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Take Heart Scholarship

Preparing for the next chapter of life can be both exciting and challenging. At LCEF, we encourage high school seniors to “take heart”. While life may bring uncertainties and difficulties, take comfort in knowing that our God has already overcome it all!

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What Is the Take Heart Scholarship?

The Take Heart Scholarship was developed for high school seniors who will soon advance to your next level of higher education. During these times of excitement, anxiousness and uncertainty, “take heart!” As Christians, we cannot anticipate that life will be perfect or familiar, but when we feel that the world has become difficult, take comfort in knowing that our God has overcome it all!

As you begin your new journey, LCEF wants to assist your transition by offering financial support through the Take Heart Scholarship. Three individual awards are available: $3,000, $1,000, and $500. Applications close May 1, 2026, and winners will be announced by May 30.

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How to Apply

In 1,000 words or fewer, answer this question in essay form:

Other than Jesus, pick one person from the Bible you would want to talk with for an hour. Why would you choose this person? What would you talk about? What questions would you ask them? What would you hope to learn?

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on the thoughtfulness and creativity of their response.

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Who Can Apply

High school seniors who have a Young Investors StewardAccount®

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Award Amount

Awards of $3,000, $1,000 and $500 to selected applicants

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Application Process

  1. In 1,000 words or fewer, answer the question “Other than Jesus, pick one person from the Bible you would want to talk with for an hour. Why would you choose this person? What would you talk about? What questions would you ask them? What would you hope to learn?”
  2. Complete the application form below.
  3. Upload your written response.
  4. Ensure your application is complete by May 1, 2026.

Name(Required)
Address
Name of Parent/Guardian
Please upload a PDF version of your essay. By uploading your essay, you grant permission to Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) to publish, reproduce and distribute in print, electronic or video format a portion or the entire essay without prior inspection or approval of the materials. All materials shall be the property of LCEF. In addition, you release all claims against LCEF and its affiliated organizations with respect to copyright ownership, publication, damages or liability, and any compensation related to the use of these materials.
Max. file size: 1,000 MB.
Please upload a JPG image of you! Maximum file size is 50MB. By uploading this image, you grant permission to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) to publish, reproduce and distribute in print, electronic or video format your likeness or image without prior inspection or approval of the materials. All materials shall be the property of LCEF. In addition, you release all claims against LCEF and its affiliated organizations with respect to copyright ownership, publication, damages or liability, and any compensation related to the use of these materials.
Max. file size: 1,000 MB.

Questions?

For more information or assistance with your application, contact Rehema Kavugha, Director of Synod Relations, at 314-885-6406 or email at rehema.kavugha@lcef.org.

Terms and Conditions

The recipients of this scholarship award will be notified by LCEF. Funds are awarded to be used to defray expenses for tuition, books, laboratory expenses and/or related educated expenditures. 
  
The award amount will be deposited into the student’s LCEF investment. Any amount awarded will be taxable as ordinary income to the recipient to the extent it is not used for “qualified tuition and related expenses” under Section 117 of the Internal Revenue Code. Some expenses, such as room and board, will not qualify. The recipient should consult with his or her tax advisor regarding what expenses are “qualified tuition and related expenses” and to determine whether any part of the award will be taxable.  If the recipient misrepresents any information, LCEF reserves the right to revoke the scholarship.