Pastor. Professor. Paddler. Poet.

That’s Dave Ellingson.

He’s a former professor at Trinity Lutheran College and the author of several challenging books. He’s also a popular speaker at churches, colleges and other venues. Dave’s strong faith and passionate devotion to God’s creation have inspired admirers around the globe. His former students, together with followers of his Paddle Pilgrim journeys, began a scholarship fund to help students gain the education they’ll need to impact their world.

The Dave Ellingson Scholarship for Environmental Studies and Social Justice is enabling a new generation of students to fulfill their life calling and pursue their passion.

"This scholarship will help prepare students to care for and tend our garden-planet so that it may be enjoyed by future generations. I wholeheartedly support this worthy cause!" Ciscoe Morris - Author, Expert Gardener, TV Personality, and Speaker.

What is a Fjord Angel?

Recently, Dave felt inspired to visit Norway, the land of his ancestors.  Along with a devoted crew of kayakers, he spent days paddling through the fjords, soaking in the majestic beauty of Norway’s mountains, streams and waterfalls.  Their journey was awe-inspiring and difficult. But as Dave discovered, there are often people of good will who come along to help at just the right time. “I started calling the people who helped us along the way our fjord angels,” he says.

By donating to the Dave Ellingson Scholarship fund, you will ensure that Dave's legacy of caring and responsible stewardship continues with the next generation of leaders. Best of all, when you give TODAY, Trinity Education Foundation will match your gift up to $50,000*.

Please, help provide tomorrow’s leaders with the resources they need to succeed. Donate today.

"Join me in supporting this wonderful opportunity to provide scholarships so that students might pursue vocations that 'let justice roll down like waters...'" Rev. Paul Benz, Director of Faith Action Network

Overview

The Dave Ellingson Scholarship is awarded on a yearly basis with the option of reapplying the following year. One Scholarship for $1,000 will be awarded for the 2020-2021 school year. The scholarship includes a two-week internship at Holden Village, a retreat center located in the scenic Cascade Mountains that focuses on creation care and social justice stewardship. Additionally, the scholarship awardee will participate in quarterly mentoring sessions with Dave Ellingson to discuss spiritual and practical needs.

Scholarships are paid directly to the college of choice and will be applied to tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other unmet needs.

Eligibility

This scholarship is for graduating high school students who:

• Have a passion for environmental and/or social justice issues, and plan to pursue majors in these areas.
• Will be attending an accredited Christian college or university in the Northwest (WA, OR, ID, MT).
• Have a high school GPA of at least 2.5.
• Degree majors include but are not limited to Environmental Studies; Environmental Management & Policy; Environmental Science; Agricultural Engineering; Agribusiness; and Social Justice & Equality. If you are not sure your major qualifies, please email us at the address below for review and clarification.

Preparing to Apply

Following are the documents you’ll need to have ready when the application opens on January 1.

• PDF of your High School transcripts if you are currently a High School student.
• PDF of your College acceptance letter.
• PDF of your unofficial transcripts if you are already attending college.
• PDF of any additional financial aid awards.
• PDF of a letter of recommendation regarding your academic performance from one teacher/advisor.
• PDF of a letter of recommendation from one leader associated with your volunteer/service work. (e.g.: clergy, youth leader, local volunteer work, school club advisor, or a supervisor if you work while attending school.)
• 350-word essay describing the circumstances of your financial need.

‍Questions? Contact us at info@tef-lbi.org.

Trinity Education Foundation has committed to match up to $50,000 in fundraising to establish the initial $100,000 endowed fund. If this goal is not met by 12-31-19, the Dave Ellingson Scholarship will be transitioned to the Trinity Scholars Program.