10 Grants For Future Teachers

Although higher education costs are rising, so is the demand for teachers. Don't let finances get in the way of your desire to become a teacher and make a difference in the lives of future generations. Teachers are crucial members of local communities that influence student learning in various roles, such as:

• public school teachers
• private school teachers
• charter school teachers
• elementary school teachers
• middle school teachers
• special education teachers

You can take advantage of college grants for your professional development and to gain more learning opportunities. Teacher grants are available federally and at the state level. Check for additional resources in your school district and local community. Continue reading to learn more about grants, as well as scholarships for future teachers.

1. TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant)

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant awards aspiring future educators who intend to pursue a teaching role. Receivers of this grant must complete four years of qualifying teaching service within eight years of graduating from the school where they received the grant.

Otherwise, this grant converts into a direct unsubsidized loan.

• Amount awarded: Recipients are awarded up to $4,000 yearly.
• Eligibility: You must meet Federal Student Aid (FSA) handbook requirements, enroll in a TEACH Grant-eligible program at a qualifying school, maintain a certain GPA, receive TEACH Grant counseling, and sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay.
• How to apply: To apply for the TEACH grant, complete the FAFSA online application form and sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay at StudentAid.gov.

2. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood� Scholarship

The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship offers help for people pursuing an early childhood education career. Each state has its own T.E.A.C.H. program-eligible schools and applications.

Depending on your state, you may have different eligibility requirements and online application portals. The amount awarded may be based on that state's minimum wage requirements and other factors.

• Amount awarded: The amount varies by state.
• Eligibility: Eligibility requirements vary by state.
• How to apply: You must fill out the FAFSA online application form. Beyond that, each state requires you to visit their specific T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship website to apply.

3. Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a form of student aid provided to students with demonstrated financial need. Typically recipients of the Federal Pell Grant are pursuing an undergraduate degree and haven't pursued any degree in the past. However, postbaccalaureate teacher certification program students and those enrolled in a Prison Education Program may be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.

• Amount awarded: The maximum for 2024-2025 is $7,395.
• Eligibility: You must have financial need and not be a degree holder.
• How to apply: Submit a FAFSA online application form.

4. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant helps undergraduate students with significant financial hardship. You don't need to repay this grant, and the amount you receive depends on various factors, such as the availability of grant funds at your school.

• Amount awarded: The amount awarded ranges between $100 and $4,000 annually.
• Eligibility: You must have demonstrated significant economic hardship, be enrolled in an undergraduate program, and not have earned a bachelor's degree.
• How to apply: Submit a FAFSA online application form to apply.

5. New York State Excelsior Scholarship

The New York State Excelsior Scholarship is the USA's first accessible college program. Families with a household income over $125,000 are not eligible for the scholarship.

• Amount awarded: Full tuition coverage at state-operated SUNY or CUNY colleges.
• Eligibility: You must be a resident of New York State planning to attend a SUNY or CUNY two or four-year college. You may also be eligible if you complete 30 credit hours yearly toward your program and plan to live in New York after graduation for at least the time you received the scholarship.
• How to apply: You must submit the FAFSA online application form and the NYS Student Aid Payment application. Once completed, apply for the Excelsior scholarship at the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website.

6. Cal Grant

The Cal Grant is financial aid for California residents attending a California university, state university, community college, or qualifying technical school. There are three kinds of Cal Grants but students don't have to apply for a specific grant.

• Amount awarded: The amount varies by Cal Grant type.
• Eligibility: The eligibility requirements vary by institution and individual need. You can find specific requirements at the California Student Aid Commission website.
• How to apply: Submit the FAFSA online application form or the CA Dream Act Application.

7. Pennsylvania (PA) State Grant Program

The Pennsylvania (PA) State Grant Program is a financial aid award for Pennsylvania residents that doesn't need to be repaid. Ensure you apply before your specific deadline. However, if you don't apply before your deadline, apply anyway because you may still receive an award.

• Amount awarded: The amount varies yearly based on funding, number of applicants, and financial need.
• Eligibility: You must be a Pennsylvania resident with significant financial need in a full-time degree program. You also cannot already have a bachelor's degree.
• How to apply: Submit the FAFSA, PA State Grant, and High School forms.

8. The Golden Apple Scholars Program

The Golden Apple Scholars Program is available for high school seniors up to college sophomores who want to continue their professional learning to become educators. This program is great for those wanting hands-on learning to drive student achievement.

Golden Apple has many opportunities for student success and to help people become teachers, such as pre-K or K-12 educators. This program is open to Illinois, Michigan, and New Mexico students.

• Amount awarded: Candidates can earn full tuition coverage at a Golden Apple partner university or college and a stipend of $10,000 for additional educational expenses.
• Eligibility: Potential grantees must be at least a high school senior but not more than a college sophomore living in Illinois, Michigan, or New Mexico. Also, you must commit to teaching full-time by the 2026 school year.
• How to apply: Visit the Golden Apple official website to access this grant application.

9. Florida Student Assistance Grant Program (FSAG)

The Florida Student Assistance Grant Program is available to undergraduate students demonstrating considerable financial need. This grant program includes several grants, such as the Florida Public Student Assistance Grant and the Florida Postsecondary Student Assistance Grant.

• Amount awarded: The minimum annual award is $200.
• Eligibility: You must be an undergraduate student in Florida enrolled for at least six credit hours per term in a bachelor's degree program at a state university or Florida College System institution.
• How to apply: Fill out the FAFSA to apply for this grant.

10. Michigan Future Educator Fellowship

The Michigan Future Educator Fellowship is a scholarship for future educators enrolled in an educator preparation program approved by the state of Michigan. This fellowship is renewable for up to three years.

• Amount awarded: A sum of $10,000 is awarded.
• Eligibility: You must be a Junior enrolled full-time and working on your initial teacher certification with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• How to apply: Fill out the FAFSA and apply through the Michigan Student Scholarships and Grants (MiSSG) Student Portal.