Education Scholarships

The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship

Overview: The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship honors three Michigan public school teachers who were fired for no other reason than their refusal to pay union dues.

Key criteria: Applicants are limited to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in education in institutions of higher learning throughout the United States.  This could include a current teacher pursuing an advanced education degree such as a master’s degree through a qualified college, university, or other qualifying educational institution.  This scholarship is not open to high school students or undergraduates who do not have a declared major in education.

Award information: $1,000

How to apply:

1. Student writes essay.
2. Student completes application.
3. Student submits application.
4. Institute staff choose top essays and forward them to the Selection Review Committee members.
5. Selection Review Committee members review blind essays re: If any personally identifying information is included in the essay, it will be redacted before submitting it to the Selection Review Committee.
6. Institute Board receives the nominees as chosen by Selection Review Committee.
7. Institute Board votes to either approve, make different selections, or not to award any scholarship
8. Winner announced and notified by Institute.

Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Scholarship Fund

Overview: The Fund was established to honor former Tennessee Education Association (TEA) Executive Secretary, Dr. Donald G. Sahli, and former TEA President, Kathy Woodall. Many TEA local associations and members contribute annually to the fund, which has grown from granting one scholarship in 1971 to granting 10 today. 

Award information: There are seven (7) different categories in which an applicant could pursue:
1. Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA)
2. Sons and Daughters of TEA members
3. Future Teachers of America/Ed Rising
4. Johnella Martin Memorial
5. Education Support Professional (ESP)
6. Al Mance Memorial, and 
7. Graduate

For more information, visit TNEA.org.

How to apply: Complete an application by March 1.

Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education Scholarships

Overview: Through the Daughters of the American Revolution, two one-time scholarships are available for students 25 years of age or older. The awards are merit-based. One is given to students who are studying to teach elementary school, and the other award is for students who plan to teach at the secondary level.

Key criteria: To be eligible, students must be at least a college sophomore and attend or plan on attending an accredited college or university.

Award information: $1,500

How to apply: Complete a scholarship application form and send it in an email to BorgensElementaryScholarship@NSDAR.org .

James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation

Overview: Junior Fellowships are offered to high-achieving college seniors and college graduates who plan to earn a master’s degree to become secondary school teachers of American history, American government, or civics.

Key criteria: To be eligible, students must be a U.S. citizen, plan to become a teacher and teach topics on the Constitution in grades 7-12. They must also obtain a bachelor’s degree by August 31 of the year in which they are applying.

Award information: Up to $24,000 total

How to apply: Register online, complete the application, upload your transcripts, and submit recommendations online. The application deadline is March 1.

Nancy Larson Foundation College Scholarship

Overview: To support prospective educators, author and publisher Nancy Larson awards scholarships to college students striving to become elementary school teachers.

Key criteria: This teaching scholarship is open to juniors, seniors and graduate students who have chosen to major in elementary education.

Award information: $1,000

How to apply: Submit a personal narrative about why you want to teach and what will make you an excellent teacher. Explain your community service activities and experience working with children.

Phi Delta Kappa - Prospective Educator Scholarship

Overview: More than 30 teaching scholarships are awarded each year by PDK International to high school seniors and undergraduates who intend to major in a field of education.

Key criteria: Applicants must be a member of at least one of the following associations: PDK International, Educators Rising and Pi Lambda Theta. A few of the scholarships have specific eligibility requirements, such as studying journalism or English, overcoming adversity or demonstrating financial need.

Award information: $500 to $2,000

How to apply: Complete an online application, and submit your transcripts, personal statement, list of activities related to teaching or service, list of extracurricular activities, and a letter of recommendation.

Prospective 7-12 Secondary Teacher Course Work Scholarships

Overview: If you love math, this scholarship could be perfect for you. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) offers financial support to a college student who is working toward a career teaching secondary school mathematics.

Key criteria: To be considered, applicants must be members of NCTM and be full-time students in their sophomore year of college at a college or university.

Award information: Up to $10,000

How to apply: Submit a written proposal that explains the remaining coursework required for certification and your plan for completion. Provide transcripts and three letters of recommendation. In addition, submit a budget outlining how you would allocate money from the award.

The Ruth Crymes TESOL Fellowship for Graduate Study

Overview: Interested in teaching English as a second language? This award is designed to encourage current graduate students who are enrolled in a TESOL/TEFL graduate program or a program focused on second language acquisition or foreign language education.

Key criteria: Students who are TESOL members and plan to conduct a graduate study project on a topic relevant to TESOL/TEFL are eligible to apply.

Award information: $1,500, plus a convention registration

How to apply: Complete an online application. Students are required to write two essays and a description of a graduate study project. They must also arrange for a letter of recommendation.

Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) Teacher Graduate Scholarships

Overview: Want to inspire future generations of innovators with STEM? The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) provides scholarships to students pursuing graduate degrees or licensures to teach STEM subjects at K-12 schools in the U.S.

Key criteria: Applicants must be U.S. citizens living in the U.S. attending an accredited U.S. college or university on-campus and majoring in secondary education with the goal of teaching STEM. Students must also be in their second semester, taking two courses per term, with a current GPA of 3.5 or higher, and have already completed a B.S. degree in a STEM subject. Students enrolled in online programs should email edfoundation@afcea.org to inquire about eligibility.

Award information: $2,500 to $5,000

How to apply: Complete an online application and submit the following documents: a current official transcript, two letters of recommendation, current resume, and undergrad transcript.

The TEACH Grant Program

Overview: The TEACH Grant provides scholarships for education majors who commit to teach in high-need fields in low-income areas for at least four academic years.

Key criteria: Students must meet eligibility criteria for federal student aid, complete the FAFSA, be enrolled at a TEACH Grant-eligible program at a participating school, meet specific academic requirements, receive TEACH grant counseling, and sign an agreement to serve.

Award information: Up to $4,000 per year

How to apply: Contact the financial aid office at your school and ask if any programs are eligible for the TEACH Grant. Then request information on how to apply.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Wells Fargo Scholarship

Overview: In partnership with Wells Fargo, TMCF offers financial assistance to high-achieving undergraduate students enrolled at one of the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities within the TMCF network. The scholarship is open to all majors.

Key criteria: Students must be full-time sophomores, juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, they must have demonstrated financial need and leadership ability and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Award information: One-year merit scholarship of up to $5,000

How to apply: Complete your application and submit a Student Aid Report, college transcript, recommendation, and essay.

TN Future Teacher Scholarship