Project Transformation (PT) National is beyond excited to announce our newest seminary partnership with Vanderbilt Divinity School! Following PT National’s exciting announcement about
the Young Adult Faith and Service Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., Vanderbilt Divinity School and Project Transformation have come together to provide enriching opportunities for both current and future students.
Approximately 200 young adults serve with Project Transformation each year, the vast majority of whom stay actively involved in ministry and service following their service. In 2024, more than half of young adults who served with PT in the summer expressed interest in pursuing a career in ministry or service-related fields. One in three young adults said that they are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in theological education, and one in three are interested in pursuing ordination or pastoral leadership in a church.
The partnership between Vanderbilt Divinity School and Project Transformation will provide scholarship opportunities and early admission consideration to PT alumni of the young adult program. Vanderbilt Divinity School joins the ranks of six other seminaries who are partnered with PT to ensure that PT alumni have access to theological education which furthers their vocation.
Dean Yolanda Pierce, the 17th Dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School, had this to say about the exciting new opportunity. “When I meet students who leave behind everything to pursue theological education…to simply say, ‘God has called me to do a work, and that work is urgent,’ it gives me such deep hope.”
The partnership was also made possible with the help of Dr. Harper Barton Haynes, the Senior Director of Strategic Enrollment Management, who also expressed her excitement: “We are thrilled for our partnership with Project Transformation National and Vanderbilt Divinity School given our shared focus on community transformation. The youth empowerment and faith-based community engagement Project Transformation provides primes students for theological education. And, we are thrilled for the ways that Vanderbilt Divinity School’s academic and theological resources will enable Project Transformation alums to make a positive impact in the world.”
This agreement also strengthens the relationship between Vanderbilt and Project Transformation by encouraging Vanderbilt students to serve as Project Transformation Community Directors, gaining hands-on spiritual formation ministry experience and possibly earning credit for their experience. In addition, Vanderbilt will work with Project Transformation National to provide both summer and year-round opportunities for students to serve with Project Transformation chapters located around the country.
Chelsea Jones, Director of Strategic Projects for PT National, shares. “PT National is grateful to Vanderbilt for joining the good work with young adults that is happening with PT. Partnership with Vanderbilt Divinity serves as an important reminder that there is a deep need for connectional and intentional relationships to support our work. This partnership will allow alumni of Project Transformation and students at Vanderbilt to experience practical ministry and theological formation while they serve young adults.”
If you know a young adult who is interested in serving with Project Transformation or a PT alumni who wants to learn more about going to Vanderbilt Divinity School, reach out to Chelsea Jones at jones@projecttransformation.org.
About Project Transformation National
Project Transformation is a national organization committed to engaging children in holistic literacy and enrichment development, young adults in leadership and service, and churches in outreach to their neighbors. Through mutual relationships, PT provides transformative experiences that shape our communities and its next leaders.
About Vanderbilt Divinity School
The Divinity School began in 1875, following the 1873 founding of the University. It was established as the Biblical Department of Vanderbilt University and from its opening until May 1914 was under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Since that date it has carried on its work as an ecumenical theological school under direction of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust.
In 1915, by Board of Trust action, the Biblical Department became the Divinity School, with its own dean and faculty. For more than a century the school has graduated thousands who have carried on their ministries in all parts of this country and throughout the world. To learn more, visit www.divinity.vanderbilt.edu.