ESTARL Awards (Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership)

Awards for members of the Order of the Eastern Star and their family members pursuing leadership training in religious studies and theological education.

Eligibility

• Applicants: Members of the Order of the Eastern Star in good standing, or their spouses, children, step-children, grandchildren, parents, or siblings
• Academic Requirements:
  • Must have successfully completed one (1) year in an accredited school offering leadership training before applying
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better
  • Preference given to juniors and seniors in college and students in Theological Seminaries
  • Must be enrolled full-time in Theological Seminary (for those who have already received two Educational Scholarships)
• Character Requirements: Good moral character, limited financial resources, willingness toward self-help
• Award Limits:
  • No applicant shall receive more than two (2) ESTARL Awards
  • If applicant has received two (2) Educational Scholarships, they may receive one (1) ESTARL Award if enrolled full-time in a Theological Seminary

What They Fund

Training and leadership development in theological seminaries and religious leadership programs

Contact Information

Linda M. Larson (Central Section)

• Phone: H. (717) 339-0171 | C. (717) 377-5304
• Address: 17 North Steeple Chase, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Linda K. Jolly (Eastern Section)

• Phone: C. (610) 462-9262
• Address: 321 Aubrey Road, Nazareth, PA 18064

Martha J. Hunter (Western Section)

• Phone: H. 724-694-5465 | C. 724-331-5360
• Address: 101 Greenfield Road, Derry, PA 15627

Grand Chapter Main Contact:

• Email: gs@paoes.org
• Phone: 717-361-5203
• Address: 105 Freemason Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Application Process

1. Initial Letter (Deadline: February 1)
   • Applicant writes a letter to their chapter requesting consideration
   • Chapter must approve applicant's request through a vote
2. Chapter Secretary Submission
   • Chapter secretary sends letter under chapter seal to sectional committee member requesting application materials
3. Receive Materials
   • Sectional committee member responds with letter confirming receipt and provides application forms
   • Materials sent by email or regular mail
   • Student receives letter of instruction with website access details
4. Download and Complete Application
   • Download application forms from website
   • Password required to open application PDF
   • Complete and print form
   • Sign the completed application
   • Forms must be edited within Adobe or other PDF readers
5. Submit to Chapter Secretary (Deadline: March 1)
   • Return complete application package to chapter secretary
   • Allows secretary and chapter scholarship committee to review for completeness
   • Committee notifies applicant of any missing materials
6. Chapter Forwards to Sectional Committee (Deadline: April 1)
   • Chapter submits all application materials to Sectional Committee Member
   • Contact sectional committee member before April 1 if having difficulty gathering materials
7. Review and Notification
   • Educational Scholarship & ESTARL Committee meets in April
   • Committee chair notifies applicant and chapter secretaries of approval/denial
   • Denial reasons provided if applicable
8. Award Presentation
   • ESTARL Certificates presented at Grand Chapter Session (typically third week in June)
   • Presented by Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron
   • Award checks mailed to student in July or August

Required Materials

• Completed and signed application form
• Letter of request to chapter
• Supporting documentation as specified in application instructions

Important Notes

• Adobe Version Required: Adobe 9.0 or newer for online submission
• Document Format: Use desktop/laptop to download; may not work on iPad/Tablet
• File Handling: Use "Save As" to save files; unzip downloaded files; do not double-click PDF in Windows 10
• Obligation to Return: If you do not return to school in fall or do not complete full semester after award, you must return funds within the award year