official EFC amount.

Students enrolled in graduate programs (only) may submit a copy of their most recent IRS 1040 tax return form along with an annual personal budget instead of the EFC from FAFSA or CSS.

If you have questions regarding the EFC and financial aid calculations, please contact Libby Scheiern:  Libby.scheiern@albertbakerfund.org

☐ Official Financial Aid Letter

Submit the Financial Aid Letter from the Financial Aid Department of your institution that explains the total amount of monetary assistance (scholarships, grants and loans) your school is offering you.

☐ Prepare Estimates of Your Educational Expenses

Estimate expenses for the following items. You will enter these amounts directly in the online application, no attachment necessary.

• Tuition
• Housing
• Supplies, books, and equipment (such as computer)
• Required fees (academic, healthcare, other)
• Meals
• Travel