Clarendon City Scholars
Repair, Rebuild, Restore
Isaiah 58:12 "Your people shall rebuild the ancient ruins and be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in."
The Clarendon City Scholars Program is a distinguished honors and leadership initiative designed to equip students for impactful careers in inner-city settings across the nation. Rooted in a deep commitment to Christian community development, reconciliation and serving society’s most vulnerable, the program blends rigorous academics with experiential learning.
Student Spotlight
"What brought me to Gordon was the Kinesiology major and Clarendon program. I have always been interested in the human body and its functionality and mechanism of movement. I knew I wanted to pursue this passion in a godly environment, and I felt the Lord calling me to Gordon. In my involvement as a Clarendon, Mío intern, and involvement in administration, my purpose developed into helping others and pursuing a nursing career. Clarendon provided me with incredible mentors who encouraged and nurtured my passion to follow God’s path. These mentors were the most prominent influence in my time at Gordon. Without their guidance, I would not have been able to achieve the best, God-following version of myself. Not only that, but Clarendon provided a strong community of believers that played a large part in my college experience as well as helping me grow closer to God and His plan for my life. I look forward to moving into the nursing world, knowing that the Clarendon program has equipped me to accomplish this path where God has placed me."
— Emanuela Silva Kinesiology (pre-nursing concentration)
Program Details
Your Four-Year Experience
Scholars engage in a holistic journey of spiritual formation, personal growth, relational righteousness, leadership development and community engagement. Through this comprehensive approach, scholars are shaped into thoughtful leaders and compassionate practitioners—prepared to navigate the complexities of inner-city life and pioneer innovative, lasting solutions for community transformation.
| Academic Year | Program Details |
|---|---|
Year 1 | Examine the five pillars of the Clarendon program |
Year 2 | Discover calling and career |
Year 3 | Explore leadership and community engagement |
Year 4 | Complete a senior thesis project |
Highlights
- $25,000 annual scholarship
- Tight-knit cohort community
- Leadership formation for the inner-city
- Inner-city ministry opportunities
- Experiential learning pilgrimages
- Mentoring
- Paid summer internship
- Multi-city senior road trip year
Qualifications
- Be a U.S. high school senior
- Recommended minimum 3.0 GPA
- Demonstrate experience in church leadership, community and/or school settings
- Demonstrate a heart for servant leadership in an inner-city context
The Five Pillars
1. Spiritual Formation
We embrace spiritual formation as the process of being shaped into the image of Jesus. This transformative process involves God working in and through us by way of spiritual rhythms and practices that renew us from the inside out. As our hearts, desires, attitudes and identity are reshaped, we begin to reflect more of Christ’s character. Over time this inner transformation becomes evident in how we live, love and engage with the world around us.
2. Personal Growth
Personal growth is a commitment to academic excellence, emotional healing, cultural intelligence, financial literacy and the intentional embrace of adulthood. It is a purposeful journey that involves discovering the power of vulnerability, overcoming adversity, taking faith-filled risks and engaging in deep soul care. Along the way it builds resilience and fosters authentic character development.
Our goal is for you to thrive—academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally—equipped to live with purpose, courage and integrity to the glory of God.
3. Relational Righteousness
Relational righteousness is the spiritual practice of intentionally cultivating just, authentic and loving relationships across differences—reflecting our right standing with God and others. It is an invitation to embody the character, justice and compassion of God in every interaction— marked by a posture of humility, deep listening and a desire to understand.
This practice calls individuals to embrace reconciliation as a spiritual practice and engage with culture, race and language—not as obstacles, but as essential expressions of God’s diverse and glorious creation—each uniquely revealing His splendor. In doing so we affirm the inherent dignity and worth of every person we encounter, bearing fruit that reflects the heart of God.
4. Leadership Development
To lead in an urban context requires more than just knowledge—it demands awareness, understanding, familiarity, humility, compassion, adaptability, selfless servanthood and a deep love for people and community.
As a Clarendon scholar, you’ll be equipped and empowered to develop the essential skills needed for effective leadership in inner-city settings. Through intentional mentorship and immersive experiences, you’ll be given opportunities to draw near to the realities and suffering of others—learning firsthand how to minister with both wisdom and compassion.
Be guided by mentors and educators who are not only gifted but also deeply rooted in urban communities. Their lived experiences and insights will offer unique perspectives on how to lead with faith, integrity, resilience and hope in environments that are both challenging and richly rewarding.
5. Community Engagement
Clarendon Scholars will have the opportunity to engage in mutually beneficial collaborations—both on campus and with community partners. We invite students to participate in experiences that foster learning, connection and meaningful relationships. Our commitment to community engagement goes beyond charity and service; it is rooted in the pursuit of justice, love and mercy—bringing God’s shalom to transform communities.
Guiding Principles
UBUNTU
A Zulu phrase meaning “I am because you are.”
Clarendon Scholars succeed together, investing in one another and building connectedness. When one succeeds, we all succeed.
SANKOFA
SAN—return / KO—engage / FA—bring it here
A Ghanaian philosophy meaning “Go back and get it.”
Clarendon Scholars recognize the valuable skills gained through personal experiences. We reflect on where we come from to propel us forward to a better future.
God's Garden
Clarendon Scholars embrace the journey of continuous development. Just as a garden must be nurtured, pruned and cultivated to flourish, we open ourselves to God’s work and to the investment of our community. As God cultivates us, we cultivate our communities. Growth is not a one-time event but a lifelong process of being shaped and strengthened for purpose.
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” — Isaiah 58:11
Reconciliation
"Reconciliation is an ongoing spiritual process involving forgiveness, repentance and justice that restores broken relationships and systems to reflect God's original intention for all creation to flourish." —Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil
Questions? We're here to help.
Courtney Dailey
Director of the Clarendon Scholars Program