Teaching is a noble and essential profession, yet the costs of higher education can present significant financial challenges for aspiring educators. This guide covers a wide array of scholarship opportunities available to elementary education majors between 2021 and 2024. By doing your research and applying strategically, you can significantly reduce your college costs and help make your dream of teaching a reality.
The Value of Pursuing Scholarships
Scholarships provide financially meaningful relief that does not need to be paid back like loans. They are essentially free funding that can be used to pay for tuition, books, living expenses, and more. Every dollar of scholarships received is a dollar that does not need to be funded through student loans, personal savings, or family support.
The application process requires time and effort, but pursuing scholarships is almost always worth it considering the potential returns. Even if an application is not successful, the experience of writing essays and articulating your goals and qualifications is excellent preparation for future opportunities. Scholarship providers want to invest in ambitious, organized, thoughtful students who will make the most of their education – you have a good chance if you present yourself as such a candidate.
Timing Scholarship Applications Effectively
There are scholarships available year-round, but the largest and most competitive opportunities tend to have deadlines in the fall, winter, and spring. Careful planning is necessary to apply for the right scholarships at the right times.
- Fall deadlines (September – November): Many large, nationally recognized scholarships have fall due dates. This includes opportunities from the U.S. Department of Education, prestigious foundations, and private donors. Starting your search and applications early in the fall term allows time for thorough, polished submissions.
- Winter deadlines (December – February): There are still national scholarships with winter deadlines, plus many local options from organizations like Rotary Clubs and churches become available. This is a key time period to identify whether any scholarships in your region or field have upcoming due dates.
- Spring deadlines (March-May): Spring brings deadline surges as the academic year winds down. Focus on professional association awards, as well as scholarships specifically for rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Spring is not too late – but working ahead allows for retries if needed.
- Rolling/ongoing deadlines: Some notable scholarships like the Gates Millennium Scholars program and Coca-Cola Scholars are accepting applications on a continuous basis year-round. Apply early for these to boost your chances of first-round selection.
A well-planned scholarship application schedule maximizes your opportunities to find funding for the upcoming year and beyond. Allow sufficient time for drafting strong essays unique to each opportunity.
Scholarships for Freshmen and Sophomores
For incoming and current elementary education freshmen and sophomores, there are several foundational scholarships to target:
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program
- Award Amount: Up to $40,000 per year
- Minimum Required GPA: 3.5 unweighted
- Deadline: Early November
- Eligibility: High-achieving high school seniors demonstrating financial need
This prestigious award supports high-potential students with financial need through undergraduate graduation. Recipients receive both scholarships and career/graduate school advising.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
- Award Amount: $20,000 scholarship renewable up to 4 years
- Minimum Required GPA: 3.0
- Deadline: October 31 annually
- Eligibility: Incoming high school seniors demonstrating leadership and service
One of the most competitive and highly regarded national scholarships. Strong academics plus community involvement are key.
Signature Scholarship Competition (Multiple state-specific programs)
- Award Amounts: Vary up to full tuition
- Minimum Required GPA: Most 3.5-4.0
- Deadlines: Fall/Winter annually
- Eligibility: High-achieving high school seniors planning to attend in-state public colleges
Many states offer full-ride scholarships for talented residents. Rigorous application process focused on academics, leadership, and state fit.
Target Community College Transfer Scholarships
- Award Amounts: Vary up to $5,000
- Minimum Required GPA: 2.5-3.0 usually
- Deadlines: Vary, look 3-6 months in advance
- Eligibility: Current community college students planning to transfer to 4-year universities
Numerous opportunities exist to fund the community college to university transfer path. Research scholarships from target transfer schools.
This initial fellowship and scholarship funding establishes a strong foundation for an affordable education. Pursue additional awards each subsequent year by tapping into new opportunities.
Scholarships for Junior and Senior Education Majors
For junior and senior elementary education majors, the focus shifts to more major-specific and profession-driven scholarships:
American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,000-$3,000
- Minimum Required GPA: 3.0
- Deadline: February 15 annually
- Eligibility: Undergraduate or post-baccalaureate teacher candidates pursuing Spanish education
Supports individuals passionate about bringing Spanish language instruction to K-12 classrooms across the U.S. Essay articulating this commitment is crucial.
American Geophysical Union Hydrology Section Ralph E. Tator Student Research Grant
- Award Amount: $2,000 maximum
- Minimum Required GPA: None specified
- Deadline: March annually
- Eligibility: Undergraduate hydrology thesis research project in earth sciences education focus area
Encourages field research in hydrology sub-disciplines like watershed hydrology or surface water quality. A project proposal is the core of the application.
Milken Educator Awards
- Award Amount: $25,000 cash prize, plus paid conference attendance
- Minimum Required GPA: None specified
- Deadline: Rolling nominations accepted year-round
- Eligibility: Exemplary K-12 teachers, counselors, or special education professionals in early career
One of the most prestigious awards for educators. Nomination by school administrators and selection committee decision. Raises teaching profile.
Specific university/college major scholarships
- Award Amounts: Vary up to $5,000+ per year
- Minimum Required GPA: Varies, often 3.0 or above
- Deadlines: Vary, 3-6 months in advance
- Eligibility: Full-time junior or senior elementary education majors meeting other criteria
Many schools offer scholarships directly related to elementary education. Research all available from your institution thoroughly. Show active engagement like high-impact practices, teaching experience, or education involvement.
At the junior/senior level, showcasing academic excellence, teaching experience, and leadership make for a stand-out scholarship applicant. Make securing outside funding a priority to offset borrowing.
Graduate Education Scholarships and Fellowships
For those pursuing graduate work like a teaching credential or master’s degree in education, additional scholarships emerge:
Troops to Teachers Program
- Award Amount: Up to $10,000 for initial certification, $5,000 for additional certifications
- Minimum Required GPA/Experience: Military experience
- Deadline: Rolling
- Eligibility: Current and former U.S. Armed Forces members pursuing K-12 teaching career
Supports the transition from military service to classroom through fully funded teacher training programs.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
- Award Amount: Loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying monthly payments
- Minimum Required GPA/Experience: None
- Deadline: PSLF application accepted anytime
- Eligibility: Borrowers with Direct Loans working full-time for qualifying employer
Teaching at a public school, non-profit private school, or educational service agency qualifies. Certify employment annually to track progress.
PRAXIS PLUS Loan Forgiveness
- Award Amount: Up to $17,500 across 2-3 years teaching
- Minimum Required GPA/Experience: Teaching in high-need field or location
- Deadline: Rolling applications during teaching service
- Eligibility: Teachers with Stafford or PLUS loans passing certain PRAXIS exams
Rewards teaching in critical subject/geographic shortage areas repayable as a percentage of your loans forgiven each year.
TEACH Grant Program
- Award Amount: Up to $4,000 annually as an undergraduate, $8,000 as a graduate student
- Minimum Required GPA/Experience: 3.25 GPA, teaching commitment
- Deadline: Annually early fall before aid period
- Eligibility: Undergrad/graduate students in teaching credential or Masters+ program
Provides funding in exchange for 4 years teaching commitment – avoid paying back as loans by meeting service requirements.
The graduate school lays a strong foundation. Many master’s programs even provide tuition remission, coverage, or additional scholarships. In return, obtain certification while fulfilling your passion.
Special Circumstances and Local Scholarship Options
Other opportunities emerge outside of grades or majors that are worth exploring:
- Scholarships for First-Generation College Students: Organizations supporting first in the family to attend college. Show perseverance.
- Scholarships for Working Students: Demonstrate balancing employment and academic responsibilities.
- Scholarships for Single Parents: Foundations assisting student parents reach educational goals.
- State or County Teacher Scholarships: Programs encouraging students to teach locally after graduation.
- Private Company or Corporate Scholarships: Research opportunities from businesses invested in education.
- Community Organization Scholarships: Explore awards offered by local partners like Rotary Clubs, PTA groups, churches, and civic programs. Meetings are a chance to connect in person.
- Endowed Department Scholarships: Inquire about internal awards at your university-specific to teaching majors. Professors can provide referrals.
Customized local searches often surface hidden gems. Introduce yourself to administration and community partners vested in your success. Personal connections strengthen candidacy for niche funding sources. Remain open to all potential avenues.
Creating a Winning Scholarship Application
Regardless of the specific award, strong applications incorporate these universal best practices:
- Engaging Personal Statement: Convey your passion for teaching through compelling anecdotes. Highlight overcoming adversity or service experiences.
- Ideal Essays: Tailor each essay to the prompt using superior writing skills – concise, well-organized responses clearly linking to criteria.
- Impressive Resume: Showcase relevant academic, and extracurricular activities through thoughtful formatting and attention to detail.
- Thank You Letters: Express appreciation for your consideration and provide a glimpse into your future teaching career. Send even if ultimately not selected.
- Exceptional Recommendations: Ask for letters well in advance from those who know your potential like professors or mentor teachers. Provide them with materials highlighting your fit.
- Portfolio: Consider including sample lesson plans, videos of teaching experience, or service projects as a dynamic supplement.
- Edits and Feedback: Have multiple individuals proofread your submissions and suggest improvements. Polish until flawless.
Professional, creative applications elevate candidates above others with similar qualifications. Craft a cohesive narrative to display your dedication, creativity, and preparedness.
