Powers Traditional Worship Scholarship

About Mark & Kay Powers Traditional Worship Endowed Scholarship

Support for the next generation of traditional worship leaders.

The Mark & Kay Powers Traditional Worship Endowed Scholarship provides financial assistance to full-time North Greenville University undergraduate students pursuing a Worship Music degree who are called to lead and serve in traditional church worship settings. This endowed award is designed to deepen professional training and provide hands-on ministry experience through internships, immersive learning opportunities, and personal mentoring from Mark and Kay Powers. Recipients are also expected to serve in a local church’s choir and/or orchestra ministry to gain practical, ministry-focused experience.

Scholarship Purpose & Opportunities

This scholarship supports a holistic approach to traditional worship leadership by funding:

• Professional training (masterclasses, conferences, applied lessons)
• Internships with churches or worship organizations focused on traditional liturgy, choir, or orchestral worship
• Immersive experiences (residencies, staged worship projects, summer intensives)
• One-on-one mentoring from Mark and Kay Powers
• Practical service in a local church choir and/or orchestra to apply classroom learning in a congregational context

Eligibility

To be considered, applicants must:

• Be a full-time undergraduate student at North Greenville University.
• Be declared or degree-seeking in the Worship Music undergraduate program.
• Demonstrate a commitment to traditional worship practices and an eagerness to serve in choir and/or orchestra ministry.
• Maintain satisfactory academic standing as defined by the university.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship recipients are selected based on:

• Academic performance and standing
• Musical ability and potential for leadership in traditional worship settings
• Evidence of commitment to church ministry (past involvement or a clear ministry plan)
• A personal statement outlining ministry goals and how the scholarship will support those goals
• Letters of recommendation (at least one from a church music leader or faculty member)

Award Details

• Award amounts vary depending on available endowed funds and may be applied toward tuition, fees, or approved educational experiences.
• The scholarship may be renewable; renewal is contingent on continued enrollment, academic progress, and active ministry involvement.
• Recipients will be matched with mentoring and experiential opportunities coordinated through the Department of Worship Studies.

How to Apply

Submit the following materials to the Department of Worship Studies by the published deadline:

1. Complete scholarship application online. For questions contact the Department of Worship Studies (Megan Hollifield).
2. Current NGU transcript (unofficial copy acceptable for application).
3. Personal statement (500–750 words) describing your calling, ministry goals, and how you will engage in traditional worship leadership.
4. Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a church music leader or pastor).
5. Resume listing musical experience, ensembles, and church involvement.
6. Any supporting recordings or audition materials (if applicable).

For information on deadlines or questions about mentoring and internship placements, contact the Department of Worship Studies (Megan Hollifield) or the NGU Office of Financial Aid at finaid@ngu.edu or 864-977-7056. The Department will help connect selected students with internship sites, mentor arrangements, and immersive learning opportunities. Celebrate tradition. Serve faithfully. Grow as a leader equipped for choir and orchestra ministry through the Mark & Kay Powers Traditional Worship Endowed Scholarship. Apply today and take the next step in your calling.