What is a Jubilee Fellow?

Jubilee Fellows are students who have been accepted into the Jubilee Fellow Program. This program is designed for twelve promising students who are strongly inclined toward spiritual leadership and Christian ministry. Jubilee Fellows will receive a $4,000 fellowship for their senior year of college. Each will also be supported for summer ministry internship living expenses and reimbursed for travel expenses to and from their summer internship site.

What is required of a Jubilee Fellow?

Jubilee Fellows participate in a lively program. First, during the second semester of their junior year, they take a course that studies the vision, lives, and theologies, of those who have made great contributions to the Christian church through the centuries. During that semester, Jubilee Fellows meet regularly for supper with outstanding ministry leaders from all over the world. Second, fellows do a ten-week summer internship in "an outstanding teaching congregation." Third, during a fall vocational discernment retreat, they debrief and receive guidance on clarifying their vocational plans. They also decide how they'll contribute to Calvin College community life during the new school year. Finally, Jubilee Fellows commit to mentor or lead in a Calvin ministry-related opportunity in their senior year.

Do my other campus leadership positions disqualify me from Jubilee Fellows?

Other leadership opportunities do not disqualify you, but a careful consultation with the Jubilee Fellows Director or Program Coordinator will help determine whether or not time and opportunity permits.

What is the application process?

Students interested in being a Jubilee Fellow fill out an application that includes letters of recommendation and a personal interview with the Jubilee Fellows selection team. This will occur early in the junior year to help students plan spring and summer requirements. Students are selected based on academic achievement, service and leadership within the Christian community, written application, interview, and recommendations.

Application Form

Contact: Director of the Jubilee Fellows Program, Dale Cooper (616-526-6244) or the Program Coordinator, Kary Bosma, (616-526-8846) or email jubileefellows@calvin.edu