SECONDARY EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Whether you're just starting your undergraduate degree or returning to graduate school for more advanced studies, there are numerous secondary education scholarships available to help reduce your tuition expenses.

Earning a degree specialized in secondary education will allow you to join the nearly one million teachers currently teaching in grades 7-12 within our nation's junior and senior high schools. Although many aspiring educators choose to work with younger children, there's a larger demand for secondary teachers, especially in STEM, special education, and English as a second language classrooms.

Resource: Top 10 Cheap Online Master's in Secondary Education Degree Programs

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that growing student enrollments will lead to the hire of 52,900 more high school teachers by 2022. If you're ready to leap into a rewarding teaching career to prepare young adults for both college and the workforce, below are 20 excellent scholarships for secondary education majors.

1. AFCEA STEM Teachers Scholarships

Deadline: May 1st

For secondary education majors seeking to teach science, technology, engineering, or math subjects at an American middle or secondary school upon graduation, the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) offers the STEM Teachers for America's Future Scholarships for $5,000 annually. Eligible candidates must be earning a graduate degree related to secondary STEM education, have U.S. citizenship, attend an accredited university, have completed a bachelor's of science degree, be in their second semester, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, and take at least two courses per term.

Contact

AFCEA STEM Teachers Scholarships
4400 Fair Lakes Court
Fairfax, VA 22033
(703) 631-6100

2. Annenberg-Henrich Scholarship Program

Deadline: February 15th

At La Salle University, the Education Department hosts the Annenberg-Henrich Scholarship Program annually to award $5,000 to $10,000 for multiple students with a declared major in secondary education who plan to teach mathematics, biology, chemistry, general science, or Earth space science. Eligible applicants must be accepted for admission, exhibit financial need, have a minimum combined SAT score of 1150, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and plan to teach at the middle or high school level. Students must write a one-page typed essay that outlines their future career objectives in science or math education.

Contact

Annenberg-Henrich Scholarship Program
1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 951-1070

Scholarship Link

3. Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers

Deadline: December 1st

In the amount of $2,000, the Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers are granted annually by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) for deserving undergraduate students who are enrolled in a secondary education major with the goal of teaching physics in high school. Qualified high school teacher scholarship candidates must be citizens of the United States, attend an accredited two or four-year college, show academic promise with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have a clear commitment to physics teaching. Recipients will also be given a free one-year AAPT student membership and invited to the AAPT Winter Meeting.

Contact

Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers
1 Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 209-3311

Scholarship Link

4. Donald Leo Netzer Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: February 13th

Within the College of Education and Human Services (COEHS), the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has created the Donald Leo Netzer Memorial Scholarship to present $2,000 each year to outstanding secondary education majors who have declared a minor in natural science, social science, geography, geology, or biology. Qualified undergraduate or graduate students must carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, have completed courses in conservation and/or ecology, and plan to teach at the high school level. Applications must include a cover letter, two letters of recommendation, and a list of extra-curricular activities.

Contact

Donald Leo Netzer Memorial Scholarship
800 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 424-3164

5. Dr. Thomas F. "Whitey" Hall Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Ranging in value from $500 to $1,000, the Dr. Thomas F. "Whitey" Hall Memorial Scholarship is granted through the College of Education & Human Sciences at the University of North Alabama to undergraduate students who are majoring in secondary education to teach biology and botany. Eligible individuals must maintain full-time enrollment status, have attained at least sophomore standing, possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and be committed to a career in high school biology. Students must submit unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a 250-word personal essay displaying their interest in plants.

Contact

Dr. Thomas F. "Whitey" Hall Memorial Scholarship
Stevens Hall Room 548
Florence, AL 35632
(256) 765-4575

Scholarship Link

6. Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Secondary Scholarship

Deadline: February 15th

As a one-time award of up to $1,500, the Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Secondary Scholarship is distributed annually by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to education majors 25 years of age or older who are studying to teach at the middle or high school level. Qualified applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, attend an accredited post-secondary institution, have at least sophomore status, and show promise for teaching success. Applications should include two letters of recommendation, proof of citizenship, official transcripts, and a 1,000-word career goals statement.

Contact

Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Secondary Scholarship
1776 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 628-1776

Scholarship Link

7. Edwyna Wheadon Postgraduate Training Scholarship

Deadline: January 31st

Through the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the Edwyna Wheadon Postgraduate Training Scholarship is offered for $500 annually to current secondary educators who wish to further their training with a master's or doctoral degree. Eligible recipients must be NCTE members, teach English or language arts at a publicly funded high school, be accepted at an accredited U.S. graduate school, and be committed to career-long education as a high school classroom teacher. Applicants must write a 500-word personal letter describing their reasons for pursuing further professional development.

Contact

Edwyna Wheadon Postgraduate Training Scholarship
1111 West Kenyon Road
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 328-0977

Scholarship Link

8. Gretchen E. Van Roy Music Education Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Sponsored by the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC), the Gretchen E. Van Roy Music Education Scholarship is delivered annually for $1,150 to outstanding undergraduate students who are majoring in music education with the goal of teaching choral, vocal, or instrumental music at the high school level. Qualified candidates must be college juniors, be enrolled full-time in an accredited university's school of music, and have NFMC Student Club membership. Students must send two letters of recommendation from music education faculty that showcase their creativity, teaching potential, and music proficiency.

Contact

Gretchen E. Van Roy Music Education Scholarship
1646 West Smith Valley Road
Greenwood, IN 46142
(317) 882-4003

Scholarship Link

9. Hach Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

As part of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Hach Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Scholarship is given annually for recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in chemistry who are pursuing a master's degree in secondary education to eventually become certified as a high school chemistry/science teacher. Eligible applicants must have less than one year of work experience, be accepted in an accredited master's teaching program, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be committed to becoming a secondary educator. Recipients will be awarded up to $3,000 for part-time study or $6,000 for full-time study.

Contact

Hach Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Scholarship
1155 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(800) 227-5558 ext. 8178

Scholarship Link

10. James Madison Graduate Fellowships

Deadline: March 9th

Annually, the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation rewards outstanding graduate students with up to $24,000 for attending the Summer Institute on the Constitution to prepare for becoming a teacher of American history, American government, or social studies at the secondary level. Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, already possess a bachelor's degree, be pursuing an accredited master's degree in secondary education, and carry at least 12 semester credits per term. After graduation, fellows are obligated to teach a subject related to American history for at least one year in grades 7-12.

Contact

James Madison Graduate Fellowships
327 2nd Street Suite 103
Coralville, IA 52241
(800) 525-6928

Scholarship Link

11. JEA Future Teacher Scholarships

Deadline: July 15th

Every year, the Journalism Education Association (JEA) offers up to five Future Teacher Scholarships for $1,000 apiece to promising education majors who intend to teach scholastic journalism at the secondary school level. To qualify, candidates must be enrolled full-time in an accredited bachelor's or master's program in secondary education, have attained at least junior-level standing, attend an accredited U.S. university, maintain good academic standing, and have journalism teaching skills. Applications must be accompanied by two recommendations, official transcripts, three essay responses, and a 250-word statement expressing candidates' desire for teaching high school journalism.

Contact

JEA Future Teacher Scholarships
105 Kedzie Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
(866) 532-5532

12. Litherland/FTEE Education Scholarship

Deadline: December 1st

Administered by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), the Litherland/FTEE Education Scholarship is presented for $1,000 annually to undergraduate students who are majoring in technology or engineering education with the goal of teaching at the secondary level. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. teacher preparation program, have attained senior-level standing, have ITEEA membership, and carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.5. Along with the application, candidates must submit a current resume or curriculum vitae, an official college transcript, three faculty recommendations, and a personal statement on their interests in teaching technology or engineering.

Contact

Litherland/FTEE Education Scholarship
1914 Association Drive Suite 201
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 860-2100

13. National Business Education Association Scholarships

Deadline: December 1st

On an annual basis, the National Business Education Association (NBEA) will award two $1,000 scholarships for educators who are pursuing post-baccalaureate or graduate-level studies in a business education program to further develop their skill in teaching high school business. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. university, have completed at least two graduate courses, and have had NBEA membership for one or more years. Interested students should submit two letters of recommendation, official graduate transcripts, a current resume, and a one-page letter describing their commitment to secondary business education.

Contact

National Business Education Association Scholarships
1914 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 860-8300 ext. 11

Scholarship Link

14. Paul R. Wolf Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: December 1st

Sponsored by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), the Paul R. Wolf Memorial Scholarship is available for $3,000 annually to graduate students who display an exceptional desire to teach surveying, mapping, or photogrammetry at the secondary or post-secondary level. Qualified recipients must be ASPRS student members, be enrolled in an accredited university in the United States, be committed to entering the teaching profession, and demonstrate scholastic ability. Applications should include an official transcript, two letters of recommendation, a sample research paper, and a statement of prior teaching experience.

Contact

Paul R. Wolf Memorial Scholarship
5410 Grosvenor Lane Suite 210
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 493-0290 ext. 101

Scholarship Link

15. Prospective 7-12 Secondary Teacher Scholarship

Deadline: May 2nd

For a maximum value of $10,000 over two academic years, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) provides the Prospective 7-12 Secondary Teacher Scholarship to full-time college undergraduate students who are preparing to teach mathematics at the secondary school level. Eligible candidates must be currently completing their sophomore year, attend an accredited four or five-year U.S. university, and have the career goal of becoming a certified high school mathematics teacher. Applications must be delivered with a maximum four-page proposal, a two-page personal essay, current college transcripts, and three recommendations.

Contact

Prospective 7-12 Secondary Teacher Scholarship
1906 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 620-9840

Scholarship Link

16. Robert G. Porter Scholars Program

Deadline: April 14th

In honor of the secretary treasurer for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) from 1963 to 1991, the Robert G. Porter Scholars Program is available for secondary education majors to receive $8,000 over four academic years. To qualify, applicants must be graduating high school seniors, be the son or daughter of an AFT member in good standing, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.75, be accepted at an accredited U.S. institution, and wish to pursue a teaching career. Selection is based on students' academic achievement, involvement in community service, leadership potential, special talents, recommendations, teaching-related experience, and commitment to building unions.

Contact

Robert G. Porter Scholars Program
555 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 879-4400

Scholarship Link

17. Shirley Joy Bell Posey Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

At Southern Nazarene University, the Shirley Joy Bell Posey Scholarship was created by the School of Education to award $1,000 annually to currently enrolled undergraduate students with a declared major in secondary education who are working to teach English or journalism at the high school level. Qualified students must maintain full-time enrollment, have upper-division status as a junior or senior, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.2, and reflect the university's motto of "Character-Culture-Christ." Applications must include unofficial transcripts, financial aid reports, two faculty letters of recommendation, and a one-page teaching goals essay.

Contact

Shirley Joy Bell Posey Scholarship
6729 NW 39th Expressway
Bethany, OK 73008
(405) 789-6400
Scholarship Link

18. Starting Gate Teaching Intern Scholarship

Deadline: August 2nd and December 12th

Twice each year, The Race for Education offers the Starting Gate Teaching Intern Scholarship for $1,000 to deserving college students who are enrolled full-time at a participating local university to earn a bachelor's or master's degree in middle or secondary education. For consideration, candidates must submit a cover letter, a current resume, two signed letters of recommendation, a current official transcript, and the Student Aid Report. Selected interns will work with a certified bilingual teacher to assist middle school students at the after-school program two nights per week in Paris or Lexington.

Contact

Starting Gate Teaching Intern Scholarship
1818 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 252-8648

19. Szombathy-Toth Minority Scholarship Award

Deadline: March 15th

Through the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG), the Szombathy-Toth Minority Scholarship Award is granted annually for students of African American, Native American, Hispanic, Asian, or other minority heritage who are enrolled full-time in an accredited teacher preparation program to teach German in high school. Applicants must submit a scholarship, one recommendation form, an unofficial transcript, their parent's income tax return, and an essay describing why learning German is important. Recipients will be given full monetary coverage, airfare costs, and spending money to study abroad in Germany.

Contact

Szombathy-Toth Minority Scholarship Award
112 Haddontowne Court Suite 104
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
(856) 795-5553

Scholarship Link

20. Walter Jensen Scholarship for Studying Abroad

Deadline: March 15th

In the amount of $2,000, the Walter Jensen Scholarship for Studying Abroad is given annually by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) to students currently enrolled in an established B.A., B.S., or M.A.T. teacher education program with the goal of teaching French at the secondary level. Eligible candidates must be at least 18 years old, plan to participate in a long-term study abroad experience in a Francophone county, be accepted to an accredited international university, be U.S citizens or permanent residents, and be non-native speakers of French. Applications should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae, one recommendation from an AATF member, another faculty recommendation, and two one-page essay responses.

Contact

Walter Jensen Scholarship for Studying Abroad
302 North Granite Street
Marion, IL 62959
(815) 310-0490

Scholarship Link

If you have a knack for dealing with adolescents and a keen interest in teaching one specialized subject area, then you could be the perfect fit for secondary education. However, you'll first need to complete at least four years in an accredited teacher preparation program with a concentration in subjects like English, mathematics, science, history, foreign language, or art. Consider applying for some of these great secondary education scholarships to help finance your educational pathway towards becoming a certified high school teacher.