Scholarships

Ex-Offender Scholarship to attend Wheaton College 

The Charles W. Colson Scholarship

"The Colson Scholarship Program at Wheaton College is a grand opportunity for ex-prisoners to obtain a first-rate education preparing them for leadership in many areas of ministry."
     - Charles W. Colson  

History

In 1988, the scholarship was established by a generous friend of the Institute for Prison Ministries and named in honor of Chuck Colson for his valuable service to the field of prison ministry.  The Charles W. Colson Scholarship provides ex-offenders with a college education and life formation program that develops them as Christian leaders.  Since its introduction, numerous candidates have received scholarships to attend Wheaton College's undergraduate and graduate schools.

Scholarship Awards

Awards are based on need and commonly matched with other funding, including grants, to defray the total cost of a Wheaton College education.  Awards are for tuition and may cover room, board, and medical insurance for one degree program only (undergraduate or graduate).  The scholarship program may help with needs that lead the student toward academic success, including tutoring and personal counseling.  Students are responsible for transportation costs, personal miscellaneous expenses, and books.

Eligibility

To qualify, an applicant must:

• be a Christian.
• be an American citizen.
• have committed a serious offense and been incarcerated in prison for more than one year.
• be out of prison for at least one full year, and established in a local church.
• possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.  Transfer students must submit transcripts.
• meet Wheaton College's admission requirements.  Visit www.wheaton.edu for more information.

Felony arsonists, felony sexual offenders, habitual violent offenders and felony offenders under psychiatric care or taking anti-psychotic medication are NOT ELIGIBLE for the scholarship program.

How To Apply

To apply, contact the office of the Institute for Prison Ministries to receive an application, OR simply download the application (pdf).   

Contact Information
Institute for Prison Ministries
501 College Ave
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 752-5727
ipm@wheaton.edu

Application to Wheaton College must proceed at the same time.  Materials are not interchangeable.  An application to Wheaton College can be found on the college's website: www.wheaton.edu.

Scholarship applications must be submitted by November 1 of the year prior to which the student is seeking admission.  The application process requires a home visit by the Director, a campus visit by the candidate and a personal interview with the advisory committee.

Scholarships are competitive and only one to two are given each year.

"The Charles Colson Scholarship is truly a mark of God's grace and love for His children.  It represents a level of compassion that looks beyond faults and sees needs.  I cannot thank God enough for the donors who, through great sacrifice, generosity and forethought, have provided this unprecedented opportunity of preparation for life, ministry and career.  Moreover, I am honored to be a part of a line of faithful servants who have become amazing examples of stewardship, service and submission to Christ."
     - Ibrahim, graduating class of 2006.