Minnesota Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship Application Now Open

7/17/2024

 

The application is now open for the Minnesota Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship, a pilot program providing postsecondary financial assistance to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing to become teachers. 

To receive an award, students must belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the state’s teacher workforce, demonstrate financial need and must be enrolled in either a Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) approved program seeking initial licensure or in a two-year program specifically designed to prepare early childhood educators.

Full-time students can receive up to $10,000 annually. Awards for students enrolled less than full-time are prorated on a per-credit basis. Applicants selected to receive an award are expected to serve as a full-time teacher in Minnesota after completing their program.

The Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship pilot program was established by the 2021 Minnesota Legislature and has awarded over $2.9 million to 380 future Minnesota teachers over the past two years. The pilot program was extended and received a one-time appropriation of $1 million for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Students can find more information and apply for the scholarship on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website. Students must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application.

The priority application deadline is August 2, 2024. Questions about the program can be directed to state program administrator Diamee Xiong Yang at diamee.xiong.yang@state.mn.us.