Disciples of Christ Leadership Program

Lead faithfully.

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Learn. Serve. Explore.

Full-Tuition
Scholarship

DLP Fellows receive up to four year of full-tuition at Eureka College. Fellows can study a wide variety of academic subjects at Eureka College, but must complete a minor in philosophy and religion. Equipping leaders for service in a rapidly developing world, the DLP program is rooted in the Disciples of Christ tradition of faith and curiosity.

Leadership
Training

DLP Fellows receive leadership training with program faculty and with other members of the program. Students complete a summer mentorship with a professional in their field of study, as they explore their future vocation. The DLP mentorship is fully funded and has placed students with programs and in Spain, Ireland, and London.

Travel
Opportunities

DLP Fellows travel abroad as part of a fully funded group trip during their first- or second year in the program. Recent trips have taken students to Costa Rica, the west coast of the US, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Spain. Students explore world capitals, visit world renowned museums, and learn about faith and leadership from a global perspective.

Become a Disciples Leadership Program Fellow

Step #1: Apply

We are accepting applications for the incoming class of Fall 2026. If you are a high school senior or a transfer college student and an active member in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we encourage you to apply! Additional information on program eligibility is available here. You can submit your application by clicking on the button below. Eligible students who compete for the DLP scholarship are automatically qualified for the Reagan Leadership Scholarship Competition at Eureka College, which is held at the same time as the competition for the DLP.

Submit Your Application

Step #2: RSVP

Qualified Disciples applicants will be invited to compete in one of two scheduled scholarship competitions in Fall 2025. Our on-campus scholarship competition is scheduled for November 8, 2025 in Eureka, IL and our virtual scholarship competition is scheduled for November 15, 2025 via Zoom. Invitations will be sent via email after your application has been received. A submitted RSVP will confirm your place in one of our scholarship competitions.

How to RSVP

Step #3: Compete

Each scholarship competition will be used, in conjunction with a student’s GPA and a submitted leadership reflection, to determine finalists for the program. Competitors will have the opportunity to interview with faculty and current fellows, to get to know campus and our community, and to share both experiences as leaders and their goals for the future. More information on the scholarship competition process is available below.

Scholarship Competitions

What our fellows have been up to…

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  • Meet Evan (Class of 2029)

    Meet Evan (Class of 2029)

    I’m Evan Gillespie. I study Environmental Science and philosophy/religion, and I came to Eureka because I love the small, connected feeling here and the personal relationships you can form. Some impactful experiences I have had through my fellowship are when I went on a mission trip to Colorado Springs, CO and worked at a place…

  • Meet Aja (Class of 2027)

    Meet Aja (Class of 2027)

    My name is Aja Lawson, and I am one of two incoming fellows of the Disciples Leadership Program. I decided to apply for the DLP scholarship when the pastor of my home church (Canton, IL First Christian Church) introduced me to it and recommended it for me. I am glad I did! I can now…

  • Meet Piper (Class of 2028)

    Meet Piper (Class of 2028)

    My name is Piper Jimmerson and I am a sophomore at Eureka College, along with being a Disciples Leadership Program fellow. I study history with a minor in philosophy and religion, like other DLPs. My favorite part about the fellowship program is the opportunity to connect with and get to know other Disciples students. The…