2026 Christ the Teacher Catholic Scholars Program
Offered by Christ the Teacher Institute at Sheil Catholic Center
About this scholarship
The 2026-27 Christ the Teacher Catholic Scholars Program combines a stipend with structured faith formation, service, prayer, and leadership for full-time Northwestern University undergraduates. Incoming first-year students and returning sophomores or juniors normally complete six quarters and may receive $2,000 after the first year plus another $2,000 after continuing into the second. Rising seniors can apply for a modified three-quarter track with a $2,000 stipend. The stipend can support program expenses and other college costs, although the official materials explain that unused outside-stipend funds may reduce the self-help portion of Northwestern financial aid. Scholars maintain at least a 2.8 GPA; attend the fall retreat, weekly Mass, Sheil activities, seminars, quarterly theological reflection, and spiritual direction; complete service or a mission trip; practice Catholic leadership; meet with the director; and produce a final integrative paper. Applicants use the current form for their class level and submit a one- or two-page statement about their interest and ability to meet the time commitment, a separate reflection on Sheil’s values of empathy, encounter, and engagement, a pastoral recommendation, and an academic recommendation. Selection considers the applicant’s purpose, commitment to faith and learning, leadership potential, academic ability, time-management capacity, and willingness to complete the program. Materials are due to the Sheil office by August 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Eligibility
- Be a full-time undergraduate student at Northwestern University during 2026-27
- Want to deepen Catholic faith and be willing to complete the formation requirements
- Use the official incoming first-year or returning-student application for the correct class level
- Maintain at least a 2.8 cumulative GPA while participating
- Submit the required personal statement and reflection on Sheil values
- Provide one pastoral recommendation and one academic recommendation
- Commit to seminars, prayer, weekly Mass, retreats, service or mission work, spiritual direction, and leadership
- Submit the complete application to Sheil by August 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.