50 Great Private Scholarships for Teachers and Educators

scholarships for masters in education

Scholarships for aspiring and current educators in a variety of content areas such as:  English, Social Studies, Physical Education, the arts, and the STEM fields, are readily available to those who are ready to answer the calling to teach. The following list is a useful resource for students entering the field of education, as well as teachers seeking further training at the graduate level. While many of these scholarships are open to the general population, others are state-specific, content-specific, or have other qualifying criteria.

Featured Programs

1. Future Educators Association Prospective Educator Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is available through Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) for high school seniors who intend to major in education and for college undergraduates who are currently enrolled in a teacher education program. To qualify, one must be a member of the Future Educators Association, the child or grandchild of a current PDK member, or have a letter of recommendation written by a current PDK member. Applications are due on April 1, and require a goals statement, letter of recommendation, and official transcript. Up to 30 scholarships are awarded each year.

Future Educators Association Prospective Educator Scholarship

2. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program

This full-ride scholarship supports low-income, minority students who are interested in education (among other majors). Awardees receive full tuition for their undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral work as long as they are enrolled in a post-secondary degree-granting program. To qualify, students must be high school seniors who have a 3.3 GPA, complete a series of eight essay questions (1,000 words each), submit two letters of recommendation, and provide proof of income eligibility. Applications are due by the second week in January each year. 1000 scholarships are awarded.

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program

3. Edwyna Wheadon Postgraduate Training Scholarship Fund

This $500 – $1,000 scholarship award is for current educators who want to continue with graduate coursework. The award is sponsored through the National Council of Teachers of English. To qualify, one must be a current middle or high school English teacher and submit a 500 word essay detailing proposed coursework and how it will enhance one’s teaching practice. Multiple awards are given each year. Applications are due by January 31.

4. Pi Lambda Theta Bushaw-Redumis Leadership Scholarship

This $1,000 award is for current undergraduate Pi Lambda Theta members who are pursuing a career in education and have a 3.5 GPA. Applicants must demonstrate the potential for leadership within the field of education. To qualify, submit a resume, college transcript, a personal statement of 200 words that describes one’s philosophy of teaching and learning, and two letters of recommendation. Applications are due April 1, and scholarships will be awarded to multiple recipients.

5. Pi Lambda Theta Nadeen Burkeholder Williams Music Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to one stand-out K12 educator who seeks to continue their graduate coursework. Applicants may be current music teachers or teachers in another subject who extensively use music in their classroom instruction. This is sponsored by Pi Lambda Theta, but applicants need not be members to apply for this award. To qualify, one must be a licensed teacher who has been employed full-time for one or more years, have a 3.5 GPA, and submit a resume, one letter of recommendation, a 1,000 word essay on music education, and evidence of teaching of music to students. Applications are due April 1.

6. Pi Lambda Theta Tobin Sorenson Physical Education Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to multiple students pursuing a career as a physical education teacher. This award is sponsored through Pi Lambda Theta, but applicants need not be members to apply. To qualify, applicants must be at least a college sophomore currently enrolled in undergraduate coursework, have a 3.5 GPA, demonstrate the potential for leadership in the field of education, and submit a resume, college transcript, and two letters of recommendation. Applications are due on April 1.

7. Mathematics Graduate Course Work Scholarships for Grades 9–12 Teachers

This $2,000 scholarship is awarded to multiple mathematics teachers who intend to pursue graduate education coursework to improve their teaching of math. This award is sponsored through the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and applicants must be members to apply for the award. To qualify, one must have three years of mathematics teaching experience at the high school level, and submit a coursework proposal (with a budget), resume, and letter of support from your current principal. Applications are due on October 15.

Mathematics Graduate Course Work Scholarships for Grades 9–12 Teachers

8. Prospective Middle School Mathematics Teacher Course Work Scholarships

This $3,000 scholarship is sponsored through the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and is awarded annually to one outstanding college junior who plans to pursue a career as a middle school mathematics teacher. To qualify, applicants must be in their junior year, have a 3.0 GPA, and submit a coursework proposal (with a budget), an essay on why one wants to teach middle school math, and three letters of recommendation. Applications are due May 1.

Prospective Middle School Mathematics Teacher Course Work Scholarships

9. Mathematics Course Work Scholarships for Grades Pre-K-5 Teachers

This $2,000 scholarship is awarded to multiple mathematics teachers who intend to pursue graduate education coursework to improve their teaching of math at the elementary school level. This award is sponsored through the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and applicants must be members to apply for the award. To qualify, one must have three years of mathematics teaching experience at the elementary school level, and submit a coursework proposal (with a budget), resume, and letter of support from a current principal. Applications are due the first week in November.

Mathematics Course Work Scholarships for Grades Pre-K-5 Teachers

10. Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

This scholarship program is available at nearly every major School/College of Education across the country. Sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of the Sciences, this broad scholarship program supports undergraduates and graduates who want to teach one of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) content areas. Scholarship awardees receive full tuition and a stipend in exchange for a commitment to teach for two to five years depending on the amount of the scholarship award. Over 500 awards have already been made since 2010 when the program was first founded, and multiple awards are given every year. Deadlines vary by state and university/college.

Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

11. James Madison Graduate Fellowships

This competitive award of $24,000 supports students who plan to teach the American Constitution at the high school level. This is ideal for graduate students pursuing an MA, MSEd, or MAT degree with a concentration in American History or Government or for current Social Studies teachers. Over 50 awards are given each year (one in each state, plus Washington DC, and US Territories). Awardees must commit to one year of teaching after the completion of their graduate studies. To qualify, applicants must have a high GPA (no specific minimum), and submit an essay about James Madison, a proposed plan of study, current transcript, and three letters of recommendation. Applications are due the first week in March.

James Madison Graduate Fellowships

12. Teach NYC Scholarship Program

Those interested in bilingual education and are committed to teaching in NYC, this scholarship program provides full tuition support for students pursuing a Master’s degree in a number of bilingual education areas. The amount of each award varies, and students select from a wide number of universities through which to complete their coursework. Awardees are committed to teaching in NYC for two years for each year of support. To qualify, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree, a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, ability to speak two or more languages (English must be one), and interview before a decision is made. Applications are due at the beginning of May.

Teach NYC Scholarship Program

13. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Teachers for America’s Future

This $5,000 scholarship is awarded to multiple students who are interested in teaching any of the STEM content areas at the middle or high school level. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Undergraduate students must be full-time and in their sophomore, junior, or senior years to apply. Graduate students must be enrolled at least part-time in a graduate program. Students seeking a STEM teaching credential must already have a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM major. To qualify, applicants must submit an essay, transcript, and two letters of recommendation (one must be from a current principal if already a certified teacher). This scholarship is sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association. Applications are due on April 1.

14. Alpha Kappa Alpha Education Advancement Fund

This scholarship program provides awards of $1,000 – $3,000 to undergraduate students based on either merit or financial need. AKA’s mission is to engage in community involvement, and students pursuing a teaching career support this mission. Students seeking a merit scholarship must have a 3.0 GPA, while students seeking financial need scholarships must have a 2.5 GPA. To apply, applicants must submit a personal statement, resume, financial need information (if required), three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. Applications are due in April.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Education Advancement Fund

15. Hispanic Scholarship Fund

This scholarship program provides awards up to $15,000 (average award is $2,500) for Hispanic students who have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Awards are based on financial need and merit. While no designated majors are specifically supported by this program, students interested in teaching in their local communities are encouraged to apply. Students may apply for support in undergraduate or graduate studies. To apply, submit a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, transcript, and financial need information. Deadlines vary, so check the website for specific dates.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

16. Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship

This $2,000 award is given to 20-40 students under the age of 25 who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Applicants must be members of the NAACP to apply. Students of color seeking careers in education are especially encouraged to apply for this award. This is a financial need based scholarship. To apply, students must have a GPA of 2.5 (for high school seniors and undergraduates) or 3.0 (for graduate students), and submit a transcript, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and financial need information. Applications are due in March.

17. The Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship for Male Students

This $3,000 award is to given to 20-40 male students who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in a STEM field. Applicants are encouraged to be members of the NAACP once they apply. Combining STEM studies with an education minor, allows for the perfect opportunity for students of color to obtain their teaching credentials. This is a financial need based scholarship. To apply, students must have a GPA of 2.5 (for high school seniors and undergraduates) or 3.0 (for graduate students), and submit a transcript, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and financial need information. Applications are due in March.

18. Thurgood Marshall College Fund

This scholarship award supports students attending an HBCU who are interested in pursuing a service-oriented career, like education. Awards vary up to $6,000, and are based on either merit or financial need. Qualifying students have a 3.0 GPA, a strong commitment towards service, and must be recommended by a faculty member at their university or college. To apply, submit a personal statement, FAFSA Student Aid Report, transcript, one recommendation letter, and resume. Applications are due in May.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

19. AT&T Scholarship Program

Students of color with a parent employed by AT&T qualify for this scholarship program run in partnership with the United Negro College Fund. Students seeking a career in education are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be under the age of 26 and have a 3.0 GPA. Awards range from $1,500 – $2,500. To apply, submit a personal statement, transcript, two letters of recommendation, and proof of parent’s employment at AT&T. Applications are due in February.

AT&T Scholarship Program

20. Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program

This $1,000 scholarship supports high school seniors who live in the Comcast service area that are interested in a career in service, like teaching. 150 awards are given each year. Applicants must be nominated by their high school principal or guidance counselor and have a GPA of 2.8 or higher. To apply after nomination, submit SAT/ACT scores, transcript, resume, and personal statement. Applications are due at the end of December.

Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program

21. FedEx/UNCF Scholarship Program

This $4,000 scholarship award is given annually to five high school seniors who plan to attend an HBCU. This award is sponsored by the United Negro College Fund. Students of color seeking a career in education are encouraged to apply. A 3.0 GPA is required. This is a merit-based scholarship. To apply, submit a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, transcript, and proof of acceptance to an HBCU. Applications are due mid-May.

FedEx/UNCF Scholarship Program

22. Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers

This $2,000 award from the American Association of Physics Teachers supports high school seniors and current undergraduates who plan to pursue careers as physics teachers. Up to five awards are given annually. There is no minimum GPA required, but students must show evidence of academic success in the field of physics and other sciences. To apply, submit three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and transcripts. Applications are due on December 1.

Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers

23. AFT Robert G. Porter Scholars Program

This $8,000 scholarship is awarded to four high school students whose parents are employed by the American Federation of Teachers. Up to 10 awards in the amount of $1,000 are also awarded. This award is especially for students seeking careers that support unions and community building, like teaching. There is no minimum GPA required to apply, but one must maintain a 2.75 GPA as a recipient of this award. To apply, submit two letters of recommendation, resume, personal statement, supplemental essay, and transcript. Your parents’ membership in the AFT will be verified. Current teachers can also apply for a $1,000 one-time scholarship to support ongoing graduate work. Applications are due postmarked by March 31.

AFT Robert G. Porter Scholars Program

24. Union Plus Scholarship Program

This highly competitive scholarship for members of Union Plus organizations across the country awards over 100 scholarships ranging from $500 – $4,000 to union members, their spouses, and their children. A GPA of 3.0 or high is strongly recommended. Union Plus seeks to support students entering careers that support unions and community building, like teaching. High school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students are eligible for this scholarship. To apply, submit two letters of recommendation, resume, personal statement, supplemental essay, and transcript. Union membership will be verified. Applications are due by the end of January.

25. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Prospective 7-12 Secondary Teacher Coursework Scholarship

This $10,000 scholarship is sponsored through the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and is awarded annually to one outstanding college junior who plans to pursue a career as a high school mathematics teacher. To qualify, applicants must be in their junior year, have a 3.0 GPA, and submit a coursework proposal (with a budget), an essay on why one wants to teach high school math, and three letters of recommendation. Applications are due May 1.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Prospective 7-12 Secondary Teacher Coursework Scholarship

26. Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is sponsored by SHAPE America and is given annually to one student who is pursuing a health education undergraduate degree leading to a career in teaching physical education. Applicants must have at least a 3.25 GPA and be a college sophomore, junior, or senior. To apply, submit three letters of recommendation, resume, transcript, and 450 word career goals essay. Applications must be submitted by November 15.

Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship

27. Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship

This $2,000 scholarship is sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA) and is awarded annually to one student who demonstrates financial need and intends to pursue a career in teaching. There are no electronic submissions accepted for this scholarship; all information must be mailed. To qualify, one must be a member of the NEA Student Program with a GPA of at least 2.5. To apply, submit a letter demonstrating financial need, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and recent transcript. Applications are due on April 15.

Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship

28. Outlaw Student’s Teacher Scholarship Program

This just might be the easiest scholarship to apply for! Awarded four times each year, students can receive $500 for a short essay on why they want to enter the teaching profession. It doesn’t get much more straight forward than that. No GPA requirement or letters of recommendation are necessary. Deadlines vary by quarter. Apply soon!

Outlaw Student’s Teacher Scholarship Program

29. Applegate/Jackson/Parks Future Teacher Scholarship

The National Institute for Labor Relations Research awards this $1,000 scholarship annually to one student who intends to pursue a career in education. Applications must write a 500 essay about the Right to Work principle as it relates to teachers and education. There is no minimum GPA needed. To apply, send a copy of the essay, transcript, and names of two references via their online application portal. Applications are due by December 31.

Applegate/Jackson/Parks Future Teacher Scholarship

30. Isabel M. Herson Scholarship in Education

The Zeta Phi Beta National Education Fund sponsors this $500 – $1,000 scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students who intend to pursue a career in elementary or secondary education. Applicants need not be members to apply, and there is no minimum GPA requirement. To apply, submit three letters of recommendation, transcript, and personal statement addressing career goals. Applications must be received by February 1.

31. American Foundation for the Blind Scholarship Program

The AFB sponsors the Rudolph Dillman Memorial Scholarship which awards $2,500 to four legally blind students who are interested in pursuing a career in educating the visually impaired. One must have proof of visual impairment to apply. Both undergraduates and graduate students are eligible. To apply, submit your official transcript, two letters of recommendation, and three short essays. Applications are due by May 31.

32. Albert Shanker Scholarship Program United Federation of Teachers Scholarship Fund

The United Federation of Teachers sponsors this scholarship which is open to NYC high school seniors who qualify for a Pell Grant through FAFSA. The scholarship was created to honor the legacy of Albert Shanker who was a long-time NYC public schools educator. Over $1 million is given away each year to over 200 students who earn a scholarship of $5,000 paid over four years. To apply, students must be low-income, and there is no minimum GPA required. Students seeking a career in teaching are especially encouraged to apply. Send a completed application, transcript, personal statement, financial information, and two letters of recommendation by January 31. In addition, graduate students pursing a Master’s degree in education can also receive a scholarship of $6,000 paid over three years.

Albert Shanker Scholarship Program United Federation of Teachers Scholarship Fund

33. The Inez Colson Education Scholarship from the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority National Education Fund

Sigma Gamma Rho sponsors this individual need-based scholarship of $1,000 for an Education major at Savannah State University. Applicants can be high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students. There is a minimum GPA of 2.0 needed to qualify. Send a completed application along with a transcript, two letters of recommendation, personal statement, and financial information by April 30.

The Inez Colson Education Scholarship from the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority National Education Fund

34. Ron Brown Scholars Program

This scholarship program awards 20 students $40,000 paid over four years. While no specific majors are requested for this scholarship program, this program’s mission is to support educational advancement and commitment to service, and education majors are strongly encouraged to apply. To qualify, students must be African-American, in their senior year of high school, excel academically, and have financial need. There is no listed minimum GPA for this scholarship. There are two deadlines, and early one of November 1 and a later one during the first week of January. To apply, submit a completed application, two essays, SAT scores, transcript, and two letters of recommendation. All information must be mailed; there is no online application.

35. Harry S. Truman Scholars Program

This competitive scholarship of $30,000 is awarded to 55 graduate students who intend to pursue a career in service, like teaching. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, applicants typically have a 3.5 GPA or higher and are active in leadership service positions in their schools or communities. Students must apply in their junior years after being nominated by their university or college. Support in the amount of $3,000 is distributed for the student’s senior year, the rest during their graduate work. To apply, request to be nominated by a school’s faculty representative, and then submit three letters of recommendation, transcript, and personal statement by the first Tuesday in February.

Harry S. Truman Scholars Program

36. School Band and Orchestra Magazine Scholarship Program

This student-friendly scholarship supports music education at the high school level and students who intend to major in music education. This is an essay-based scholarship that students across all age ranges can enter. Five students at the high school level can win. Winners’ schools also receive a matching award. Deadlines vary.

37. University of Pittsburgh GEMS Scholarship Program

Students attending the University of Pittsburgh School of Education qualify to receive one of two $20,000 merit-based scholarships to support the pursuit of an MAT degree in either Mathematics or Science Education. Students entering the Pitt MAT program who intend to become a math or science teacher are automatically considered for this scholarship. No application necessary.

University of Pittsburgh GEMS Scholarship Program

38. Weimann Family Teaching Scholarship Fund

This scholarship program supports graduates of the Pittsburgh Public School system who plan to pursue graduate study in Education and intend to become a teacher. Award amounts vary and are very generous. Students must have a 2.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate financial need. To apply, submit both a high school and college transcript, FAFSA report, letter or recommendation, and personal statement. Applications are due by April 15.

Weimann Family Teaching Scholarship Fund

39. University of North Carolina Scholars Program

This scholarship program awards full tuition to promising, financially needy high school seniors who intend to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Students pursuing an education major are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and minimum SAT score of 1200 (math and reading). Students must be invited to apply for this special scholarship. The Barbara C. Carter and Hal B. Phillips, Jr. Scholarship is also available to UNC students pursuing an education degree.

40. Janice Jones Scholarships for Prospective Teachers

The American Association for Employment in Education offers two $400 scholarships to students attending colleges that partner with the organization and who are currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program. Students may apply for a Diversity in Teaching Scholarship or Critical Needs Teacher Scholarship. To apply, submit a completed application, transcript, and personal statement. Applications are due on October 1.

41. Jack Kent Cooke Scholars Program

This $30,000 scholarship is awarded annually to 40 promising high school seniors committed to a career in service, like teaching. This is a need-based scholarship with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and SAT scores in the top 15% percentile. To apply, students must submit a transcript, SAT scores, personal essay, and three letters of recommendation, including one from their principal. Parent financial information must also be submitted. Applications are due by November 1.

Jack Kent Cooke Scholars Program

42. Ford Foundation Fellowship Program

This competitive scholarship is for students who intend to teach at the university level and are pursuing graduate work in specific areas designated by the Foundation, like education. The aim of this program is to increase faculty diversity at the university level, so women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Recipients receive three years of support with a stipend of $24,000 each year. Qualifications are specific to level of degree, so visit their website for specific information. Students must submit a plan of educational study, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal statement. Applications are due in November.

Ford Foundation Fellowship Program

43. Nancy Larson Foundation Scholarship Program

Juniors and seniors who have declared an elementary education major qualify for this $1,000 scholarship. Up to five awards are given each year. There is no minimum GPA needed to qualify and no letters of recommendation are necessary. To apply by the November 15 deadline, submit a completed application, transcript, resume, and personal statement.

44. Burger King McLamore Foundation Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is open to high school seniors as well as Burger King employees and their families and spouses. Up to 100 awards are given each year, and students may apply each year as long as they qualify. Students seeking a career in education are especially encouraged to apply. There is no minimum GPA needed to be eligible. To apply, complete an online application, submit a transcript, letter of recommendation, and personal statement. Applications are due the first week in January.

45. Charles Richard Drew Memorial Scholarship

This competitive scholarship is sponsored by Omega Psi Phi to support young men interested in pursuing a career in service, like teaching. Awards vary from $4,000 – $10,000. To qualify, applicants must be a member of the fraternity, be enrolled in undergraduate studies with a cumulative 3.3 GPA, and apply directly to their district office. Submit a completed application, biographical sketch, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Deadlines vary, but applications are typically due in the spring.

Charles Richard Drew Memorial Scholarship

46. Horatio Alger Scholarship Program

This competitive scholarship awards $22,000 to over 100 students annually at the national level and even more at the state level. Students who have overcome obstacles and want to give back to their communities through professions like teaching are encouraged to apply. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required, and students must demonstrate financial need. To apply, submit an online application with certification form, transcript, letter of recommendation, financial information, and a personal statement. Applications are due in January.

Horatio Alger Scholarship Program

47. City Colleges of Chicago Phillip Morris Careers in Teaching Scholarship

Students attending the City Colleges of Chicago who have declared an education major and have financial need are eligible for this $1,000 scholarship which can be renewed for up to two years. Students must be enrolled in at least two classes per semester and maintain a 2.8 GPA or higher. To apply, submit a completed application along with a personal essay and transcript. Deadlines vary, so check their website.

City Colleges of Chicago Phillip Morris Careers in Teaching Scholarship

48. Student Support Scholarship from Pi Lambda Theta

As long as one is a Pi Lambda Theta member, they are eligible to qualify for this $750 scholarship that is awarded annually to undergraduate and graduate education students. To qualify, students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Applying is simple; send a transcript, short essay, and complete an online application. Applications are due April 1.

Student Support Scholarship from Pi Lambda Theta

49. Outlaw Student’s Dale Fridell Scholarship

As long as one doesn’t already have a full-ride scholarship, they can qualify for this $1,000 award that support students of all majors, especially education. One of the simpler scholarships awarded four times per year, all that’s required is a short essay regarding career plans. The essay requires one to explain why they will be the best teacher the world’s ever seen! Deadlines vary, so check their website.

Outlaw Student’s Dale Fridell Scholarship

50. Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship Program

Jay-Z wants to send you to college! This scholarship is open for those who are under the age of 25 and have a 2.0 GPA or better.  That is all that is required to qualify for one of these $2,500 scholarships.  It does not matter if you are a high school senior, high school graduate not yet in school, enrolled undergraduate, or attending vocational school. The Shawn Carter Foundation supports students who have been through difficult times and want to give back to their community, ideal for students who plan to pursue an education major. To apply, complete an online application and submit a personal statement. Applications are due in April.