EPIC (Educational Partnerships in Covenant) is a matching grant program that began in 1983 as a cooperative venture between Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations in Iowa and their colleges: Grand View, Luther, and Wartburg. ELCA colleges and universities exist in mission to prepare young people for life lived faithfully in service to God and the world. EPIC is a means of encouraging congregations to financially support their students who attend one of the three Iowa colleges.
Though the application process and benefits vary by college, the EPIC program matches congregational gifts up to $750 (depending on the institution) per academic year per student. The EPIC program is intended to encourage congregations to support young people in higher education. It is not a means for parents to funnel contributions to their student’s financial needs.
Who can qualify? Congregations who have students attending an ELCA college or university in Iowa. Congregations enroll in the program with one or all of the schools, then send money only when they have students at the school.
How do congregations enroll in EPIC? Contact the college or university of your choice and find out about the particular qualifications and benefits that apply to that school.
At Grand View call Jane in the Church Relations office at 515-263-6008, e-mail
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or visit our website www.grandview.edu. Congregational representatives can click the Visitors tab, then click the “ELCA Congregational Scholarship” link. Students can access information at Admissions > Financial Aid/Scholarships > EPIC Scholarship (or www.admissions.grandview.edu/tabid/4459/Default.aspx).
At Luther contact the Office for College Ministries. 563-387-1271, e-mail
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, or visit www.luther.edu/student-life/ministries/financial/epic/.
At Wartburg call the Church Relations office at 319-352-8217 or 1-800-772-2085 ext. 8217, or visit www.wartburg.edu/churchrelations/epic.html.