{"id":47211,"date":"2025-02-16T18:03:46","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T00:03:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=47211"},"modified":"2025-02-16T18:06:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T00:06:45","slug":"teacher-scholarships-south-carolina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/teacher-scholarships-south-carolina\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Teacher Scholarships in South Carolina 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
Teaching is an amazing job that helps shape the future and makes a real difference in people\u2019s lives. It\u2019s a career that offers stability, growth, and new, exciting activities every day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For some who want to become teachers, the cost of earning a teaching certification\u2014including tuition, exams, and training\u2014can feel overwhelming.<\/span><\/p>\n Luckily, there are scholarships designed to help with these costs. These programs aim to make it easier for people to become teachers while also helping to <\/span>address the teacher shortage<\/span><\/a> in South Carolina and across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n In this guide, we\u2019ll share some of the best scholarships available in <\/span>South Carolina for future teachers<\/span><\/a>. These scholarships can help you follow your passion for teaching and build a rewarding career.<\/span><\/p>\n Many aspiring teachers face the challenge of paying for education, and scholarships provide financial support to help make teaching a more affordable career choice.<\/span><\/p>\n These scholarships are vital because they encourage individuals to pursue teaching in critical subject areas, like math, science, and special education, as well as in underserved regions with a high demand for qualified teachers.<\/span><\/p>\n Teacher scholarships<\/span><\/a> are not just for recent high school graduates. They also support career changers and non-traditional students who want to enter the teaching profession.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Due to the availability of scholarships, career switchers and those returning to school after some time away find it easier to pursue their passion for teaching and make a difference in students’ lives.<\/span><\/p>\n South Carolina offers a variety of teacher scholarships to help aspiring educators achieve their goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These scholarships come from different sources, including the state government, universities, federal programs, private organizations, and local school districts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Each scholarship has its own focus and eligibility criteria, so future teachers must research and choose the option that best suits their needs.<\/span><\/p>\n State-funded scholarships are financial aid programs provided by the South Carolina government to support individuals pursuing a teaching career.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These scholarships aim to address the state’s specific educational needs, such as filling teacher shortages in critical subject areas or underserved regions.<\/span><\/p>\n The main purpose of these programs is to encourage more people to the teaching profession.<\/span><\/p>\n Eligibility varies by each scholarship, but here are some common criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n State-funded scholarships often provide more than just financial support. They include additional benefits like mentorship, professional development opportunities, and hands-on teaching experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These resources help prepare recipients for success in their future teaching careers while addressing the specific educational challenges faced by South Carolina schools.<\/span><\/p>\n University-funded scholarships are offered by individual colleges and universities in South Carolina to support students pursuing degrees in education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These scholarships are created to attract talented individuals to the teaching profession and to help students manage the costs of earning a teaching degree.<\/span><\/p>\n The main purpose of these scholarships is to encourage future educators to specialize in high-demand subject areas, improve the quality of teacher preparation, and support students committed to contributing to the education system.<\/span><\/p>\n To be eligible for university-funded scholarships:<\/span><\/p>\n Most university-funded scholarships are renewable, provided the student maintains a certain GPA and continues to meet program requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Federal and national scholarships are financial aid programs funded by the U.S. government or nationwide organizations to support aspiring teachers across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n The main purpose of these scholarships is to address nationwide teacher shortages, promote educational equity, and ensure that every student has access to qualified and skilled educators.<\/span><\/p>\n The following are some common eligibility criteria for federal scholarships:<\/span><\/p>\n Federal and national scholarships often provide significant financial support, covering tuition, fees, and accommodation. Additionally, they may include loan forgiveness opportunities for individuals who meet teaching commitments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Private and nonprofit scholarships are tailored to address specific needs in education, such as encouraging teaching in underserved communities, promoting diversity in the profession, or supporting specializations like early childhood education or special education.<\/span><\/p>\n The main purpose of private and nonprofit scholarships is to complement public funding by offering additional support to future teachers, especially those who align with the organization\u2019s mission or values.<\/span><\/p>\n Eligibility criteria include:<\/span><\/p>\n Private and nonprofit scholarships also provide networking opportunities, mentorship, and resources for professional development.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Note:<\/b> Some of these scholarships may have fewer applicants compared to state or federal programs, increasing the chances of being awarded.<\/span><\/p>\n District-specific scholarships are financial aid programs funded by local school districts to support individuals committed to teaching within their communities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The main purpose of these scholarships is to strengthen the local education system by recruiting and retaining qualified teachers who are invested in the success of their community\u2019s schools and students.<\/span><\/p>\n The common eligibility criteria for these scholarships include:<\/span><\/p>\n District-specific scholarships include additional benefits, such as job placement guarantees, mentorship programs, and opportunities for <\/span>professional growth<\/span><\/a> within the district.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Now that you know the various types of scholarships in South Carolina, we\u2019re now going to explore the top 10\u00a0 scholarships supporting aspiring educators.<\/span><\/p>\n These scholarships target different groups and help them achieve their teaching goals. They make the path to becoming a teacher more affordable.<\/span><\/p>\n The scholarship is open to aspiring teachers planning to enroll in or currently enrolled in teacher preparation programs. It mainly focuses on those interested in teaching high-need subjects in low-income areas.<\/span><\/p>\n TEACH awards grants of up to $4,000 per year to recipients.<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The <\/span>South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program<\/span><\/a> is funded by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) to cultivate a pipeline of highly skilled teachers committed to serving South Carolina\u2019s schools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This program specifically targets high school seniors and college freshmen who exhibit strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a passion for teaching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The scholarship is open to South Carolina residents who are high school seniors or first-year college students. Applicants must plan to attend one of the participating Teaching Fellows institutions in South Carolina and commit to teaching in the state after graduation.<\/span><\/p>\n The program offers up to $24,000 in financial assistance over four years, with $6,000 awarded annually. Fellows also receive professional development opportunities, hands-on teaching experience, and mentorship throughout their academic journey.<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Call Me MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) is a nationwide initiative to increase the number of male teachers, particularly African American men, in public schools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The program is offered at partnering universities nationwide, with <\/span>Clemson University<\/span><\/a> serving as the key partner in South Carolina.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The main purpose is to diversify the teaching workforce and provide students with mentors who reflect their communities.<\/span><\/p>\n Male African American students enrolled in a teacher preparation program at Clemson University are eligible. Other underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups may also apply.<\/span><\/p>\n Participants in the Call Me MISTER program receive financial support, mentorship, leadership training, and a social and cultural support cohort.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Palmetto State Literacy Association (PSLA)<\/span><\/a> is a professional organization dedicated to promoting literacy and supporting educators in South Carolina.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n They offer three distinct scholarships, each providing $2,000 in funding to help support future educators pursuing careers in teaching and literacy:<\/span><\/p>\n Two scholarships are available for each scholarship.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics<\/span><\/a> (SCCTM) offers two scholarships to support individuals pursuing careers in mathematics education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These scholarships are designed to assist preservice teachers and current educators who specialize in teaching mathematics or are advancing their knowledge in math-related fields.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>University of South Carolina (USC) College of Education<\/span><\/a> offers various scholarships to support students pursuing education degrees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These scholarships are designed to assist undergraduate and graduate students who are committed to becoming educators. They focus on helping those pursuing careers in teaching and educational leadership.<\/span><\/p>\n The scholarships are open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina.<\/span><\/p>\n Specific eligibility criteria and funding amounts vary by scholarship program, so applicants should check the individual scholarship requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n Visit the <\/span>University of South Carolina College of Education\u2019s scholarship<\/span><\/a> page for detailed information on the available scholarships and application processes.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Eugene T. Moore Undergraduate Education Scholarship<\/span><\/a> is administered by Clemson University to increase the representation of students from underrepresented and underserved communities in education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This scholarship program is designed to support first-time freshmen and transfer students who are enrolled in the College of Education at Clemson University, helping them pursue their degrees and become educators.<\/span><\/p>\n The scholarship is available to first-time freshmen and transfer students enrolling in an undergraduate education program at Clemson University.<\/span><\/p>\n The scholarships are renewable, based on continued eligibility, for a total of eight semesters for freshmen and six semesters for transfer students.<\/span><\/p>\n Freshmen receive $2,000 per semester, renewable for up to eight semesters while transfer students receive $1,500 per semester, renewable for up to six semesters.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Dr. Elizabeth Gressette Professional Development Scholarship Fund<\/span><\/a> is funded by the Palmetto State Teachers Association (PSTA) to support its members who are continuing their education at an accredited college or university.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This scholarship aims to assist educators in advancing their careers by pursuing an advanced degree to enhance their teaching skills and professional growth.<\/span><\/p>\n Applicants must be current PSTA members who have been with the association for at least three years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This scholarship is designed to help PSTA members invest in their professional development and continue their education so that they can contribute further to the field of teaching.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>SCEA-Retired Scholarship<\/span><\/a> is offered by the South Carolina Education Association (SCEA) to support students pursuing careers in education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This scholarship is open to students pursuing a degree in education at a SACS-accredited college or university.<\/span><\/p>\n The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and commitment to the teaching profession.<\/span><\/p>\n The Harmon Scholarship is a prestigious, renewable scholarship administered by the <\/span>Central Carolina Community Foundation.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n It was established to help students from Sumter County, South Carolina, achieve their academic and career goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Value of Teacher Scholarships in South Carolina<\/b><\/h2>\n
Types of Teacher Scholarships in South Carolina<\/b><\/h2>\n
State-Funded Scholarships and Programs<\/b><\/h3>\n
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University-Specific Scholarships<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Federal and National Scholarships<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Private and Nonprofit Scholarships<\/b><\/h3>\n
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District-Specific Scholarships<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Top Teacher Scholarships in South Carolina<\/b><\/h2>\n
1. Federal TEACH Grant<\/b><\/h2>\n
TEACH.org<\/span><\/a> is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing teacher shortages across the United States.\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
2. South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program<\/b><\/h2>\n
3. Call me Mister<\/b><\/h2>\n
4. Palmetto State Literacy Association Scholarship<\/b><\/h2>\n
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5. South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics Scholarships<\/b><\/h2>\n
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6. University of South Carolina College of Education Scholarships<\/b><\/h2>\n
7. Clemson University Scholarships<\/b><\/h2>\n
8. Dr. Elizabeth Gressette Professional Development Scholarship Fund<\/b><\/h2>\n
9. <\/b>SCEA-Retired Scholarship<\/b><\/h2>\n
10. Harmon Scholarship<\/b><\/h2>\n