Secondary Teaching Scholarships

 Graduate level or 5th certification students  Major in the field of education Applications are open to the general public. However, it is the policy of the Pauahi Foundation to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.

The Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG) program is for students who plan on working in specific career/occupational programs upon graduation. Eligible fields include: child care, human services, teaching, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, social work, and public service. Who may apply: Current high school seniors, full-time and part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an eligible accredited Maryland postsecondary institution. How to apply: Complete the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant application online at https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us and submit official transcripts from all institutions you have ever attended. To be considered based on need, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov for the application year. The FAFSA is not required; however, it will be used to determine the order in which students will be awarded. Certain majors may require additional documentation, which will be noted on the application. When to apply: File the WSSAG application by July 1 Eligible majors: Eligible majors and employment fields will be determined by an Advisory Council biennially and will address statewide and regional workforce needs. Employment fields may be limited to certain occupational areas within a field. Eligible majors and employment fields (see website). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university as a full-time (12+ credits per semester) or part-time (6-11 credits per semester) degree seeking undergraduate student, or a full-time (9+ credits per semester) or part-time (6-8 credits per semester) degree seeking graduate student. Audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours for full-time or part-time status. NOTE: Individuals who have received scholarships in prior years under MHEC's former career/occupational programs (Child Care Provider; Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Workforce Tuition Assistance Program) will continue to receive their awards as long as they remain eligible. Students who receive one of these former awards are not eligible to also receive a WSSAG award. MERIT AND/OR NEED-BASED CRITERIA Both merit and need-based criteria will be used when making awards. Applicants will be ranked by Grade Point Average (GPA) and then by need within each occupational field. Those students with the greatest need within each GPA range will be awarded first. To determine a student’s merit ranking, transcripts will be required. To determine the GPA ranking of students, a cumulative, unweighted GPA will be used. If necessary, GPAs will be recalculated to be considered on a standardized 4.0 scale. To determine a student’s need ranking, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed by the applicant and received by OSFA by the July 1 deadline; however, it is not mandatory to file the FAFSA to be eligible to receive an award. AWARD AMOUNT Award amounts are set at the statutory minimum and are based on the type of institution and the student’s enrollment status. The award is $2,000 per year if attending a Maryland community college full-time (12+ credits per semester) or $1,000 per year if part-time (6-11 credits per semester). The award is $4,000 per year if attending a Maryland four-year institution full-time (12+ credits per semester for undergraduate; 9+ credits per semester for graduate) or $2,000 per year if part-time (6-11 credits per semester for undergraduate; 6-8 credits per semester for graduate). The total dollar amount of all State awards may not exceed a student's cost of attendance as determined by the school's financial aid office or $19,000, whichever is less.

A teaching internship is being developed with participating area colleges/universities for students pursuing degrees in Education. The Starting Gate Program Coordinator will work with the individual college/university internship program coordinator to determine the structure of the internship. At successful completion of this internship, participating college students will receive a $1000 scholarship from The Race For Education to be used for tuition. A scholarship can be earned for each semester an intern works. If an intern returns for a second semester, they are eligible to apply for the RFE’s Assets for Independence Program, which could qualify them for an extra $4000 to be used for tuition costs. All interns work with a bilingual (Spanish), certified teacher with 12 years of teaching experience. Interns will be asked to teach large group lessons, as well as small group break-outs, assist with homework, and accompany the group on field trips once per month. To complete the internship and receive a scholarship, participating college students are required to: Attend a volunteer training session at The Race For Education. Work with middle students two days per week for at least one semester. Assist middle school students with homework, school projects, computer use, etc. Submit to a background check and sign a confidentiality agreement Be in good academic standing with their college/university All interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

SELECTION CRITERIA: • Student Grade Point Average • Work experience with people with disabilities (paid and/or volunteer) • Resume • “Statement of Commitment” to working with students with disabilities WHO SHOULD APPLY: • Undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Maine system who are matriculating toward a degree in teaching Special Education, preferably in the area of Severe Disabilities, but anyone pursuing a degree in Special Education will be considered. Preference may be given to applicants following a non-traditional path to the profession. APPLICATIONS: Applications must include one (1) copy of each of the following: • A profile of the applicant’s background (100-150 words) which can serve as the basis of a press release • Up-to-date copies of transcripts • A completed resume • A written “Statement of Commitment” to working with students with disabilities • A cover letter that states how this scholarship will assist the student in completing studies in teaching Special Education

This scholarship is intended to encourage graduating JROTC Cadets to attend a post-high educational institution and give back to their community and nation by pursuing a career in public service in such professions as the military, law enforcement, firefighting, teaching, nursing, etc.  Minimum GPA 2.0  Be a graduating high school senior and Cadet in Junior Reserve Officer Training (JROTC) program from Farrington High School, Nänäkuli High School, or Kapolei High School  Half-time enrollment allowed  Successfully completed minimum one year JROTC program and held a leadership position  Demonstrate high moral character and exemplify the Army Values of: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage  Letter of recommendation signed by your respective schools Senior Army Instructor (SAI)

 Pursuing a career in the education field  Half-time enrollment allowed  Submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers, coaches or other citing examples of how applicant has already worked in and will continue to work with the Hawaiian community  Submit essay on applicant’s commitment to education and how you would use scholarship funds for educational costs General criteria: • Must be a classified undergraduate student • Enrolled in a degree-seeking program, unless specifically noted • Enrolled in a two- or four-year, accredited* college institution in Hawai`i or the continental U.S. • Demonstrate interest in Hawaiian language, culture, history • Demonstrate a commitment to contribute to the greater community. *See website for accrediting bodies that are recognized by the Foundation. Applications are open to the general public. However, it is the policy of the Pauahi Foundation to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.

The Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program was established by the Legislature for the purpose of providing financial assistance to Massachusetts residents who are currently employed as paraprofessionals in Massachusetts public schools, but wish to become certified as full time teachers. This grant is designed to help reduce financial barriers that often become obstacles for many paraprofessionals in attaining higher education. The program is also an attempt to help address the Commonwealth's current teacher shortage. Financial need is not a requirement for the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant. However, recipients must annually file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Who Is Eligible? To be eligible for a Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant, a student must: Be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts. Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen. Be eligible under Title IV Regulations and not in default of a state or federal education loan or grant. Enroll in an undergraduate degree program (full-time or part-time) leading to teacher certification in a Massachusetts Public College. Be employed, for a minimum of two years, as a paraprofessional in a Massachusetts public school. If employed less than two years as a paraprofessional, a student may qualify for the grant only if the undergraduate course of study will lead to teacher certification in high need disciplines: Math, Science, Special Education, Foreign Languages, or Bilingual Education. Has not earned a bachelor's degree. Eligible Institutions For the purposes of the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant, an eligible institution is defined as a regionally accredited public or private, college or university in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that offers a teacher preparation program leading to licensure, approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education (MDOE); or a two-year public college that has a signed articulation or joint admissions agreement with such an institution for a teacher preparation program. Award Amounts The grant award under this program will vary, depending on the type of institution and the students' enrollment status (full-time or part-time).

The Career Advancement Program Tuition Waiver is designed to reward Massachusetts's public school teachers in their first three years of teaching who have passed all three components of the Massachusetts Teachers Test. It is further believed that the Career Advancement Program Tuition Waiver helps to increase the retention of new teachers during the first three years when attrition is highest; by rewarding teachers with career advancement opportunities. Eligible public school teachers receive up to three tuition-free state-supported graduate courses, one for each of their first three years of teaching. The value of the tuition waivers is approximately $300 per course. Who Is Eligible? To be eligible for a Career Advancement Tuition Waiver, a student must: Have passed all three components of the Massachusetts Teachers Test. Be a public school teacher in the year he/she using the award. Be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts. Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen. Not be in default of a Federal or state loan or owe a refund on any previously received financial aid. File a current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible Institutions The nine Massachusetts State Colleges and the four campuses of the University of Massachusetts. Award Amounts Career Advancement Tuition Waiver recipients shall be eligible for tuition for up to three state-supported graduate courses (in education or areas related to the teacher's subject matter), one for each of their first three years of teaching. Waivers must be used within two years of the year of teaching in a public school that has provided eligibility for the waiver. Individual student awards shall be up to the resident tuition rate at the participating institution. How Do I Apply? Contact the financial aid office at the institution you are attending or plan to attend for application requirements or deadlines.

The Collaborative Teachers Tuition Waiver encourages Massachusetts's public school teachers to become mentors to full-time student teachers from State colleges and universities. The program is designed to support the professional development of public school teachers in the Commonwealth. Under the agreement, the mentoring teacher receives a waiver for up to one graduate-level course for each student teacher he/she mentors. The waiver can be used for courses in education or related to the teacher's major field offered by State colleges and the University of Massachusetts. Who Is Eligible? To be eligible for a Collaborative Teachers Tuition Waiver, a student must: Agree to mentor a student teacher from a State college or university in their classroom. Be a public school teacher in the year he/she is using the award. Be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts. Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen. Not be in default of a Federal or State loan or owe a refund on any previously received financial aid. File a current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible Institutions The nine Massachusetts State Colleges and the four campuses of the University of Massachusetts. Award Amounts Collaborative Teachers shall be eligible for a tuition waiver for up to one state-supported graduate-level course for each student teacher mentored with a maximum of one student teacher mentored per semester. Collaborative Teachers can request waivers for up to two years after the completion of the mentoring relationship for which eligibility is based. Individual student awards shall be no more than the resident graduate tuition rate at the participating institution. How Do I Apply? Contact the financial aid office at the institution you are attending or plan to attend for application requirements or deadlines. You can also call the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070 to obtain more information.

Who Is Eligible? To be eligible for an Incentive Program for Aspiring Teachers, a student must: Be in his/her third and/or fourth year of college and enrolled in state approved teacher education program field with teacher shortages. Have a cumulative 3.0 grade point average in general education courses. Commit to teaching for two (2) years (one year for each year of full or partial tuition waiver received) in a public school in the Commonwealth upon successful completion of a bachelor's degree from the college or university and the appropriate certification pursuant to section 38G of Chapter 71 M.G.L. Be deemed eligible by the institution. Complete an agreement regarding service and/or repayment (including interest). Achieve a 3.0 grade point average in the third year in order to receive the tuition waiver for the second year (senior year). Be a permanent resident of Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the opening of the academic year. Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen. Be in compliance with applicable Selective Registration requirements. Not be in default of any federal or state loan or owe a refund on any previously received financial aid. Be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with institutional standards. File a current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible Institutions The nine Massachusetts State Colleges and the four campuses of the University of Massachusetts. Award Amounts Students eligible for the Incentive Program for Aspiring Teachers will be entitled to a tuition waiver equal to the resident tuition rate at the State College or participating University campus at which they are enrolled for two years. The tuition waiver for the second year of eligibility (senior year) is contingent upon the student earning a 3.0 grade point average in the third year. Forfeiture of Tuition Waiver Award Persons who participate in the program but do not complete their college education within four years of entering the certification program or who fail to complete their two-year teaching commitment within four years following graduation from college, shall be obligated to pay the Commonwealth the full amount of the tuition waivers granted through the Incentive Program for Aspiring Teachers, prorated according to the fraction of teaching not completed, with interest, as determined by the Board of Higher Education. How Do I Apply? Contact the financial aid at the State College or University that you are attending or plan to attend for application requirements and deadlines. You can also contact the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070 to obtain more information.

Eligibility requirements: Legal residents of Delaware. U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Full-time students enrolled at a Delaware college in an undergraduate program leading to teacher certification. High school seniors must rank in upper half of class and have a combined score of 1570 on the SAT. Undergraduates must have at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA. Awards may be provided for programs of study not available in Delaware or prorated for part-time students. Preference is given to applicants planning to teach in a critical need area as defined by the Delaware Department of Education. Award: Loan not to exceed cost of tuition, mandatory fees, and other direct educational expenses. Renewable for up to three additional years with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 Loan forgiveness provision at a rate of one year of teaching in a Delaware public school for one year of loan.

The mission of the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program is to recruit talented high school seniors into the teaching profession and to help them develop leadership qualities. Each year, the program provides fellowships to up to 200 high school seniors. Awards: Up to $6,000 yearly scholarship for four years, including $300 a year for summer enrichment. Eligibility: Written and oral application process, high academic achievement, a history of service to the school and community, and a desire to teach South Carolina's children.