Our Programs
Our Purpose: Mission and Vision in Action
Trinity Education Foundation inspires and empowers God’s people to live out Christ’s calling of service to others and stewardship of creation. We do this by providing financial support and guidance to foster educational success and inspire vocational discernment, affirming Gospel values for the sake of the world.
Inspired by our history, Trinity boldly lives out its calling to center students in an environment where we cultivate our callings in community, with curiosity, and partner with others to care for and co-create our world. We are committed to responding and providing holistic support around key concerns facing young people today:
-
Financial barriers to education
-
Unclear purpose and place in the world
-
Loneliness and desire for community
-
Eagerness to live harmoniously with creation
Our programs are intentionally designed to cultivate an environment that invites students into a robust web of support, where they explore their vocation, grow as people, and build a community that connects and empowers them to flourish in the world.
Our Heritage
Trinity Education Foundation was originally started in 2007 as the foundation for Trinity Lutheran College. Trinity Lutheran College began in 1944 in Seattle, Washington as Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle, which was part of a large movement across the United States. Before closing in 2016, LBIS and TLC existed in multiple locations, including Seattle, Issaquah, and Everett. The uniquely Christian and decidedly pan-Lutheran community was a holistically formative educational environment that helped shape the spirituality and faith of thousands of students. Today, alumni, former students, faculty, and staff live out their unique calling in their communities, cultivating places and spaces for others to flourish.
Today, we honor the long heritage of supporting student formation as we reflect on over 80 years since the beginning. Trinity Education Foundation is excited to continue in that tradition, transforming students through supporting their academic pursuits, vocational discernment, and individualized support.
Our Community: Who are our Fellows and Scholars?
Trinity Fellows and Scholars are a committed group of passionate, engaged individuals who are motivated to pursue formation, intentional about faith integration, value the stewardship of creation, and prioritize relationships and community.
Our fellows and scholars:
-
express an interest in learning more about integrating values of community, calling, and creation.
-
commit to developing fruitful coaching relationships and prioritize personal growth.
-
engage in learning & unlearning, wondering & reflecting, and questioning & knowing.
-
invest in development, maintain a growth mindset, and long for transformation.
-
desire a vibrant, authentic, and accountable community.
-
embody a vibrant faith and spirituality that mirrors the way of Christ and proclaims that all of creation is beloved.
Therefore, applications are evaluated with the following criteria in mind:
-
motivation to engage in formation
-
intentionality about faith integration
-
values of stewardship of creation
-
prioritization relationships and community
-
interest in learning more about community, calling, and creation
-
openness to personal growth and coaching
-
engagement in learning and unlearning
-
thinking outside the box and engaging authentically
Trinity Education Foundation inspires and empowers God’s people to live out Christ’s calling of service to others and stewardship of creation. We do this by providing financial support and guidance to foster educational success and inspire vocational discernment, affirming Gospel values for the sake of the world. Since 2016, we've provided over $2.6m in scholarships and grants. We encourage you to learn more about our scholars and consider supporting our work!
Trinity Vocational Formation Fellowship
In 2025, we launched a brand new program! The Fellowship is currently open to current or former scholars. You can learn more about the Fellowship on the dedicated program page.
2026-2027 Scholarship Programs for New Applicants
Annually, we determine our scholarship opportunities in alignment with our mission, vision, and strategic priorities. For the 2026-2027 academic year, we have three scholarship programs open to new applicants:
-
Trinity Flame Scholarship
-
Trinity Family Scholarship
-
Dave Ellingson Scholarship for Environmental Studies
Learn more about each scholarship program below, including eligibility requirements.
Applications close on Monday, April 20th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific).
2026-2027 Scholarship Programs
We are excited to announce our scholarship programs open to new scholars for the 2026-2027 academic year!
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN (WILL CLOSE APRIL 20)
Trinity Flame Scholarship
$5,000
The Trinity Flame Scholarship supports college students who reflect Trinity’s commitments to faith, curiosity, integrity, service, and holistic learning. The ideal candidate is thoughtful and curious, actively asking meaningful questions about purpose, calling, community, and care for creation as they seek to integrate faith, learning, and everyday life. They value intentional community, mentorship, and service, and are eager to grow through reflection and shared experiences while discerning how to live out Gospel values for the sake of the world. We encourage first-generation college students and those with financial barriers to college to apply.
What’s Included:
-
Scholars receive a one-time scholarship of $5,000 (payable to the college/university in August 2026).
-
Scholars may be eligible to apply for renewal in the future.
-
Scholars will receive ongoing individualized support from a Trinity Coach.
-
Scholars may participate in ongoing learning and development opportunities.
-
Scholars may be eligible to apply for the Trinity Vocational Formation Fellowship in the following year.
Eligibility Requirements:
-
Open to students pursuing their first undergraduate bachelor’s degree at a college/university accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) during the 2026-2027 academic year.
-
Open to students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
-
Open to students who are not recipients of another Trinity scholarship.
Flame Scholars may not yet have clear answers, but they are actively asking meaningful questions about purpose, calling, community, and care for creation. Rooted in Trinity's history, Flame Scholars seek to integrate faith, learning, and lived experience as they navigate future uncertainty. They are aware of the real challenges facing young adults today—financial pressure, loneliness, uncertainty about vocation, and concern for the world—and are eager for a space to reflect on these realities in community. They value intentional relationships and seek deeper connections with others as they learn to build and sustain community, both now and after graduation. They are open to listening, learning, and being shaped through dialogue, mentorship, and shared experience.
Flame Scholars are also drawn to questions of stewardship and sustainability, wanting to live in harmony with creation and contribute to the care of the world in practical and hopeful ways. They demonstrate a desire to serve others and to live out Gospel values for the sake of the world. Above all, this student is ready to engage fully in a formative journey that invites growth, reflection, and courage as they discern who they are becoming and how they are called to participate in the world.
Process:
-
Applicants must complete the application by the due date: Monday, April 20th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific.
-
Applicants will invite two people to complete a recommendation (academic and leadership & service). The recommendations must be completed before the applicant can finalize the application.
-
Awardee notification by the end of May 2026.
Trinity Family Scholarship
$1,000
Honoring the legacy of LBIS/TLC, the Trinity Family Scholarship supports students who are children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of LBIS/TLC alumni or former faculty/staff members. In addition, children of past TEF scholars are also eligible. Trinity Family Scholars reflect the community’s values of curiosity, integrity, service, and holistic learning. Ideal candidates are motivated, engaged both in and beyond the classroom, value family and community, and seek to honor their LBIS/TLC/TEF family legacy by using their education to pursue a meaningful vocation and contribute to the greater good.
What’s Included:
-
Scholars receive a one-time scholarship of $1,000 (payable to the college/university in August 2026).
-
Scholars may be eligible to apply for renewal in the future.
-
Scholars will receive ongoing individualized support from a Trinity Coach.
-
Scholars may participate in ongoing learning and development opportunities.
-
Scholars may be eligible to apply for the Trinity Vocational Formation Fellowship in the following year.
Eligibility Requirements:
-
Open to students who are children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of a Trinity Lutheran College or Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle alum or former faculty/staff member. In addition, the scholarship is open to students who are children of former Trinity Education Foundation scholars.
-
Open to students attending a regionally-accredited institution or vocational training program in the United States and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or subject to verification and approval by Trinity.
The ideal candidate upholds the spirit of the LBIS/TLC/TEF community by demonstrating curiosity, integrity, a heart for service, and a commitment to learning that shapes both mind and character. Trinity Family Scholars demonstrates engagement beyond the classroom through leadership, service, creative interests, work, and community involvement. They see education as more than a path to a job; it is a lifelong journey that builds critical thinking, empathy, purpose, and vocation. Family Scholars value the role of family and community in their growth and recognize the influence of the LBIS/TLC alum, faculty/staff, or TEF scholar who came before them. They seek to honor that legacy through responsibility, thoughtful ambition, and service to others. Grounded yet forward-looking, this student is committed to using their education to contribute meaningfully to their community and to the wider world.
Rooted in Frederick Buechner’s vision of vocation, Trinity Family Scholars are actively exploring where their “deep gladness” meets the world’s deep hunger. They bring a unique perspective, shaped by family legacy and personal conviction, and are eager to show up authentically in the world. This scholarship supports their calling by affirming both where they come from and where they are being led.
Process:
-
Applicants must complete the application by the due date: Monday, April 20th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific.
-
Applicants will invite the person with LBIS/TLC/TEF connection to complete a recommendation. The recommendations must be completed before the applicant can finalize the application.
-
Applicants will invite two people to complete a recommendation (academic and leadership & service). The recommendations must be completed before the applicant can finalize the application.
-
Awardee notification by the end of May 2026.
Dave Ellingson Scholarship for Environmental Studies
$5,000
The Dave Ellingson Scholarship supports undergraduate students in environmental studies or related fields who see their work as a meaningful calling rooted in faith, service, and care for creation, and who show curiosity, academic commitment, and a desire to grow. Ideal candidates are motivated by real concern for the earth and its communities, value mentorship, engage in hands-on learning and service, and hope to use their education to promote sustainability, justice, and the common good. This scholarship is named in honor of Dave, who has a beautiful and vital history with the Trinity family. He served several years on Trinity Lutheran College’s Board of Directors and later returned as a faculty member. Today, Dave remains engaged with Trinity as an active mentor of students who receive this scholarship.
What’s Included
-
Scholars receive a one-time scholarship of $5,000, payable to the college/university in August 2026.
-
Scholars may be eligible to apply for renewal in the future (up to four years, $20k total).
-
Scholars will engage in ongoing individualized mentoring with the Rev. Dr. Dave Ellingson.
-
Scholars may participate in ongoing learning and development opportunities.
-
Scholars may be eligible to apply for the Trinity Vocational Formation Fellowship in the following year.
Eligibility Requirements:
-
Open to students pursuing environmental studies (or similar) as part of their first undergraduate bachelor's degree at a college/university accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) during the 2026-2027 academic year.
-
Open to students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
-
Open to students who are not recipients of another Trinity scholarship.
The Dave Ellingson Scholarship for Environmental Studies is open to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in environmental studies or a related field at a NWCCU-accredited institution. The ideal candidate sees environmental studies not just as a major, but as a meaningful calling rooted in faith, service, and care for creation. They show consistent effort in their academics, along with curiosity and a desire to keep growing.
Ellingson Scholars are motivated by a real concern for the health of the earth and its communities. Ellingson Scholars approach environmental issues with thoughtfulness and care. They want to understand how ecological systems connect with people, ethics, and spiritual values, and they take on environmental challenges with creativity, humility, and hope. Their interest has been shaped by hands-on experiences such as classes, outdoor work, community involvement, service projects, or personal reflection that help connect learning to real life.
Ellingson Scholars engage in monthly mentoring conversations with Rev. Dr. Dave Ellingson, and they are open to honest reflection, discussion, and guidance as they explore their vocation, faith, and practical involvement in environmental work. They are also eager to apply what they learn beyond the classroom through service or volunteer opportunities that bring sustainability and community life together. Above all, Ellingson Scholars view environmental studies as a way to serve the greater good and aim to use their education to advance sustainability, justice, and faithful care for the earth.
Process
-
Applicants must complete the application by the due date: Monday, April 20th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific.
-
Applicants will invite two people to complete a recommendation (academic and leadership & service). The recommendations must be completed before the applicant can finalize the application.
-
Awardee notification by the end of May 2026.