Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, recently announced scholarships for future educators. | Kenny Eliason/Unsplash
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, recently announced scholarships for future educators. | Kenny Eliason/Unsplash
To improve Michigan’s education system, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) recently announced a fellowship for future educators.
Up to 2,500 educators can apply for $10,000 scholarships and student teachers have the chance to receive $9,600, according to an Oct. 27 news release from Whitmer’s office.
The state hopes helping future educators with their education will lead to more qualified teachers within the public education system, the release stated. A bipartisan education budget led to the establishment of the scholarships.
“We are excited to see the MI Future Educator Fellowship program put into place and to welcome the newest generation of leaders into teacher preparation programs across the state,” Paula Herbart, president of the Michigan Education Association and co-chair of Launch Michigan, said in the release. “We must tear down the barriers that prevent many talented young people from choosing teaching as a profession and this new fellowship program will go a long way toward accomplishing that goal.”
Future teachers who receive $10,000 scholarships must agree to teach in Michigan after graduation for at least three years, according to the release.
“MI Future Educator fellowships will help up to 2,500 aspiring teachers every year by lowering their cost of higher education by $10,000,” Whitmer said. “I am proud that we came together to fund this fellowship in our bipartisan education budget, proving that we can work across the aisle to ensure every kid in every district has excellent educators. I urge all future educators to apply for their $10,000 scholarships starting Oct. 31. Let’s keep strengthening the teacher pipeline.”
To apply for the scholarship, students must be a Michigan resident, have at least 3.0 GPA and are in line for their first teacher certification, the release stated.
“The Michigan Department of Treasury is excited to launch the MI Future Educator Fellowship and the MI Future Educator Stipend,” said State Treasurer, Rachael Eubanks. “These programs help address Michigan’s teacher shortage by lowering the financial hurdles to becoming a teacher through scholarships for students in teacher preparation programs and stipends for student teachers. Our team is ready to accept applications and answer questions. Please reach out to us if you need assistance.”
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