Teaching Scholarships and Grants for Future Educators
Teaching scholarships help aspiring and current educators pay for tuition, credentials, and advanced training. These awards are offered by universities, state governments, and education-focused organizations to encourage students to pursue careers in teaching—especially in high-need subject areas and underserved communities.
What Teaching Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors?
High school seniors planning to become teachers can apply for scholarships designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of educators. Examples include:
- Golden Apple Scholars Program: Provides financial support, mentoring, and job placement for students who commit to teaching in high-need schools.
- Future Educator Scholarship: Offered by state education departments and foundations to help aspiring teachers begin education degree programs.
- NEA Foundation Scholarship: Supports high school seniors pursuing degrees in education or early childhood development.
These scholarships often include a service commitment requiring graduates to teach in public or underserved schools.
What Scholarships Are Available for Teachers Pursuing Continuing Education?
Current teachers seeking professional growth or advanced credentials can apply for programs such as:
- NEA Foundation Grants for Educators: Funding for classroom innovation, research, and professional development.
- AFT Robert G. Porter Scholars Program: Available to AFT members and dependents pursuing higher education or certifications.
- Federal Pell Grant: For teachers returning to school for graduate or post-baccalaureate education programs.
These awards reduce financial barriers and support continuing education in teaching and leadership.
Are There Full-Ride Scholarships for Education Majors?
Yes, several full-tuition and full-ride scholarships are available for education majors. These include:
- Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship: Covers full tuition and offers a living stipend for students earning teaching degrees in STEM fields. Recipients must teach in high-need schools after graduation.
- Golden Apple Scholars Program: In addition to undergraduate funding, this program supports future teachers who commit to teaching in underserved areas.
Full-ride teaching scholarships typically require a multi-year service commitment in public schools.
Are There Scholarships for Minority Teachers?
Yes, several programs promote diversity in education by supporting aspiring teachers from underrepresented backgrounds. Examples include:
- TEACH Grant: Offers up to $4,000 per year for students who commit to teaching in high-need fields and low-income schools.
- UNCF Teacher Education Scholarships: Provides funding for Black students pursuing education degrees at HBCUs and other institutions.
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Supports Hispanic and Latino students majoring in education or child development.
These programs help ensure greater representation and equity in classrooms across the country.
What Are State-Based Teaching Scholarships?
Many states offer their own scholarships or forgivable loan programs for students pursuing teaching degrees. Examples include:
- Georgia’s HOPE Teacher Scholarship Program: Financial aid for graduate students earning teacher certification in critical subject areas.
- New York State Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program: Covers full tuition for students who agree to teach math or science in-state after graduation.
- Tennessee Teaching Scholars Program: Offers forgivable loans to students who commit to teaching in Tennessee public schools.
Check with your state’s education or higher education department for local funding opportunities.
Are There Scholarships for Alternative Teaching Certification?
Yes, individuals entering teaching through nontraditional paths—such as career changers or veterans—may qualify for specialized programs. Examples include:
- Teach for America (TFA) Grants: Offers stipends, education awards, and benefits for professionals who commit to teaching in high-need communities.
- Troops to Teachers Program: Provides financial support and placement assistance for veterans transitioning into teaching.
- State Alternative Certification Incentives: Many states offer tuition reimbursement or grants for alternative licensure in shortage areas.
These programs make it easier for individuals with diverse experiences to enter the teaching profession.
What Is the TEACH Grant?
The TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant is a federal program that offers up to $4,000 per year to students preparing to become teachers. In return, recipients must agree to teach in a high-need subject at a low-income school for at least four years within eight years of graduation. If the service requirement is not met, the grant converts into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
Which Schools Are Eligible for the TEACH Grant?
Only institutions that participate in the TEACH Grant Program and offer approved education programs qualify. Students can:
What Are the Requirements for the TEACH Grant?
To qualify for the TEACH Grant, applicants must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Be enrolled in a TEACH Grant-eligible program at a participating school.
- Maintain a minimum 3.25 GPA or score above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test.
- Sign an Agreement to Serve (ATS) committing to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school.
How Do You Apply for the TEACH Grant?
To apply for the TEACH Grant, students should:
- Complete the FAFSA each academic year.
- Enroll in a TEACH Grant-eligible education program.
- Sign the Agreement to Serve annually while receiving the grant.
- Complete online TEACH Grant counseling through their school’s financial aid portal.
Students should confirm program eligibility with their college’s financial aid office before applying.
What Is the TEACH Grant Certification Form?
The TEACH Grant Certification Form verifies that recipients are fulfilling their service requirement. It must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education annually and includes:
- Proof of teaching at a low-income school.
- Verification of teaching in a high-need subject area such as math, science, or special education.
Failure to submit the certification form or meet the teaching obligation will result in the grant converting to a loan, with interest applied retroactively.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
