FAQS

The School of Leadership is a ministry of The Valley Church in Piqua, Troy, and Sidney, OH. Through our partnership with Edison State Community College and Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s online programs we offer various Associate and Bachelor degrees in addition to in-person classes, leadership experience, spiritual growth, and student life.

The School of Leadership is for any high school graduate age 18-25 who desires to grow in their relationship with God and develop their leadership while earning a degree to make a difference in the marketplace or for vocational ministry.

A student must first be admitted to either Edison State Community College or Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Each student must fill out an online application (CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION). Once the application is complete, the School of Leadership team will reach out to schedule a video or in-person interview.  After the interview has been conducted, each person will be notified of their acceptance into the School of Leadership. A designated mentor will then connect with the student regarding next steps.

No….you will notice we are all about saving you money with this program!

The School of Leadership will operate four days a week where students will be immersed in the culture of The Valley Church and gain practical ministry and work experience while pursuing a college degree. Students will have Friday, Saturday, Monday afternoon off. In addition to this, students will be required to serve on Sunday at The Valley Church as part of their course.

Yes, the School of Leadership is partnering with Edison State Community College and Mount Vernon Nazarene University, which are accredited institutions and are authorized to award associate and bachelor degrees.

The length of the program is determined by the student’s goals. The School of Leadership is for high school graduates seeking an associate’s or bachelor’s degree which most students will accomplish in 2 or 4 years, respectively. Students can also transfer into the program if they already have some college credits and they can transfer out of the program to finish their degree taking with them the credits they have earned.

Yes. Each school varies, but most general and ministry classes will transfer into the School of Leadership and transfer out to other schools depending on what the school will accept.

Yes. Because Edison State Community College and Mount Vernon Nazarene University are accredited institutions, their partnership with the School of Leadership enables enrolled students to pay for their college experience using federal financial aid. To be eligible for such funding, the student must file an Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as a FAFSA each year.

Yes. But please keep in mind you will need to plan your work hours around your class, ministry track, and student life schedules.

Yes, housing is available for non-local students. The Valley Church provides vetted host families who provide safe, comfortable housing along with regular meals to support our students.

Various computers and printers are available to students as they serve in ministry tracks at The Valley Church. However, it is required for every student to bring a laptop for coursework and assignments.

Yes. Students will need to have reliable transportation to get to and from The Valley Church, as well as regular student-life activities.

Edison State Community College’s tuition rate can be found here https://www.edisonohio.edu/How-Much-Does-It-Cost/. The cost to attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University through the School of Leadership is only $10,000 a year.

Tuition includes your college classes, over 100 hours of in-person instruction, ministry rotations, mentoring, student life outings, student housing, and much more.

After successfully completing the School of Leadership program students will have earned a college degree in addition to gaining valuable work, ministry, and leadership experience.