Higher Education & Leadership Ministries: Embracing the New Year with Leadership Development Opportunities - Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

Dear Friends and Supporters of Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM),

As we stand on the cusp of a New Year, we find ourselves reflecting on the successes of the past and looking forward to the future with renewed enthusiasm. The landscape of education and leadership development continues to evolve, offering fresh opportunities for high school, college, and graduate students to grow and thrive. At HELM, we are committed to nurturing these opportunities and ensuring that students are equipped to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Celebrating Good News and Generosity

We are thrilled to announce the receipt of the Camille Christian Church - Church in Society Grant from the Pacific Southwest Region. This generous grant will significantly enhance our ability to support leadership programs for high school and college students that are instrumental in shaping the lives of young individuals. Such contributions are a testament to the faith and trust our supporters place in our mission to foster educational excellence and leadership development among students.

Furthermore, we have been overwhelmed by the tremendous giving support received over the past year. This outpouring of generosity has enabled us to expand our reach and impact, helping more students engage with programs that develop their leadership potential in a meaningful way. We extend our deepest gratitude to all donors and supporters who have made this possible.

Focus on Fine-Tuning Programs and Launching New Initiatives

In 2026, after successfully building a variety of leadership development programs, our focus will be on refining these offerings. Our aim is to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our programs, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of students and the wider community.

One of our key initiatives for the upcoming year is the launch of a new Common Application for Program and Scholarships. This application will streamline the process for students seeking financial assistance from HELM, congregational, and other church-related scholarships. By encouraging congregations and other ministries to collaborate with us, we hope to make as many Disciples of Christ (DOC) scholarships available through this common platform. We extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have already joined forces with HELM in this endeavor and encourage others to participate.

The Power of Storytelling

A major focus for us this year will be harnessing the power of storytelling. Through sharing the journeys and successes of our HELM Fellows and Leadership Symposium students, we aim to inspire and ignite passion within the church and society. These stories of perseverance, innovation, vision, and leadership serve as powerful reminders of the transformative impact our programs have on individuals and communities alike.

We believe that by amplifying these narratives, we can foster a deeper connection with our stakeholders and demonstrate the tangible benefits of investing in leadership development. Each story is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, and we are excited to share these with a broader audience.

A Forward Momentum

As we step into the New Year, we carry with us a sense of forward momentum and excitement. Our dedication to developing access and opportunities for students remains unwavering. We are committed to providing the resources and support necessary for students to succeed, ensuring they have the tools to become effective leaders in their respective fields.

We invite you to join us! Together, we can continue to build a future where every student is empowered to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society. Your continued support and collaboration are invaluable as we strive to make a lasting impact through education and leadership.

Thank you for being a part of the HELM community. Let us move forward with hope and determination, confident in the knowledge that our efforts today will shape the leaders of tomorrow.