Scholarships for Education Majors

U.S. citizens who are Intercollegiate Studies Institute members enrolled full time in a graduate humanities or social sciences program and intend to teach at the college level may apply for the Richard M. Weaver Graduate Fellowship. Pre-professional programs in business, divinity, medicine, or law are ineligible. Fellowships range from $5,000 to $15,000. ISI awards up to 15 fellowships annually for tuition and living expenses. Apply by the March deadline through ISI. The fellowship honors Richard M. Weaver and supports graduate students who will use advanced degrees to teach and uphold academic excellence.

U.S. citizens who are current teachers, graduate students, or graduating college seniors planning graduate school may apply. You must intend to teach American history, American government, civics, or social studies with a focus on the U.S. Constitution in grades 7 through 12, and commit to attending the included summer program. Fellowships provide up to $12,000 per academic year, with a maximum of $24,000 total. Approximately one fellowship is awarded per state, with about 50 awards available nationwide. Register online and complete the application with brief essays, work history, academic transcripts, and contact information for three recommenders.

U.S. residents who are high school seniors, graduates, GED recipients, or current undergraduates with at least a 2.5 GPA pursuing education, counseling, social work, psychology, or nursing at an accredited college or vocational school may apply. Education, counseling, social work, and psychology applicants must commit to working in K-12 systems. Renewable awards of up to $5,000 per year for two-year or vocational programs, or up to $10,000 per year for four-year programs, may continue for up to four additional years. Up to 100 recipients may be selected. Submit academic records and three essays on educational goals, personal challenges, and plans for impact. Financial need is considered. DACA recipients are eligible.

Alabama public high school math or science teachers with outstanding federal student loans who graduated from an approved secondary certification program may apply to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education for AMSTEP loan repayment. The base award is $7,500 per year ($3,750 per semester worked), renewable up to four consecutive years. Teachers in shortage districts may receive up to an additional $2,500 per year. The program encourages certification in math or science and placement in Alabama public schools where teacher shortages are most acute. The number of awards varies. AMSTEP is a state loan repayment program created by the Alabama Legislature to address math and science teacher shortages.

Kentucky residents employed at least 20 hours weekly in a participating early childhood facility, or as a state-funded preschool associate teacher, who are pursuing approved early childhood credentials or degrees at participating Kentucky colleges may apply for KHEAA's Early Childhood Development Scholarship. Awards cover up to full tuition and fees, capped at $6,751 per semester. Eligible credentials include the Child Development Associate, associate's or bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, a master's in interdisciplinary early childhood education, or the Kentucky Early Childhood Development Director's Certificate. Recipients agree to a service commitment based on the credential pursued. Complete the FAFSA and MyKHEAA application.

Persons of color enrolled in a teacher-preparation program at a college or university in Connecticut may apply, including African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American students in their junior or senior year of college or pursuing a master's degree. The program awards one $5,000 scholarship annually to a student who demonstrates outstanding potential and dedication to classroom teaching. Students may apply after admission to a Connecticut teacher-preparation program. The scholarship honors educator Alma Exley, whose work at the Connecticut Department of Education focused on bringing more people of color into teaching.

Augustana College students preparing for professional leadership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may apply. Applicants must be members in good standing of a Lutheran congregation with a strong academic record and an interest in ministry, music ministry, religious education, theology, social ministry, missionary service, or another church-related vocation. Preference goes to students with financial need. The award is up to $5,000 per year and is renewable by maintaining a 2.5 Augustana cumulative GPA. Submit the Rissing application, complete financial aid forms, and provide a reference from a Lutheran pastor or congregational leader. The Rissing Scholarship is awarded annually to students pursuing ELCA church leadership.

Illinois high school seniors, community college students, and freshmen or sophomores at partner universities who plan to teach in Illinois schools-of-need may apply for the Golden Apple Scholars Program. U.S. residents (including citizens, noncitizens, and DACA recipients) with at least a 2.5 GPA are eligible. Scholars receive up to $2,500 per year in their first two years and up to $5,000 per year in years three through five toward tuition, fees, and room and board, plus paid summer institutes, mentoring, and job placement support. Recipients must earn Illinois teaching certification and teach at least five years in an approved Illinois school-of-need within seven years of graduation. Apply with references, personal statements, unofficial transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores (required for homeschooled students). Selected applicants participate in an interview.

Full-time students who are graduates of South Christian High School studying education, business, or healthcare with at least a 3.0 GPA may apply. Awards are up to $5,000. Apply through the GRCF unified scholarship application, which opens December 1 and closes March 1.

Calvin University juniors or seniors admitted to the professional education program with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA who plan to teach Bible, theology, or religion at a Christian school or direct the education ministry of a Reformed Christian church may be considered for the Hoeks Family Scholarship. Awards of $5,000 are available, with the number of recipients varying. Financial need is considered. Submit the general Calvin named-scholarship application between December 1 and January 20 to be automatically matched to eligible awards. The scholarship supports students preparing for ministry-focused education careers.