Organizations offer numerous scholarships for elementary education to ensure high-quality teachers can afford their collegiate training.
Elementary education majors focus on studying the classroom practices needed to shape learning in kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. Certified educators in the United States’ 73,223 public and 30,590 private elementary schools teach youngsters basic skills across all subjects from reading to math and science. Elementary school teachers typically have bachelor’s or master’s degrees from CAEP-accredited colleges to certify their pedagogical knowledge.
Investing in teacher preparation can pay off because the BLS predicts 10-year job growth of 6 percent in elementary education. Over 87,800 new positions are expected nationwide, especially in inner-city and rural districts.
If your passion is inspiring little kids to achieve their big dreams, these 20 elementary education scholarships are perfect for you.
1. ARTC Glenn Moon Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
For 38 straight years, the Association of Retired Teachers in Connecticut (ARTC) has awarded the Glenn Moon Scholarship for $2,000 to Connecticut high school graduates who’ve declared elementary or secondary education majors at accredited, four-year U.S. institutions. Interested candidates must be pursuing classroom teaching careers, present a college GPA in the upper bracket, have financial need on the Student Aid Report, exhibit good character in community service activities, and submit two recommendations.
Contact
ARTC Glenn Moon Scholarship
68 Loomis Street
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 228-1245
glennmoon.scholarship@gmail.com
2. Bushaw-Redumis PLT Leadership Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Each Spring, the Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society for Educators gifts the Bushaw-Redumis PLT Leadership Scholarship for $500 per term. Eligible full- or part-time elementary education majors must be inducted members, take at least three credits at accredited U.S. colleges, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, have leadership skills, and demonstrate a gift for teaching. Don’t forget to attach an up-to-date resume, transcript, 200-word personal essay, and two references.
Contact
Bushaw-Redumis PLT Leadership Scholarship
1525 Wilson Blvd. Suite 705
Arlington, VA 22209
(812) 339-1156
plt@pdkintl.org
3. Byron and Bessie Wightman Scholarship
Deadline: June 30th
Worth $2,000 over four semesters, the Byron and Bessie Wightman Scholarship is granted by the Lexington Community Foundation to sophomore or junior undergraduates who show genuine interest in teaching for Lexington’s dual-language elementary program. Eligibility criteria mandates living in Nebraska, attending an accredited U.S. college, possessing an overall GPA above 3.2, having a history of volunteerism, and pursuing state teaching licensure.
Contact
Byron and Bessie Wightman Scholarship
607 N. Washington Street
P.O. Box 422
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-6704
lexfoundation@windstream.net
4. Christopher K. Smith Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 10th
Named as a social studies teacher in the Colonial School District, the Christopher K. Smith Memorial Scholarship gifts $1,000 yearly from the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA). It’s intended for elementary, special, or secondary education majors who graduated from Delaware high schools before entering an accredited U.S. teacher’s college with a minimum “B” average. Aspiring elementary educators who are the children of DSEA members can pursue the Howard M. Weinberg Scholarship.
Contact
Christopher K. Smith Memorial Scholarship
136 E. Water Street
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 734-5834
sandy.dearman@dsea.org
5. CSDIW Native American Scholarship
Deadline: June 15th
The Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars (CSDIW) offers the Native American Scholarship for $5,000 annually to members of federally recognized tribes who are pursuing careers in the social services, including elementary education. Qualified recipients must have at least 25 percent Indian blood, carry at least eight credits in accredited undergraduate programs, have junior or senior standing, attain a 3.0 average or better, certify their financial need, and intend to teach young Native Americans.
Contact
CSDIW Native American Scholarship
P.O. Box 6695
Chesterfield, MO 63006
(804) 748-1000
leslie@khs65.com
6. Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Scholarship
Deadline: February 10th
With over 930,000 members, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers 26 scholarship funds, including the $1,500 Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Scholarship. This merit-based program seeks non-traditional students aged 25 or older who are studying to teach in elementary schools. Suitable candidates must be United States citizens, have sophomore or higher standing, enroll in accredited teacher preparation, and excel with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Contact
Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Scholarship
1776 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 628-1776
BorgensElementaryScholarship@NSDAR.org
7. Fowler/Kaden Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 26th
The South Dakota Board of Regents presents the Fowler/Kaden Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 to outstanding first-time freshmen who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in elementary education with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Recipients can use funding at Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, or the University of South Dakota. Mailed applications must include two faculty recommendations, official transcripts, ACT results, and an original 1,000-word essay.
Contact
Fowler/Kaden Memorial Scholarship
306 E. Capitol Avenue Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3455
info@sdbor.edu
8. Frieda L. Koontz PTA Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
In honor of the Virginia Student Councils Association’s (VSCA) Executive Secretary, the Frieda L. Koontz PTA Scholarship bestows $1,200 annually to graduates of Virginia public high schools who have chosen the teaching profession, including elementary education. To qualify, students must enter an accredited in-state college by September, maintain an overall GPA above 2.5, have evidence of financial need, and conduct community service with youth-serving agencies.
Contact
Frieda L. Koontz PTA Scholarship
1027 Wilmer Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 264-1234
info@vapta.org
9. Harriet A. Simmons Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
The Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC) manages nearly $16 million through 500 scholarship funds, such as the Harriet A. Simmons Scholarship. This one-time, $1,000 award is available for seniors and fifth-year graduate students with U.S. citizenship who are earning elementary or secondary teaching certification full-time at nonprofit Oregon universities. Other elementary education scholarships include the James Carlson Memorial Scholarship and Nettie Hanselman Jaynes Memorial Scholarship.
Contact
Harriet A. Simmons Scholarship
1500 Valley River Drive Suite 100
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 687-7422
awardinfo@osac.state.or.us
10. Isabel M. Herson Education Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
Members and non-members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority can reap $500 to $1,000 from the Zeta National Educational Foundation’s (Z-NEF) Isabel M. Herson Education Scholarship. It’s intended for United States citizens who are matriculated full-time with good academic standing in bachelor’s or master’s programs for elementary and secondary education licensure. Future teachers looking to study abroad could earn the Deborah Patridge Wolfe International Fellowship too.
Contact
Isabel M. Herson Education Scholarship
P.O. Box 506
North Hollywood, CA 91603
(202) 257-7004
ZNEF1975@gmail.com
11. Jack J. Isgur Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: May 15th
Since 2001, the Jack J. Isgur Foundation has honored the English teacher’s memory by awarding scholarships for $1,500 per semester or $3,000 annually. First-time applicants must have declared education majors, attend accredited four-year U.S. colleges, intend to teach the humanities in elementary or middle (K-8) schools, attain a minimum “B” average, and send three reference letters. Preference is given to future educators planning to teach in Missouri’s rural communities.
Contact
Jack J. Isgur Foundation Scholarships
1201 Walnut Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 691-2760
charles.jensen@stinsonleonard.com
12. Jo Ann Ota Fujioka Scholarship
Deadline: April 2nd
Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International presently awards over 30 scholarships for elementary education to good-standing members of Educators Rising. For example, the Jo Ann Ota Fujioka Scholarship gifts $1,000 to minority high school seniors or current undergraduates of color who are enrolling full-time in teacher preparation curriculum. Applications won’t be considered without a 500-word essay, transcript copy, reference letter, and list of educational activities.
Contact
Jo Ann Ota Fujioka Scholarship
320 W. Eighth Street Suite 216
Bloomington, IN 47404
(800) 766-1156
scholarships@pdkintl.org
13. Joanne P. Hammes Scholarship Fund
Deadline: May 1st
Established in 2013, the Joanne P. Hammes Scholarship Fund is administered by the American Montessori Society to support college students enrolled in AMS-affiliated degrees for early childhood or elementary education with $1,000. Tomorrow’s Montessori educators must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, have unpaid tuition, display teaching excellence, and show academic merit with a 2.5 GPA or better. Acceptable colleges would include CSU-East Bay, Xavier, Chestnut Hill, and Dallas Baptist.
Contact
Joanne P. Hammes Scholarship Fund
116 E. 16th Street
New York, NY 10003
(212) 358-1250
ams@amshq.org
14. KHEAA Teacher Scholarship Program
Deadline: May 1st
The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) can help elementary education majors with $2,500 per semester through their Teacher Scholarship Program. Eligible recipients must be U.S. citizens residing in Kentucky, matriculate full-time at accredited teaching schools, demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA form, and maintain satisfactory degree progress. Money must be repaid with interest if post-baccalaureate educators don’t teach in Kentucky for one semester per semester of funding.
Contact
KHEAA Teacher Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 798
Frankfort, KY 40602
(800) 928-8926
studentaid@kheaa.com
15. Mary Morrow-Edna Richards Scholarship
Deadline: January 30th
In memory of two lifelong teachers in the North Carolina Education Hall of Fame, the NCAE awards the Mary Morrow-Edna Richards Scholarship for $1,000 to college juniors who are studying any teaching field, including elementary education. Eligible North Carolina residents who plan to teach at in-state public schools for 2+ years would qualify. Selection is based upon candidates’ scholastic record, moral character, professional promise in teaching, and three recommendation letters.
Contact
Mary Morrow-Edna Richards Scholarship
700 S. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(800) 662-7924
elic.senter@ncae.org
16. Nancy Larson Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: November 15th
The Nancy Larson Foundation was founded in 2006 to honor a 30-year teaching veteran and active NCTM member who developed the renowned Saxon Math K-4 curriculum. Each year, scholarships for $1,000 or more are presented to college juniors, seniors, and graduates who plan to teach in elementary schools, especially STEM subjects. Hopeful applicants must submit an online application with a resume of experiences with children and personal narrative of their teaching ambitions.
Contact
Nancy Larson Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 6
Old Lyme, CT 06371
bo.nash@nancylarsonpublishers.com
17. Ruby J. Darensbourg-Cook Scholarship
Deadline: June 15th
Valued at $1,500, the Ruby J. Darensbourg-Cook Scholarship was initiated in 1992 by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) to encourage majors in early childhood education and elementary education. Appropriate applicants must be enrolled full-time as juniors or seniors in teacher certification programs approved by the Louisiana Department of Education, especially Louisiana State University or Southern University. Online applications are reviewed for a transcript, resume, recommendation letter, and personal essay.
Contact
Ruby J. Darensbourg-Cook Scholarship
100 North Street Suite 900
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 387-6126
lthomas@braf.org
18. Sarah Elizabeth Klenke Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
The Sarah Elizabeth Klenke Memorial Scholarship was founded in 2001 by William and Deborah Klenke to honor their vibrant 19-year-old daughter whose life ended in a tragic car accident. Annually, the $1,000 non-renewable award is given to high school graduates or GED holders who are enrolling full-time in education majors with a minimum 2.0 GPA while participating on a varsity athletic team or Junior ROTC chapter.
Contact
Sarah Elizabeth Klenke Memorial Scholarship
9108 Charred Oak Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817
(210) 771-8566
wjk40@yahoo.com
19. Sarah Rosenberg Teacher Education Fund
Deadline: February 19th
Ranging from $500 to $2,000, the Sarah Rosenberg Teacher Education Fund is managed by the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) to assist college seniors who are entering their student teaching year within an elementary or secondary education major. Other qualifications include legally residing on the Island of Hawaii, attending any accredited, nonprofit U.S. college, taking 12+ credits per semester, demonstrating financial need, and carrying a 2.7 GPA or greater.
Contact
Sarah Rosenberg Teacher Education Fund
827 Fort Street Mall
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 537-6333
scholarships@hcf-hawaii.org
20. Tennessee Minority Teaching Fellows Program
Deadline: April 15th
The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) is another state-funded entity giving elementary education scholarships through its Minority Teaching Fellows Program. To qualify for $5,000, minority applicants must reside in the “Volunteer State,” declare an education major at any accredited university, achieve a minimum 2.75 GPA, score at least 18 on the ACT or an SAT equivalent, and agree to teach PreK-12 in Tennessee public schools for one year.
Contact
Tennessee Minority Teaching Fellows Program
404 James Robertson Parkway Suite 1510
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-1346
TSAC.Aidinfo@tn.gov
Watching as young children progress toward their academic goals is gratifying enough for many elementary school teachers. Yet the elementary education field also provides a rewarding mean salary of $57,730 each 10-month school year. Since breaking into this teaching specialty requires at least four years in higher education, some students can be discouraged by rising tuition though. Fortunately, many financial aid programs are funded to lower out-of-pocket costs for student-teachers. Consider these 20 great scholarships for elementary education majors along with the TEACH Grant and Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program to earn state certification.