Albert Baker Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Albert Baker Fund

Overview

The Albert Baker Scholarship provides need-based awards for students who are active in Christian Science. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $7,500 per academic year and must be used for tuition and fees. A few additional donor-funded scholarship awards are available to students who meet specific criteria; no separate application is required for those special awards. The program evaluates financial need using the Student Aid Index (SAI) and other institutional data.

Description: A merit- and need-informed scholarship for Christian Science students in accredited post-secondary programs.

Award Value: Awards range from $1,000 to $7,500 per year; exact amounts are determined using SAI and related data.

Special Donor-Funded Scholarships: Additional awards exist for qualifying students; recipients are selected without an extra application.

• Awarded based on financial need and SAI data.
• Funds are restricted to tuition and fees.
• Some donor-funded awards require no additional application.

Eligibility Requirements

The scholarship is limited to students who demonstrate both Christian Science affiliation and academic progress. Applicants must meet minimum academic standards and be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited program. Citizenship or legal permanent resident status in the United States is required. If you have questions about eligibility, contact the scholarship manager for guidance.

Qualifications to apply for the Albert Baker Scholarship:

• You are a student of Christian Science and a current member of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts.
• You can provide a Christian Science reference.
• You earned a minimum 2.5 GPA for your most recently completed academic term (2.0 minimum for vocational training programs).
• You are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
• You are enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution located in the United States, or another country where ABF operates.
• Academic standing: good standing, satisfactory progress toward your degree or certificate, and minimum enrollment of at least half-time.

• Christian Science membership and a reference are required.
• Minimum GPA and enrollment thresholds apply.
• Enrollment must be at an accredited institution where ABF operates.

Application Process

All applicants must submit a full application using a personalized online form. The application includes a student statement and supporting documents that demonstrate enrollment, finances, and academic standing. Allow a minimum of four to six weeks for processing after submission. If awarded, the scholarship check is issued to the institution and mailed to your permanent home address; you are responsible for delivering it to your school.

Instructions:

1. Request your personalized online application form.
2. Write your student statement.
3. Gather all required documents and save each as an individual PDF.
4. Complete and submit your application by the deadline. Allow 4–6 weeks for processing. If awarded, a check will be issued in the institution’s name and mailed to your permanent home address; you must deliver it to your school.

• Submit a complete application with all documents to begin processing.
• Processing typically requires 4–6 weeks after submission.
• Scholarship payments are issued to institutions but mailed to the student’s permanent address.

Required Documents

All required documents must be submitted as separate PDF files; the application will not be processed until every document is provided. Required items include a Christian Science reference, a current student statement, an academic transcript showing registration for the upcoming term, a tuition fee confirmation or invoice, and the Student Aid Index (SAI) from your FAFSA Student Aid Report. Graduate students must also submit an SAI. Be sure your Christian Science reference is prepared to complete the online reference form when requested.

All Students:

1. Christian Science Reference
   1. A reference from an active Christian Scientist (not immediate family or a peer) who has personally witnessed your practice of Christian Science within the last year. The Manager of Scholarships & Student Success will send an online reference form upon application submission; notify your reference in advance.
2. Student Statement
   1. The statement must be your original work. AI may be used to draft an outline, but the final statement must be written in your own voice.
   2. You must submit a new statement each year describing academic and non-academic interests, reasons for continuing education, career goals, how you use Christian Science in daily life with specific examples, and any other circumstances for consideration. Length: one page double-spaced, maximum two pages. Label the top with your name, date, school, and year in school.
3. Academic Transcript
   1. The most recent transcript (official or unofficial) that also shows registration for the upcoming term.
4. Confirmation of Tuition Fees / Invoice for School
   1. A document showing cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses) and any grants, scholarships, or loans awarded.
5. Student Aid Index (SAI) from FAFSA
   1. Include your SAI from the FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR). Submit a PDF that clearly shows your official SAI amount.
   2. If you do not include an SAI, the maximum Albert Baker award you may receive is $1,000. Graduate students must also submit an SAI.
   3. ABF uses SAI data, federal and other scholarship information, and average cost of attendance to determine award amounts.

• Save and submit each required document as a separate PDF.
• Omitting the SAI limits the maximum award to $1,000.
• Notify your Christian Science reference so they can complete the online form when requested.