| Name |
Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program |
| Number of Awards |
|
| Award Value |
$5,000 |
| Award Type |
Merit-Based Scholarship |
| Accept Applications |
Until March 1 |
| Renewable |
 |
| Scholarship Links |
More Information
|
| Contact |
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Boulevard, E.
Suite 700
Charleston,
West Virginia
25301
|
| Phone |
(304)558-4618 |
| Fax |
|
| Email |
|
|  |
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The Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program is a state funded student aid program designed to enable and encourage outstanding high school graduates to pursue teaching careers at the pre-school, elementary, middle, or secondary school level. Undergraduate and graduate scholarships, not to exceed $5,000 per academic year, are awarded on the basis of academic qualifications and interest in teaching. The objective is for a recipient to obtain a teaching certificate and to commit to the pursuit of a teaching career in West Virginia public schools.
ELIGIBLE STUDENTS: To qualify for the Underwood-Smith Program, a student must meet the following basic selection criteria:
1. Be a West Virginia resident;
2. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a West Virginia institution of higher education as a full-time student in a course of study leading to certification as a teacher at the pre-school, elementary, middle, or secondary level;
3. Agree to teach at the public pre-school, elementary, middle, or secondary school level in West Virginia for two years for each year of scholarship assistance unless entering a teacher shortage area, an exceptional children's program, a school having less than average academic results, or a school in an economically disadvantaged area as designated by the West Virginia Board of Education, when the scholar must teach not less than one year for each year for which the scholarship was received; and
4. Be willing to repay the scholarship on a pro rata basis as well as accrued interest at a substantial rate and any required collection fees if he/she fails to fulfill the teaching obligation.
UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL
* Have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 after successfully completing 2 years of course work at an approved institution;
GRADUATE LEVEL
* Have or will be graduating in the top ten percent of his/her college/university graduating class