Since 1981, the Bishop Elwell Fund for Catholic Educators has assisted religious educators throughout the Diocese with scholarships for courses at academically accredited institutions in theology, religious studies, and religious education.
This scholarship program provides up to one-half the cost of tuition for one course and must be met by grants from the parish or school in which the religious educator is employed.
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The Elwell Fund is administered by the Office of Religious Education and Catechesis.
This committee consists of a catechetical leader of parish school of religion, a school principal, a pastor, a representative from the Education Department and a representative from the Department of Religious Education.
A committee appointed by the Bishop reviews the applications by:
Adults serving in parishes or schools of the Diocese of Columbus are eligible for scholarship funds and are encouraged to apply, including:
Application forms may be downloaded here.
Completed applications for scholarship funds should be sent to:
The Diocesan Scholarship Program for Religious Educators
ATTN: Office for Religious Education and Catechesis
197 East Gay Street
Columbus, OH 43215-3277
All applicants are notified of the committee’s decisions by:
Successful applicants are notified of the amount of their award at this time.
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In consideration of the funds received, the applicant agrees to continue employment in the Diocese of Columbus for one semester per course completed with scholarship aid.
The scholarship committee uses the following criteria in awarding scholarships: