Discernment and Vocation Workshop

A 4-day retreat with 10 graduate students to help them discern their next steps after graduation.

“The Discernment and Vocation Workshop reminded me that discernment is a living, breathing practice—communal, political, and deeply spiritual. It calls us to steward our resources, gifts, and institutions in the service of our communities. At The People’s Church, that meant creating a space of radical care and collective power; at Wespath, it means ensuring that financial stewardship aligns with our values, sustainability, and long-term collective well-being. Whether in the local church or the corporate office, we are called to listen deeply, move with intention, and shape a future where our communities truly thrive!” – Rev. Dorlimar Lebron Malave


Program Description

The Discernment and Vocation Workshop is a 4-day program that helps Masters-level students from HSP Sponsoring Schools discern their next steps after graduation. If you’re stuck between a career in the nonprofit sector, chaplaincy, doctoral studies, religious leadership, or anything in between—this program is for you! During our time together we’ll discuss how community impacts and informs discernment, how to think about our own personal and professional goals, and how to come up with practical next steps to set yourself up for post-graduation plans.

Past participants of the Discernment Workshop have gone on to pursue doctoral studies, like Larry Figueroa who is currently a PhD Student in Hebrew Bible at Union Theological Seminary. Others have created innovative new programs like Neddy Yong who, after the Discernment Workshop, applied for and received a million-dollar grant to create the Radically Inclusive Parenting Project. With the tools offered by this program you’ll gain confidence and clarity in pursuing your next steps. 

Program Dates and Location

  • Dates: Details forthcoming
  • Location: Details forthcoming 

Program Fee 

  • $250 for Master students from HSP Sponsoring Schools
  • The program fee includes the cost of room, board, travel, and all program activities

Program Eligibility 

  • To participate in this program you must be a Masters level student from an HSP Sponsoring School.
  • Preference is given to students entering their final year

Program Application

  • The application opens in fall 2026
  • The application requires one recommendation from a faculty member at your institution
    • The recommendation is due 1-week after the application closes
    • The applicant will automatically receive an email notification when a recommendation has been submitted
  • The notification of admission is typically made within two weeks of the application closing

Once an applicant has been accepted into the program they will receive an email with a matriculation form to accept their program admission. This matriculation form includes the process for paying the Program Fee and is due 2 weeks after the notification of admission.

The HSP accepts the following payment methods for the Program Fee after an individual has been accepted into the program:

  • Check: Please make checks payable to the Hispanic Scholars Program and mail to: Hispanic Scholars Program (42 Tiemann Place, Ste 310 New York, NY 10027)
  • PayPal: Payments may be submitted via PayPal using an existing account or by creating one and linking your credit card
  • Zelle: Zelle payments may be made to admin@hispanicscholarsprogram.org 

Please contact the HSP administrator, Elizabeth Niang (eniang@hispanicscholarsprogram.org), if you have any questions regarding payment options.

Since its first Summer Session in 1989, the Hispanic Scholars Program (HSP) has sought to be a place of welcome in which theological education is made available to all students. In keeping with this commitment, the HSP does not discriminate in its admissions or program practices on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability, or any other status protected by law. Applicants are evaluated using program-related criteria such as academic preparation, vocational interest, character, and commitment to theological study. The HSP has always served students, faculty, staff, administrators, and leaders from a wide range of backgrounds. Guided by the values of en conjunto (working together as a community), lo cotidiano (attending to the realities of daily life), and acompañamiento (walking alongside one another), we affirm that all people are created in the image of God and journey together in learning and faith.