Benson Food and Agriculture Scholarship

The Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Scholarship supports members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in developing countries to pursue education in agriculture-related fields.

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What is PEF?

If you are a Church member who is unemployed, underemployed, or need better employment to provide for you and your family, the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) program may help you become self-reliant.

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PEF Students

What is PEF Loan?

If you qualify for PEF, you pay for your education using money from PEF. The money is sent directly from PEF to your school. A PEF loan is the money you repay to PEF. When you finish your studies, you begin working, and you pay back your PEF loan in small monthly payments.

Frequently Asked Questions
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Programs & Schools

Our primary focus is to help you become more temporally and spiritually self-reliant. For that reason, programs approved for PEF must teach skills that are in high demand in your community. This increases the likelihood—but does not guarantee—that you will get better employment when you complete your program.

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PEF FAQs

Find quick answers about PEF assistance, eligibility, application steps, payments, and program guidelines. Learn how the Perpetual Education Fund supports self-reliance through education and discover everything you need to know to start your journey.

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Do You Need A PEF Loan?

Requirements Before Creating a Loan Account

Plan Writing

Complete One of the Following Courses

Education for Better Work, Starting & Growing My Business, Find a Better Job, Personal Finances, and Pathway Connect Life Skills 101.

Plan Writing

Make a Plan

Your PEF education plan includes: The type of work you want to do after completing your course, the required education, exams, certifications to do the work you want to do, a plan to make small payments while in school, the decision to repay the loan once you finish studying

Start Your Plan
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Priesthood Endorsement

You must have a priesthood endorsement from your bishop or branch president. He will complete the online endorsement in the Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) under Reports.

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Documents

Required Documents for Philippines

Self-reliance course certificate or letter of completion, or Pathway Connect Life Skills 101 transcrip; PEF signed letter of completion; School Assessment; National ID

Print Document Requirements

Success Stories: Education is the Key to Opportunity

The Leader's Guide My Path Job skills workshop Graduation celebration EnglishConnect class Financial planning session Business planning group Youth self-reliance activity Self-Reliance group meeting Members learning together Job skills workshop Graduation celebration EnglishConnect class Financial planning session Business planning group Youth self-reliance activity