School of Education Scholarship Application
Students can apply for School of Education Scholarships using one application. The annual scholarship application is currently closed and will reopen in February 2025 for 2025-2026 academic year awards. Students who wish to apply can do so by completing the School of Education Scholarship Application. Student must use their SPU credentials to apply. Students should be able to demonstrate financial need and elaborate on their position as outlined in the application. Criteria for consideration are as follows:
- For undergraduates: be admitted to the School of Education as a teacher certification candidate.
- Be enrolled at least half time each quarter during the academic year.
- Maintain all student requirements for continuation in the program.
- Demonstrate financial need.
The School of Education Scholarship Committee awards scholarships based on available funds. Awarded funds are allocated quarterly, and any exceptions to the allocation schedule are handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Associate Director for Graduate Programs with any questions.
The John and Pearl Olson Leadership Scholarship
The John and Pearl Olson Leadership Scholarship is available for undergraduate students seeking teacher certification. The application will open in January 2025. Students must sign in with their SPU credentials to complete the application.
To be eligible for the John and Pearl Olson Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a junior, senior, or fifth-year student in the undergraduate teacher certification program for the upcoming academic year. Current sophomores expecting to have junior status in the upcoming academic year are encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Be enrolled at least half-time each quarter during the academic year.
- Be enrolled for the entirety of the upcoming academic year (not eligible if graduating this year).
- Maintain all undergraduate requirements for continuation in the program.
- If selected, write letter of thanks to the trustee of the Pearl Olson Charitable Trust.
Teaching Grants
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants for candidates endorsing in high-need fields who commit to working in a low-income school for four years.
Undergraduate students must be entering their senior year or student teaching year to qualify.
Teacher Education Loan Forgiveness Programs
Teacher education loan forgiveness programs are intended to help teachers alleviate their debt once they have graduated from their programs. This section will give information on how to enter into these programs.
The Neil D. Prescott Student Teaching Internship Scholarship
The Neil D. Prescott Student Teaching Internship Scholarship is available to juniors who are planning to intern in Autumn 2024. The annual scholarship is now closed.
To be eligible for the Neil D. Prescott Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria.
- Be enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning
- Graduated from a Washington State high school
- Indicate a desire to teach in Washington State
Walla Walla-Columbia School Retirees Scholarship
The Walla Walla-Columbia School Retirees Scholarship is available to students who graduated from a Walla Walla or Columbia County, Washington high school. This is an annual scholarship.
To be eligible for the Walla Walla-Columbia School Retirees Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria.
- Be a graduate of a high school in Walla Walla or Columbia County, WA
- Be in good academic standing
- Be studying to become a K-12 teacher
- Plan to complete student teaching in upcoming academic year for which they are applying
- Preference is given to students completing their initial certification
Organization Education Scholarships
Science Leadership Scholarship for candidates from diverse backgrounds earning an endorsement in one of the sciences.