YPS Program Update

YPS…moving on up!!

When something is truly good – whether it be ice cream or a friendship or a beach vacation – we usually make sure there is more of it in our lives.  At the college level, the same is true. And when academic programs are successful, we engage more time, energy and persons into making those good programs even better. Fortunately for Westminster College, the Young Presbyterian Scholarship has become such a success.

The excellent caliber of students that have been nominated for the Young Presbyterian Scholarship (YPS) over the last 9 years has yielded an exceptional group of current students and Westminster alumni.  The consistency of these “good” students – in and out of the classroom, on and off the playing field, in and out of the lab or concert hall – has enriched our campus and classrooms alike.  So, why would we not want more of these truly good students?  Well, we do.

To that end, three significant changes have been made to the Young Presbyterian Scholarship nomination process.

YPS has broadened its invitation to the PC(USA) by inviting every congregation to nominate two (2) students every year, not just one.  We absolutely would like more good students here, who are grounded in faith and thought and the kind of citizenship that makes our campus a great place. 

In addition, the deadlines for YPS nominations have been extended due to the nature of church/pastor relationships with students.  While teachers may see students daily, pastors do not, and movement of the nomination deadline to December 1 reflects that realization.  Student application deadlines (to the College) have been extended to December 15 as well.

The President and the Board of Trustees have also approved an increase in the scholarship amount, now offered at $18,500/year or $74,000 over 4 years. Student nominees who meet higher academic qualifications will still receive the scholarship they have earned and deserve if it is of higher value, but will remain known as a YPS Scholar.

The minimum academic requirement for nomination remains at 3.5 cumulative HSGPA.

We continue to provide a mentoring program for our first year students, assisting each one with the adjustments of college life and being away from home.  With students in the program representing 14 different states & Puerto Rico, we work to make sure that every YPS student feels at home, knows they are cared for, and is valued.  Our upper class YPS students provide this ministry with the guidance of our office staff, and we are grateful for their willingness to do so.

The Young Presbyterian Scholarship Program also provides opportunities each semester to engage in thoughtful discussion of matters important to a growing, thriving faith – on campus, off campus and when it is time to leave campus.  The discussions, retreats, and other opportunities support the long-standing Presbyterian heritage of building mind, body and souls within an academic setting.  We are committed to that end at all times, and without exception.

For questions regarding the YPS nomination process, requirements, or programming please do not hesitate to contact us.

Carey Anne M. LaSor, ’86 – Coordinator
Rev. James R. Mohr, II - Chaplain