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To keep our programs within reach of most applicants, we set our program fees at less than half of the actual cost. As a nonprofit institution, Pendle Hill relies on tax-deductible gifts to subsidize the remainder of the actual cost of each three-term residency and also provide additional financial assistance each year.

Before considering a financial assistance application for the Resident Program, we require all applicants who cannot cover the full program fee to seek the support of their faith communities or sponsoring organizations. Many Friends meetings, churches, and other sources have funds available to help individuals meet the costs of coming to Pendle Hill. Past applicants have also received assistance from their families, employers, and schools.

If personal resources combined with organizational support are not adequate to cover Resident Program costs, we offer a number of options:

• Work/Study: A limited amount of financial aid is available in exchange for work at Pendle Hill. Work/study positions vary according to Pendle Hill’s needs but are most often available for housekeeping, kitchen, and maintenance work. Weekend work is required. Work/study positions generally involve 7 hours per week in addition to the community work commitment (8 to 9 hours per week) required of each resident student. Applicants should note the impact of a significant work schedule on their experience in the Resident Program when considering this form of assistance.
• Named scholarships: Several endowed scholarship funds are available to people with specific qualifications and require the recipient to fulfill certain requirements during the resident term.
• Financial Aid Grants: A limited number of small grants are available from funds designated by donors and the Pendle Hill Trustees for financial aid. These grants are usually awarded to match funds that you receive from sources outside Pendle Hill. Financial aid grants are offered on the basis of need.
• Loans: Short-term loans may be arranged through Pendle Hill at a modest interest rate. Loans are offered on the basis of need; a repayment plan is required.

Scholarships

Endowed Resident Program scholarships are for people with specific qualifications, as described below. Awards are based on need and help pay for tuition, room, and board for one to three terms. If you are interested, please request the appropriate scholarship application. Note that scholarships are not available for Summer Term.

Social Action/Social Witness

Each year, Pendle Hill offers four to six scholarships for activists to participate in our Social Action/Social Witness (SASW) program. The SASW program seeks to strengthen the living connection between activism and spirituality. The scholarships cover 75% of tuition, room, and board at Pendle Hill.

SASW scholars work 20 hours per week with area social justice organizations or agencies committed to transforming unjust social conditions. SASW scholars meet regularly in peer group, supported by Pendle Hill staff or seasoned resident activists. In addition, SASW scholars participate fully in the student life of Pendle Hill, attending meeting for worship and classes and joining community activities, including meal service work.

Pendle Hill encourages applications from seasoned activists interested in mentoring this program as well as others – young or old, seasoned or new – seeking to deepen the connection in their life and work between activism and spiritual life. Each year at least one scholarship is designated to support an African-American activist through the Richard I McKinney Social Witness Scholarship.

Quaker Leadership

Vail Leadership Grants are open to persons who have demonstrated leadership or a potential for leadership in the Religious Society of Friends, and who are endorsed by a monthly or yearly meeting.

Quaker Studies

The Henry J. Cadbury Scholarship is available for three terms to a Quaker student with serious interest in Quaker faith, practice, or history, and who offers a specific research proposal when applying. The scholarship is available until filled. Applications are due by September 15, 2008 for the 2009-2010 academic year, by March 15, 2009, for the 2010-2011 academic year, and by March 15, 2010 for the 2011-2012 academic year. 

The Kenneth L. Carroll Scholarship allows Quakers to concentrate on Biblical and Quaker studies to benefit their local meetings. The scholarship is available until filled. Applications will be considered beginning April 1, 2008, and review of applications will continue until the scholarship has been awarded.

Quakers in the Arts

The Minnie Jane Quaker Artist Scholarship is available to a Quaker pursuing a creative project in fine arts, crafts, performing arts, creative writing, music composition, or another artistic pursuit that is compatible with Pendle Hill’s physical facilities and impact on the resident community. Application is due by May 1, 2008.

Peace and Social Justice

The Nancy and Scott Crom Scholarship is available for an applicant preparing for, or working in, peace and social justice, or planning to study in depth a major religious and social issue.

The Frank Loescher Scholarship enables a person active in social change to come for a term of reflection, study, and writing.

The Richard I. McKinney Social Witness Internship allows at least one African-American activist to participate in the Resident Program as a Social Witness Intern.

International Students

Yarnall Scholarships are available for students who come to Pendle Hill from outside the United States.

General Scholarships

The Mildred Douglass Scholarship, The Dorothy and Douglas Steere Scholarship, The Dan Conlon Scholarship, The Margery Walker Scholarship, and The Katharine D. Myers Scholarship in Honor of Mary Morrison provide aid in varying amounts and are not restricted to any particular category of study.

To explore the Resident Program further, please contact Darlene Walker, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, via email at admissions@pendlehill.org or by phone at ext. 161, 800-742-3150 or 610-566-4507. She will be glad to answer your questions and send you application materials (including scholarship applications).