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    Scholarship Program Overview

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    “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)

    The Here I Am Fund exists to help Christian leaders seeking their Associate or Bachelor's degree at Christian Leaders Institute who cannot afford the educational service fees.

    என்னை பதிவு செய்யவும்

    This scholarship connects your ministry calling with a community of supporters. Eligible students complete a short application process and may also launch their own scholarship fundraiser, inviting others to invest in their ministry journey. 

    Student Eligibility
    • Completed at least 15 credit hours at Christian Leaders Institute
    • Maintains at least a 2.5 GPA
    • Seeking an Associate or Bachelor's degree but unable to pay the education services fee
    How It Works
    • Low-Income Verification (Tier 4 Students): Tier 4 students submit verification of their low-income/financial situation.
    • Scholarship Appeal Paper: A 1,000-word appeal sharing your ministry calling, financial need, degree goals, and personal testimony.
    • Launch Your Fundraiser: Students may create a personal scholarship fundraiser to invite friends, family, and supporters to partner in their education.
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    Step one: Scholarship Appeal Paper

    Your First Step Toward a Send Me Scholarship

    One of the most important steps in the Here I Am Fund – Send Me Scholarship process is writing your Appeal Letter. This is your personal and prayerful request for support as you pursue your degree at Christian Leaders Institute.
    Why This Appeal Letter Matters

    Your Appeal Letter may be shared with:

    • Kingdom donors who are seeking to invest in faithful Christian leaders
    • Your circle of influence (if you choose) to invite those who know you to support your journey
    • Christian Leaders Institute communications to highlight your testimony
    • Other students who may be encouraged by your story

    This is more than a letter. It’s your opportunity to share your calling, demonstrate your commitment, and invite others to join you in what God is doing through your life.

    Your Appeal Letter also becomes the foundation for your “Here I Am” Profile, which may be used to:

    • Launch a crowdfunding opportunity for your scholarship support
    • Connect your need with potential donors and ministry partners
    • Showcase how CLI is training and mobilizing leaders around the world

    This process is designed to be missional, relational, and Kingdom-centered—connecting your calling with those ready to help send you into fruitful ministry.

    What to Include in Your Appeal Letter

    Your Appeal Letter should be at least 1,000 words and include the following:

    1. Your Testimony and Calling
      How did you come to know Jesus Christ? How has He called you into ministry?
    2. Your Ministry Goals
      What do you hope to do with your training—such as preaching, church planting, chaplaincy, youth leadership, or counseling?
    3. Why You Need a Scholarship
      Share honestly about your financial situation and why even the lowest monthly administration fee is not possible for you at this time.
    4. How You Will Use Your Degree to Serve
      Explain how your degree will help you reach others, lead ministries, and advance the Gospel.
    Need Help Writing?

    If writing isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry—we’re here to help. We strongly recommend completing the Basic Writing (2 credits) course before submitting your Appeal Letter.

    This course will guide you step-by-step in writing a clear, organized, and thoughtful paper. You may even use the writing assignment from that class as the foundation for your appeal.

    Integrity & Truthfulness

    Please be completely truthful in your Appeal Letter. Christian Leaders Institute takes integrity seriously. If dishonesty is discovered, any scholarship awarded—and potentially any conferred degree—may be revoked.

    We are also committed to truthful representation. If your scholarship profile is shared using wording that doesn’t reflect your heart, please let us know. Our goal is to honor you and what God is doing through your story.

    This is more than a scholarship request—it’s a sacred moment to respond to God’s call.

    Like Isaiah, you have the opportunity to say:

    “Here I am. Send me.” — Isaiah 6:8

    We believe God

    • Scholarship Appeal Paper Assignment

    • Start a “Here I Am” Fundraiser

      Before—or while—CLI reviews scholarship requests, you can begin raising support from your own community. Many students find that friends, family, churches, and coworkers are eager to help once they understand the calling and the need.
      Walkthrough Video

      Watch Abby Dominiak’s step-by-step walkthrough here:

      How This Works

      All students applying for scholarships are considered for support from the Here I Am Fund. Scholarships are reviewed and funded in the order they are submitted. While you wait, you can invite your community to help fund your degree right away. Community support often helps students move forward sooner, while CLI continues raising funds for future students.

      We understand that timing and finances are major factors in your educational journey. To ensure our records remain current and fair to all applicants, students may remain on the scholarship waiting list for up to one year. If funding does not become available during this period, we invite you to re-apply to renew your place on the list. We do not guarantee fund availability. 

      Select Your Path

      We offer two distinct pathways to help you move forward with your goals while awaiting scholarship funding. Choose the option that best aligns with your current circumstances.

      Option 1: The Degree Grant Program

      For those who wish to begin their official degree program immediately.

      If you are eager to start your journey at the Leadership Excellence School, you can enroll now through our Degree Grant Program. We believe that financial constraints shouldn't stall your momentum, which is why this path features:

      • Low Monthly Contributions: Payments starting as low as $25 per month.
      • Reduced Overall Costs: A significant discount on your total degree tuition.
      • Simple Onboarding: Your initial application fee is bundled into your balance—no upfront application costs.
      • Scholarship Integration: Should scholarship funds be awarded during your waiting period, the scholarship will be applied to your remaining balance, potentially clearing your degree balance entirely.

      How to Apply: Within Step 1 of the Admissions Course, select the option for "Financial Assistance" and complete the grant application. [Click here to enroll]

      Option 2: The Christian Development School

      For those who require a zero-cost academic start.

      We recognize that for some, even a small monthly payment is a burden. Our Christian Development School is designed specifically to ensure your growth never stops, regardless of your financial picture.

      • Cost-Free Learning: Access over 200 college-level courses at no charge.
      • Earn While You Wait: This is the same platform where you earn the 15 credit hours required for scholarship eligibility.
      • Seamless Transfer: You can take the exact same courses required for your future degree. Once you receive your scholarship or choose to begin payments, your progress transfers directly into the degree program.

      This path allows you to stay on track with your academic and spiritual goals without the weight of monthly payments or application fees.


      Create Your Fundraiser

      You’ll create a short public fundraiser connected to your degree goal. Here’s what you’ll do:

      • Write a short reason (300 characters max): This will appear on your fundraiser page and should briefly explain why you need support for your degree.
        Example: “I’m pursuing ministry training at CLI to better serve my church and community as a youth leader, but financial hardship due to unemployment and medical treatments makes it difficult to continue without support.”
      • Share your full story: You can share your full appeal story (the same one you wrote for your Appeal Paper) through:
        • Facebook posts
        • Emails
        • Text messages
        • Church bulletins or small groups

        This is where you explain your calling, your need, and how you will use your degree for ministry.

      • Set your fundraising goal:
        Please set your goal based on your degree program:
        • $1,500 for an Associate Degree
        • $3,000 for a Bachelor Degree

      This fundraiser isn’t about pressure—it’s about inviting others to partner with you in what God is calling you to do.

      Many students are surprised by how willingly their community responds when given a clear and meaningful opportunity. When you’re ready, create your Here I Am Fundraiser below and begin sharing your story.

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    Step Two - After You’re Issued a Send Me Scholarship

    After You’re Issued a Send Me Scholarship

    Congratulations! Your Here I Am Fund appeal has been fully funded. You’ve been issued a Send Me Scholarship—a major step toward completing your degree and stepping forward into God’s calling on your life.

    Below are your next steps to officially claim your scholarship and continue toward your Associate or Bachelor degree at Christian Leaders Institute.

    Step 1

    Enroll in the Leadership Excellence School (LES) Admissions Class

    To officially claim your scholarship, you must enroll in and complete the LES Admissions Class and be accepted into the Leadership Excellence School.

    👉 Enroll here:
    https://christianleaders.org/course/view.php?id=1441

    When you reach the payment section, please include this statement:

    “I am a Send Me Scholarship Recipient through the Here I Am Fund.”
    Step 2

    Complete the Admissions Process

    As you move through the Admissions Class, follow the instructions to select the Christian Leaders Institute degree program that best fits your completed credits and ministry goals.

    Important Deadlines
    • You must enroll in the LES Admissions Class within four weeks of receiving this scholarship.
    • Once enrolled, you have 180 days to complete the class and be accepted into the LES.
    • If these deadlines are not met, the scholarship will be forfeited and may be offered to another applicant.
    Graduation & Donor Appreciation

    When you complete your degree, you will write an exit paper as part of the graduation process. This paper is shared with your sponsor so they can see how their generosity helped equip you for ministry.

    Please include a personal thank-you message to express your gratitude for their investment in your journey.

    Degree Diploma

    Your Send Me Scholarship includes one free digital download of your official degree diploma after all degree and capstone requirements are completed.

    Printed and mailed diplomas are available upon request for the cost of shipping and handling.

    This is more than a scholarship — it’s a commissioning.

    You’ve said, “Here I am. Send me.”

    Now you’re stepping into preparation, training, and equipping for the calling God has placed on your life. Move forward with courage, faith, and purpose — and remember, you’re not alone.