Valda McWhirter Memorial Scholarship 2026 Scholarship Application

All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Through the generosity of Mrs. Valda McWhirter of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Gatesville, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco is blessed with the opportunity to provide scholarships of $1,000-$3,000, renewable for up to 5 undergraduate study academic years (need not be consecutive) or three graduate study academic years, provided the student continues to meet eligibility requirements. All eligibility and application rules described below apply.  There are two cohorts of McWhirter Scholars: Undergraduate McWhirter Scholars (UMS) and Graduate McWhirter Scholars (GMS). The eligibility requirements are listed below for each. If an applicant does not meet these eligibility requirements due to a unique personal or family situation, the applicant may discuss their situation with the McWhirter Scholarship Committee.

 
 Undergraduate McWhirter Scholars 
 
1. A UMS must have completed high school or be scheduled to complete high school within 6 months of application. 
2. A UMS must be enrolled full time or accepted at an accredited institution of higher education, to include colleges, universities, junior colleges, community colleges, vocational schools, or professional schools. Scholarship funds may be applied to any undergraduate, vocational, or professional program. 
3. A UMS and at least one parent must be confirmed in the Episcopal Church and must have been members of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church for at least one year prior to scholarship application deadline. The parent of a UMS must have been a confirmed communicant in good standing for at least one year prior to application. A confirmed communicant in good standing is confirmed, regular in service and attendance at St. Alban’s, regularly receives Holy Communion at the parish, and is a financial giver of record at the church. 
4. A UMS must have been actively involved in the church life of St. Alban’s, either as an acolyte, in the youth group, or in some other manner approved by the Scholarship Committee, prior to the application deadline. A UMS is expected to continue regular attendance at St. Alban’s when in Waco and continue to be involved in an Episcopal Church at their college location. 
 
Graduate McWhirter Scholars 
 
1. A GMS must have completed an undergraduate bachelors (or equivalent) degree or be scheduled to complete such degree within 6 months of application. 
2. A GMS must be enrolled full time or accepted into either a graduate (Masters, Doctoral, or similar) degree program at an accredited institution of higher education, to include colleges, universities, community colleges, or a vocational or technical certification program at a vocational or professional school. Scholarship funds may be applied to any graduate, vocational, or professional program. 
3. A GMS must be confirmed in the Episcopal Church and must have been a confirmed communicant in good standing of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church for at least one year prior to scholarship application deadline. A confirmed communicant in good standing is confirmed, regular in service and attendance at St. Alban’s, regularly receives Holy Communion at the parish, and is a financial giver of record at the church. 
4. A GMS must have been actively involved in the church life of St. Alban’s. Such ministries include serving as an usher, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Altar Guild, or in some other manner approved by the Scholarship Committee, prior to the application deadline. A GMS is expected to continue regular attendance at St. Alban’s when in Waco and continue to be involved in an Episcopal Church at their college location. 
 5. Applicants who are St. Alban’s member but attended and recently graduated from colleges or universities outside of Waco must be able to show proof of involvement at an Episcopal Church while at their college or university. 
 
Renewals 
 

Individuals who are interested in renewing the McWhirter Scholarship will complete the application and provide proof of involvement at an Episcopal Church while at their college or university. This documentation may be in the form of a letter on church letterhead, confirming church involvement, and should be signed by a member of the pastoral staff. The McWhirter Scholarship Committee has the discretion to make exceptions in the event a GMS is attending and participating in the life of a non-Episcopal church.

Suggestions for a Successful Application

• Remember that a group of readers will review and read your application.  You are not just giving information; you are giving them a picture of who you are.  
• Take the time to fill out the form completely, accurately, and legibly.
• Make sure your proof of enrollment shows your school ID number.  Any amount awarded is paid through the Diocese directly to your university account, and your ID is required for this to occur.
• Make sure your letter of response is clearly written, edited, and gives readers specific information.  As with any application, the care you give to your application reflects your qualities as an applicant.

All questions should be directed to Lori Youngblood, Director of Finance at 254.752.1773 or lori@stalbanswaco.org.

Application Instructions

1. All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, April 1, 2026. No late applications will be considered.

2. Applicants must provide:

• New Scholarship applicants must provide:
     -Completed Scholarship Application Form
     -Copy of Acceptance Letter or Proof of Enrollment
     -A one to two-page typed response addressing the questions, “What experiences have I had at St.  Alban’s inspiring me to serve?” And, “How am I serving God now, and where is God calling me to serve in the future?”

• Renewal and Graduate School applicants provide the following:
     -Completed Scholarship Application Form
     -Copy of Acceptance Letter or Proof of Enrollment
     -A one-page typed response addressing the question, “How am I serving God now, and where is God calling me to serve in the future?”

3. The Scholarship Committee will review all candidates and award McWhirter Scholars on the basis of their written application and involvement in the church life of St. Alban’s.

4. McWhirter Scholars will be notified by email of their selection.

5. McWhirter Scholars are selected on an annual basis. Scholarships may be renewed for a total of up to 5 academic years (need not be consecutive), provided that a Scholar completes a new application each year and continues to meet eligibility requirements.

Valda McWhirter Memorial Scholarship 2026 Scholarship Application
New Applicant or Renewal?

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

Maximum file size: 268.44MB