KING OF PRUSSIA (ABNS 2/6/25)— American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is now accepting applications for the 2026–27 Emerging Leaders Cohort + Summer Passionary Institute (ELC+SPI), a yearlong leadership development program designed for young adults who are discerning their vocation and seeking to deepen their capacity for service, advocacy, and community impact.
ELC+SPI brings together students from across the United States and Puerto Rico for a cohort-based experience that combines virtual learning during the school year with immersive, service-focused programming in the summer. Through guided reflection and skill development in areas like organizing, networking, storytelling, and public engagement, participants are encouraged to explore how their talents and commitments can contribute to the common good.
“We’ve created a cohort experience that provides a safe space for young adults to ask meaningful questions about who they are, what they care about, and how they want to show up in the world,” said Alexzandria Sanchez, ABHMS’ director of scholarships, ministerial grants, and emerging leaders initiatives. “This program invites participants to grow alongside one another while gaining practical skills they can apply in their communities, studies, and future work.”
Eligibility and Application Requirements
ELC+SPI is open to students who meet the following eligibility requirements: - Be between the ages of 18 and 24 at the time of application - Be currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or seminary - Reside in the U.S. or Puerto Rico - Be an active member of an American Baptist church - Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on their most recent transcript - Meet ABHMS scholarship eligibility requirements - Submit one signed recommendation from a professor, mentor, or church leader Program Commitments and Participation Expectations
Participation in the cohort requires a commitment maintained throughout the entire academic year and the following summer, including: - Eight cohort meetings between September 2026 and April 2027 - Attendance at an in-person orientation, August 7–9, 2026 - Participation in a retreat and summer internship orientation, June 9–12, 2027 - Completion of a full-time Summer Passionary Institute internship, June 15–August 7, 2027 - An ongoing commitment to learning, listening, and active participation in ABHMS programming - A demonstrated and continuing record of leadership and service within the communities participants belong to and care about Applicants selected for the cohort will receive a summer stipend from the Summer Passionary Institute and an additional scholarship from the ABHMS Scholarship Department upon completing the yearlong program. Additionally, ABHMS covers all costs for required travel and lodging related to the multi-day orientation and retreat.
The deadline to submit a completed online application for the 2026–27 Emerging Leaders Cohort + Summer Passionary Institute is 11:59 p.m. ET on March 30, 2026. Applicants will be notified of decisions by May 8, 2026.
Additional information about eligibility and application requirements can be found on the ABHMS scholarships webpage . Questions may be sent to the ABHMS Scholarship Department at scholarships@abhms.org .
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
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