Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program

Name: Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per year (renewable up to four years)

Information And Eligibility:
The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program is a competitive, merit-based scholarship designed to recruit and support outstanding future educators in the state of West Virginia. Administered through the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV), this program provides significant financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to pursuing a teaching career. The scholarship aims to strengthen the state’s teaching workforce by supporting scholars who plan to return to West Virginia to teach in public schools after graduation.

Award recipients may receive up to $10,000 per year toward their undergraduate education, with the scholarship renewable for up to four years (or until the completion of a bachelor’s degree) provided renewal criteria are met. Funds are intended to help cover education-related expenses such as tuition, mandatory fees, books, and supplies while reducing financial barriers so that scholars can focus on their academic and professional development.

The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program specifically targets students who are committed to earning a degree in education and becoming certified teachers in West Virginia public schools. Eligible candidates typically show strong academic records, a passion for teaching, and a desire to make a positive community impact through education. The program not only offers financial support but also seeks to develop a cohort of future educators equipped to meet the needs of students across the state.

Selection is competitive, with applicants evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, service, and a demonstrated commitment to the teaching profession. Personal essays and statements are used to assess applicants’ motivations and goals, and strong candidates often demonstrate thoughtful reflection on their desire to become teachers and the role they hope to play in students lives.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a graduating high school senior or current undergraduate student seeking initial teacher certification.
• Must be a West Virginia resident.
• Must plan to enroll or be enrolled full time at a West Virginia college or university offering a teacher education program.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in education and teaching in West Virginia public schools.
• Must meet academic performance criteria as established by the program (typically competitive GPA and preparation in core subjects).

Application Requirements:

• Completed Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program application through the CFWV portal.
• Official or unofficial academic transcript.
• Personal essays describing educational goals, motivations for teaching, and plans for impact in West Virginia schools.
• Letters of recommendation from educators, mentors, or community leaders.
• Documentation of enrollment or acceptance into an eligible teacher education program.

Additional Details:

• Scholarship may be renewed annually with satisfactory academic progress and continued enrollment in an education degree program.
• Recipients are expected to complete a teaching degree and seek employment in West Virginia public schools.
• Award funds may be applied to tuition, fees, books, and other qualified educational costs.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply early in their senior year or prior to transfer into a teacher education major.

Deadline: March

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