ELCA Resource Center

For Young Leaders of Color. By Design.

Program Description:
The Horizon Apprenticeship Program supports young leaders of color in discerning their vocational and spiritual gifts through hands-on ministry, mentorship, and community engagement.

Rooted in accompaniment and cultural affirmation, Horizon is designed to nurture a missional imagination in young people and create space to explore how God is calling them to lead in the church and in the world.

Beginning in summer 2025, Horizon will launch a pilot year-round model focused on a single 9-month apprenticeship term. This marks a shift from the former summer-only format to a more sustained structure that fosters spiritual formation, leadership development, and vocational exploration in grace-filled settings.

In future years, the program will expand to include 3- and 6-month options, offering even greater flexibility for apprentices and host sites.

The 2025–2026 pilot will support a cohort of 15 apprentices, ages 16 to 20, who are nominated by ELCA-affiliated congregations, camps, or community-based organizations committed to sustained accompaniment and meaningful ministry engagement.

Each apprentice receives a stipend of $ 1,800 per three-month term and participates in a program that centers mentorship, reflection, and the unique cultural and spiritual gifts of each participant.

Program Expectations (Pilot Year):

• Apprentices must be 16 to 20 years old at the time of participation.
• The pilot year begins in August 2025 and runs through May 2026 as a single 9-month term.
• Apprentices are expected to serve approximately 10 hours per week, depending on the site’s capacity and the apprentice’s schedule.
• The pastor, camp leader, or site mentor will guide the apprentice and include them in worship, Bible study, and other aspects of ministry life.
• Each apprentice will collaborate with their mentor to design and implement a project during the term (e.g., Bible study, sermon, congregational or community-based project).

Why Horizon?

In a time when the church is called to reflect the richness and diversity of God’s people, Horizon provides space for young leaders to discern, grow, and lead with integrity.

This is about more than skills, it’s about becoming.

Application window: July 1, 2025 – July 18, 2025
Please download the Horizon Program Overview flyer for a summary of eligibility requirements, program details, and how to get involved.

For more information or to apply, contact:
Cynthia Zamora
Program Director, Horizon Apprenticeship Program
Email: Cynthia.Zamora@elca.org

Note:
The 2025-2026 pilot year focuses exclusively on the 9-month apprenticeship model. Future program years will expand to include 3- and 6-month opportunities.