Applications Now Available for 2021-22 Future Teachers Scholarship

May 13, 2021

Northwestern Oklahoma State University undergraduate and graduate students in the teacher education area are encouraged to submit their application for the Future Teachers Scholarship before June 1. High school seniors are also welcome to apply.

This scholarship was established by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education as an incentive to encourage the preparation of teachers in critical shortage areas in the public schools of Oklahoma. Those subject areas include science, mathematics, world languages, social studies, early childhood education, art, music, career and technical education, physical education, special education, business, language arts, school counselor and health education.

This scholarship award also is for those seeking a traditional education degree and certification. It does not apply to alternative certification.

Eligibility requirements include:

1. The student must be a resident of Oklahoma.

2. The student must be nominated by the college based on one of the following criteria:

• Cumulative high school grade point average ranking in the top 15 percent of their high school graduating class; OR
•  ACT or SAT score ranking in the top 15 percent for high school graduates of the same year; OR
•  Admission to a professional education program at an accredited Oklahoma institution of higher education; OR
• An undergraduate record of outstanding success, as defined by the institution.

3. Full-time and part-time students are eligible for the scholarship; however, the highest priority will be given to full-time students.

4. Scholarship recipients must maintain no less than a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

5. Each recipient must agree to teach in a shortage area in Oklahoma public schools for a minimum of three consecutive years upon graduation and licensure as a teacher.

6. Recipients may receive the scholarship for not more than four years, or the equivalent of four years, of full-time study. 

A new application should be submitted each academic year.

First-time freshmen must submit a copy of their high school transcript and ACT score. Students who have attended a post-secondary institution must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.

All students must submit an essay of approximately 300 words discussing what has influenced them to pursue a teaching career in their chosen field of study.

Previous scholarship recipients also must submit a statement of approximately 300 words in response to one of the following:

1. Describe how your commitment to teaching has been reaffirmed by the professional progress you have made.
2. Describe an accomplishment you have achieved in the last year and explain why you view it as such.

Applications are available electronically by contacting Natalie Miller, assistant certification officer for the Division of Education, at ndmiller@nwosu.edu.

Return the application with required documentation to Miller at Northwestern Division of Education, 709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, OK 73717. She may be reached by phone at (580) 327-8441.

Northwestern will submit applications to the State Regents’ office, and once that office has made its selections, Northwestern will be notified to pass along the news to the award recipients.

Students should note that funding for this scholarship is subject to state legislative appropriations.

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