Paul Scholars Community Partners
The Paul Scholars Work Education Program at Concordia University, Nebraska offers a unique opportunity for local employers to partner in developing the next generation of leaders in the church and world while gaining immediate benefits to your business or nonprofit through access to talented, motivated student workers.
What is Paul Scholars?
Paul Scholars is a four-year work scholarship and minor program that blends academic learning with practical work experience, fostering servant leadership among students within a Christian Lutheran academic community. Each year, a cohort of 10 freshmen joins the program, expanding to 40 students pursuing a variety of majors. These students are actively living out their Christian calling, their vocation to love God and serve their neighbor.
Program Structure
Years 1 and 2: Students engage in on-campus work placements for 15 hours per week, focusing on building team skills and leadership abilities.
Years 3 and 4: Students transition to off-campus placements with local Employer Partners, continuing their 15-hour workweek and developing leadership talents while honing their skills in their major field of study.
Paul Scholars Benefits
Students
Earn a college degree with little to no debt and gain hands-on work experience and leadership training, enriched with a minor in Vocational Leadership.
Employers
Benefit from motivated, well-equipped student workers ready to contribute and grow within your organization.
Community
Strengthen ties between Concordia University, Nebraska and local businesses, fostering mutual growth and development.
Become a Paul Scholar Work Placement Partner
- Access to the Next Generation of Servant Leaders
- Paul Scholars are selected based on well-rounded service, character and leadership potential, ensuring you receive dedicated and capable student workers who apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
- Dual Mentorship Support
- Work Mentor Role: As a Work Placement Partner, you'll guide and support students professionally, helping them integrate academic learning with practical experience.
- Collaborative Support: The program director and on-campus resources provide additional support, ensuring a well-rounded development process.
- Long-Term Investment in Future Leaders
- Leadership Development: Students are equipped for potential long-term roles within your organization, entering the workforce with advanced skills and experience.
- Community Contribution: Students are well-prepared to be leaders in their fields, contributing to the economic and professional growth of the region.
Steps to Partnership
- Initial Meeting: Schedule an intake session with the Paul Scholars program director by emailing paulscholars@cune.edu.
- Commitment: Agree to fulfill the Work Mentor role.
- Investment: Contribute the annual scholarship amount for up to two years, covering a student’s tuition costs.
Paul Scholars Program Director
Paul Berggren
Paul Scholars Program Director