Carl Colvin was the first student worker with the Disciples Foundation in 1909. He was paid $25 a month (a large amount of money in those years) which he said went a long way in paying for his college education. Dr. Colvin, who became dean of the College of Agriculture, wanted a way to give scholarships to deserving students that were in some sort of service to this congregation. In his estate, he gave a parcel of farm ground so the church would have a source of income to provide these scholarships.

Eventually the farm was sold and the proceeds of that sale were put into other investments that gave a better and more reliable source of income. The number and size of the scholarships is based on this annual income.

Several qualifications are attached to receiving the scholarship. The applicant must be a currently enrolled U of I student and must remain active in their participation in the church or foundation giving at least ten hours a month in time to their designated position.

There are scholarships and singships. Singships are for those that are soloists in the chancel choir while the regular scholarships are for assisting in various church activities or certain specific leadership functions.

This year's Colvin recipients are Sarsh Watson, Kristina Bachrach, Yanzelmalee Rivera, Ashley Cunningham, and Leslie Vacketta.