Summer Fellowship Program

You Can Help Shape the Next Generation of Christian Leaders

The Summer Fellowship Program invites congregations to become partners in a revised program format that welcomes young leaders into summer ministry apprenticeships. These 10-12-week experiences (typically June-August) are designed as mutually transformative experiences. Students receive hands-on ministry experience and meaningful mentoring relationships to help them discern their faith and calling in the world. Churches benefit from the presence of a faithful, competent young leader, robust support from our staff, and professional development in vocational discernment and leadership development alongside young adults.  

ApplyInterest/Questions

Application due by Aug. 21, 2026

What Do We Mean by Apprenticeship?  

An apprenticeship asks students to do more than complete tasks – it invites them into a deeply formational experience with an experienced ministry mentor as a guide.

Each student fellow will:

• Shadow and learn directly from one member of the ministry leadership
• Experience multiple areas of church ministry through rotating “residencies”
• Build relationships with members of the congregation
• Take ownership of one key project or program in service of the congregation 

Over the summer, students are invited to transition from observers of this work to participants and leaders – with feedback and support meant to form them toward mastery of important ministry skills and responsibilities.  

What Do Churches Receive?

The OCE is committed to equipping and resourcing the church as it seeks to be faithful in our rapidly changing world.

Church partners receive:

• The presence of a thoughtful, motivated Whitworth student chosen through a competitive application and placement process 
• Training and coaching to develop your congregation’s unique apprenticeship 
• Practical tools for mentoring and discerning alongside young adults 
• Connection to an ecumenical community of leaders for co-learning, idea sharing, and support 
• Ongoing coaching and support from the Office of Church Engagement 

We want your church to become a place where emerging leaders flourish.  

Who is a Good Fit?

We are looking for ministry site partners who demonstrate:

• Thoughtfulness and energy around leadership development of young adults 
• Maturity in key areas of ministry competencies like boundaries, communication, contemplative listening and conflict competence.  
• Capacity and desire to engage students in an immersive apprenticeship model.  

Does this describe your church? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Please fill out the program interest form or email Program Director Allison Maus (amaus@whitworth.edu). She would love to buy you coffee and hear more about your faith community.  

The Cohort 

Selected church partners will be invited into a one-year cohort alongside five-six other ministry leaders beginning in September 2026.

The cohort will include:

• Nine months of training and coaching to develop your congregation’s unique apprenticeship 
• Three months of support during your student’s placement 
• A kickoff retreat (not overnight) to begin the program 
• Training in seven ministry core competencies, best practices for student faith and leadership development, and discernment practices. 
• Some light “homework,” all designed to help you design an apprenticeship and keep your wider church staff in the loop 
• Connection with student fellows throughout their spring training period 

Program TimelineApply

You’ll be shepherded through this process by Program Director Allison Maus. Allison is a Whitworth grad who began her ministry career as a graduate assistant of ministry, serving with the campus ministry team and interning at a local church in Spokane. She went on to earn her master of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and served as an associate pastor of campus ministry in State College, Pa., where she led small groups, retreats, pilgrimages and more. She is particularly interested in combining art with contemplative prayer practices in her ministry work. Since returning to Whitworth, Allison has completed specialized training in the DISCERN Together Framework, focused on vocational discernment practices with young adults. 

Ready to Learn More? 

We would love to have a conversation with you about becoming part of the Summer Fellowship Program. Fill out our program interest form or email Allison (amaus@whitworth.edu).