Scholarships for Children of Teachers: A Comprehensive Guide

For students with parents in education, numerous scholarship opportunities exist to help finance their college education. These scholarships recognize the contributions of educators and aim to support the next generation in achieving their academic goals. This article explores various scholarships available to children of teachers, providing valuable information on eligibility criteria, application processes, and potential benefits.

General Scholarship Resources

Several online platforms offer comprehensive databases of scholarships, including those specifically for children of educators. Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Appily provide a wide range of opportunities, allowing students to filter their search based on specific criteria. By creating a free account and filling out academic and demographic information, students can be matched with awards for which they are eligible.

Eligibility and Application Tips

Each scholarship has its own unique eligibility requirements, so it is crucial to review the criteria carefully before applying. Factors such as the applicant's state of residence, current year in school, and financial need may be considered. Some scholarships may also require students to teach at a specific location for a period of time after graduation.

Many scholarships require applicants to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form helps determine eligibility for need-based aid and does not obligate students to take out federal loans. In addition to the FAFSA, some scholarships may require additional materials such as recommendation letters, official transcripts, or essays about career goals.

Specific Scholarship Programs

McDaniel College Educator's Legacy Scholarship

McDaniel College offers the Educator's Legacy Scholarship (ELS), a significant award for students whose parents or guardians are educators. The submission of the Interest Form will identify you as a potential Educator's Legacy recipient in the admissions office. To apply, students can indicate on the Interest Form whether they would like to submit their Eligibility Form electronically. If so, their administrator or human resources official will receive a secure link to the form, which will be submitted directly to McDaniel College upon completion. Alternatively, students may download a copy of the Eligibility Form.

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The Educator’s Legacy Scholarship is among the largest scholarships offered at McDaniel, and as a result, no additional scholarship - merit, music, summer science academy, Carroll County grant, etc. - will be added on top of an Educator’s Legacy Scholarship. If a high school student recipient of the Educator’s Legacy Scholarship is invited to the campus to compete for the Dorsey Scholars Program or for Scholars on the Hill, then any new Presidential Scholarship or Dorsey Scholarship that may be received will completely replace the Educator’s Legacy Scholarship. These competitive programs offer awards ranging from $27,500 annually to full tuition, (or tuition room and board in the case of Dorsey Scholars), so it is possible to increase the value of the student’s merit award, but the scholarships are never added together. If you wish to pursue need-based assistance, then you should file the FAFSA after October 1 and have your results sent to McDaniel. If you complete the full admission process and are admitted to McDaniel, and you submit the appropriate criteria for the Educator’s Legacy Scholarship verification, then you will receive the ELS. For a student residing on campus at McDaniel, the Educator's Legacy Scholarship is valued at $33,000 annually for up to four years, a $132,000 value.

CTA Scholarships and Grants

The California Teachers Association (CTA) offers various scholarships and grants to its members and their families. These programs support educators in their professional development and provide financial assistance to aspiring teachers.

CTA Institute for Teaching Grants: The CTA Institute for Teaching has established a competitive strength-based grant program for CTA members and chapters to demonstrate what teachers can do when they have the freedom to create and invent. The grant application process is open to individual CTA members, small teams of educators and affiliated local chapters. Applications can be submitted online from December through March.
LGBTQ+ Safety in Schools Grant and Scholarship Program in Honor of Guy DeRosa: The LGBTQ+ Safety in Schools Grant and Scholarship Program in Honor of Guy DeRosa was created to promote human and civil rights by making our public schools safe for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning+ persons. The program was renamed in 2009 in the memory of CTA member and educator Guy DeRosa.
CTA Scholarships in Honor of Ralph J., Susan B., and Del A.: One scholarship is provided in Honor of Ralph J.. One scholarship is provided in Honor of Susan B.. The CTA Scholarship in Honor of Del A..
CTA Aspiring Educators Scholarship in Honor of L.: CTA Aspiring Educators Scholarship in Honor of L.. The Martin Luther King Jr.. Each year CTA AE Scholarships recognizes the contributions of our members, chapters and advisors. Individual Award Categories include the CTA AE W.H.O. (We Honor Ours) Award, the Outstanding Chapter Advisor(s), L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarship for CTA Aspiring Educators (CTA AE), and the Virginia Ann Shadwick Human Rights Award. In July of 2021, CTA/NEA-Retired member Gloria Pedretti reached out to CTA/NEA-Retired, wanting to help potential educators in their credential preparation journey and willing to provide a generous donation in order to make this happen.
CTA Human Rights Awards: The Human Rights Awards are given annually to CTA members, chapters and service center councils to celebrate the diversity of racial equity and social justice work that CTA members create, challenge and participate in.
CTA Conference Incentive Grants: CTA offers conference incentive grants multiple times a year to attend our statewide conferences.

Additionally, it's worthwhile to consider if you or a member of your community has made a positive impact on public education and if your involvement (or your colleagues’ involvement) in local politics or human & civil rights has made a difference, as these factors might bolster your application for certain CTA programs.

Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) Scholarships

The Illinois Federation of Teachers supports the continuing education of high school seniors by awarding two scholarships annually. The scholarships were established by the IFT to assist students with pursuing education beyond high school and to promote an understanding of the labor movement in young people that will endure for generations to come. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and strict, unique deadlines, so applicants should review the application forms and eligibility requirements carefully before applying.

Carl J. Megel Scholarship: Honoring AFT President Emeritus Carl J. Megel, this scholarship provides an opportunity for IFT educators to help special education students pursue higher education or career training by sponsoring them. In 2025, the IFT will award one $20,000 Megel scholarship ($5,000 each year for four years) to a deserving high school senior who is enrolled in a special education school, class, or program for students with disabilities. IFT members who work directly with (or previously worked with) an eligible student must provide a letter of sponsorship for the applicant. The application deadline is March 7, 2025.
Robert G. Porter Scholarship: Honoring late AFT Secretary-Treasurer Robert G. Porter, the Illinois Federation of Teachers shall provide annually two $20,000 scholarship awards ($5,000 each year for four years) to current high school seniors with no less than a cumulative "B" grade average. The application deadline is March 7, 2025. Winning the IFT Robert G. Porter Scholarship was such an incredible honor.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

DAR Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Teacher Scholarships: The DAR, founded in 1890, offers the Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Teacher Scholarships, amounting to $1,500. The deadline for application is January 31, 2026. The organization is dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.
Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) Scholarships: The Chicago Federation of Labor will award 10 scholarships, valued at $2,000 each, to 10 high school seniors. Sponsored by the Union Plus Education Foundation.

Scholarships Based on Specific Criteria

Scholarships for Minority Students

Recognizing the underrepresentation of people of color in the field of education, many scholarships are offered to minority students looking to pursue a career in teaching. One example is the Leon Bradley Scholarship, which was specifically created to encourage minority students to enter the field of teaching and school leadership.

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study

Some scholarships are geared towards students pursuing specific areas within education. For example, some scholarships may be available to students working towards a master’s degree in education which they will use to teach American history or for students who plan to pursue a career in public service, which includes a career in teaching.

Scholarships Based on Affiliations

GE Star Awards Program: Offers children of eligible GE employees and retirees the chance to compete for a $2,000 renewable scholarship. If your parent is a teacher and is also employed in a GE-affiliated school, this could be a great opportunity.
Gordon A. Rich Memorial Foundation: Awards need-based scholarships to dependent children of full-time educators in the financial industry.
Phi Delta Kappa International: Awards the Prospective Educator Scholarships to high school seniors or college undergraduates intending to study education who have a parent or grandparent who is a Kappan (member of PDKI).

Location-Specific Scholarships

Teach NYC Scholarship Program: Specific to NYC residents, offers a scholarship program for high school seniors intending to teach in a high-need field in the NYC public school system. This could be a great opportunity if your parent is a teacher in NYC and you're also interested in teaching.

Additional Considerations

Local Scholarships

Always prioritize local scholarships first as these often have less competition.

Essay Writing

Remember, many scholarships require an essay or another form of personal statement. Take some time to draft and revise these pieces of writing, making sure they accurately portray your experiences, ambitions, and personality. Admissions questions.

Read also: Scholarship Guide

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