The Stoody-West Fellowship is offered in recognition of the work and lives of Dr. Ralph Stoody and Dr. Arthur West, who were leaders in public relations and information services in The United Methodist Church. Applicants must be a United Methodist student who intends to pursue a career in religion journalism or communications and is enrolled in graduate study at a school in the United States. Applicants are judged on five criteria: Christian commitment and involvement in the life of The United Methodist Church; academic achievement; journalistic experience and/or evidence of journalistic talent; clarity of purpose in plans and goals for the future; and potential professional ability as a religion communicator. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation: one from your local church pastor or a denominational official; one from the chairperson of the department in which you are majoring as a graduate student; and one from an employer or supervisor in a position to evaluate your journalistic skills. Applicants must also submit three examples of their journalistic work (audiovisual, electronic, print). Finalists may be called by the committee for a brief telephone interview. One half of the award will be paid after the recipient provides proof of enrollment in a graduate program in an accredited school or department of journalism in the United States. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.