5 Scholarships You Need to Apply for in 2017
Let’s face it, higher education can be expensive, with CNBC finding that the average annual cost of a four-year degree is $31,231. Although teaching is a hugely rewarding career it’s likely that you will need to be in your career for quite a while before all student debts are repaid.
That said, America needs good teachers, and the profession needs to recruit the very best talent to lead the next generation of thinkers and business moguls. The Washington Post reports that the U.S is facing its first major teacher shortage since the 1990’s, with a shortfall of 60,000 teachers missing from American classrooms.
In an effort to attract the very best talent to become the next educators many colleges, universities, charities, and private organizations offer scholarships to help with the financial burden of teacher training programs.
Therefore it's wise to attempt to access any financial supports you can. For teacher candidates, there are a range of scholarship programs and opportunities available.
These are the 5 you really need to apply for:
1. Fulbright Scholar Program
Fulbright is a program of the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It offers over 500 scholarships in over 125 countries. With this scholarship, you get the chance to travel and immerse yourself in another country’s culture and community while obtaining your qualifications. For more information, visit the Fulbright Scholar Program website.
Requirements:
- For some programs, you will need to be completing a doctorate and speak an additional language.
2. The TEACH Grant
“TEACH” stands for Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education and is offered as a federal grant through the U.S Department of Education. It provides up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to embark on a teaching career in high needs areas in schools experiencing economic deprivation. These avenues to a career in education are often well compensated and offer advancements opportunities.
Requirements:
- Applicants must sign an agreement promising to teach in a high-need field
- Work at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families
- Must maintain a 3.25 GPA
- You must teach for a minimum of four years within the eight years after graduating
- If recipients leave teaching before their commitment is fulfilled the grant converts to a loan which will need to be repaid
3. Gates Millennium Foundation
This program aims to help those students the most in need of financial assistance to reach their dreams and goals. Besides which having the ‘Gates’ name on your resume is certainly impressive! This scholarship program is not solely for education programs but is a full scholarship program for students of color. It was started by billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates with the goal of helping underprivileged students to access higher education.
For more information, visit the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program website.
Requirements:
- Applicants must belong to an ethnic minority within the US
- Must be a citizen, permanent resident or American National
- Must have already applied for the PELL grant to be eligible
4. American Montessori Society
The Montessori philosophy of education often requires teachers to undertake specialized training in the methods of its Italian founder, Maria Montessori. Future educators interested in the discovery or constructivist philosophies may find further study in the Montessori method to be a perfect fit. The scholarship provides successful applicants with $1,000 per year.
For more information, visit the American Montessori Society website.
Requirements:
- Applicants must be enrolled or about to enroll in an AMS-affiliated course.
5. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
This scholarship sponsored and offered by the National Council Of Teachers of Mathematics aims to help prospective middle school mathematics educators. It is worth up to $3,000 and is awarded annually to just one college junior, with an outstanding record. STEM educators, including Math teachers, are in high demand and their skills are desperately needed across the country. Specializing in a sought after subject area can lead to more career prospects and opportunities for advancement.
Requirements:
- Applicants must be intending to teach middle school students
- Must have a 3.0 GPA
- Will need to submit an application in their junior year of college.
Fiona Tapp, is a Freelance Writer, Educator, and Mom. An Expert in the field of Pedagogy, a teacher of 13 years and Master’s Degree holder in Education. Take a look at her website or blog to connect.