“I know that resources for teachers are limited. I’m happy we now have the opportunity to put the money in the hands of people who are going to do the work. I know that there aren’t many nonrestrictive scholarships out there because scholarships are usually just for tuition; our students are able to use this for any of their needs, like rent and books.” said Kenya Campbell, the Norman C. Francis program director. 

The CAS Teacher Education Scholarships will be awarded to students of color who demonstrate financial need and have specific qualifications, including satisfactory academic performance, personal achievements and community service efforts. The applicant must also be in good academic standing and maintain full-time status during the year the scholarship is received. Each semester, the Division of Education and Counseling will re-verify student enrollment. The scholarship does not replace or affect students’ financial aid in any way. 

The new scholarship opportunity was made possible due to a $220,000 donation from an anonymous foundation to the Division of Education and Counseling. Once selected, twenty students will receive $5,000 each semester, as long as they maintain good academic standing and full-time status. The purpose of the scholarships is to help students finish out the end of their teaching programs and to help support them in their next steps. 

“With the help that we have been getting combined with the Catholic and private schools that want to partner with us, our programs in education are definitely going to thrive. I see us really advancing and with this gift we will graduate more teachers of color. That’s really important right now. We need researchers and teachers who mirror the diverse student population which we serve.  This is exactly what our founder envisioned for us,” said Dr. Judith G. Miranti Ed. D, professor, and chairperson in the Division of Education and Counseling.

Applications for the scholarships are available online through the Division of Education and Counseling website. Applicants will complete a brief personal statement and provide a photo of themselves, an official university transcript, a professional resume, and one letter of recommendation from a former teacher, professor or mentor. The application deadline is Thursday, October 9, and awards will be announced Friday, October 31. Please click here for more information.