How to win education scholarships
When it comes to scholarships, your chances of winning go way up when you write a knockout essay. Your essay is a great opportunity for you to discuss your goals as a teacher, your motivation for entering this field, and the unique qualities that you bring to the table. Scholarship committees review large numbers of applications, so it’s crucial to write an essay that stands apart from the rest.
Fortunately, we have some great resources to help you! These include guides on how to write a winning essay, how to start and end an essay, and how to write an essay about yourself. If applicable, you can also check out our guides on how to write a 250 word essay and 500 word essay. The essay is one of the most important parts of the application process, so be sure to give it the necessary time and attention!
Also see: The ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships
Resources for students studying education
One of the great things about becoming a teacher is that there are countless professional organizations to help you out along the way! Here are a few organizations that are worth exploring if you’re studying education:
National Education Association (NEA)
With over 3 million members, NEA is one of the largest organizations in the educational field. Its mission is to ensure high quality public education, while also advocating for teachers across the country. Members enjoy benefits such as legal representation and insurance, as well as the opportunity to earn grants and funding.
Educators Rising
This organization guides aspiring educators from high school through college and into their teaching careers. With a chapter in nearly every state, Educators Rising is an excellent group to join if you’re seeking guidance on the path to becoming a teacher.
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
This global organization is composed of educators from around the world. ASCD members have the opportunity to improve their teaching skills through workshops, conferences, and networking events. Members also get frequent updates on breakthroughs in the field of education through the organization’s Educational Leadership magazine.
Association of American Educators (AAE)
AAE prides itself on high-quality professional development and advocacy for teachers. Members enjoy benefits such as liability insurance, legal protection, access to job boards and professional resources, and even scholarships and grants!
In addition to these great national and international organizations, be sure to check out local groups in your area. You’d be surprised at how many organizations across the country are aimed at supporting both current and future educators!
Frequently asked questions about education scholarships
Are there many scholarships available for education majors?
Partially due to a nationwide shortage of teachers, there is an increasingly wide variety of scholarships available for education majors. In this post, we cover the best nationwide scholarships for education majors. Many states and even schools have scholarships available for education majors as well.
Education majors should definitely consider the TEACH grant if they are sure they want to go into teaching.
Where can I find scholarships for education degrees?
Are there grants for education degree students?
How do I qualify for an education degree scholarship?
Keep on reading
- Top scholarships for women
- Top scholarships for Black students
- Easy scholarships to apply for
- Top scholarships for high school seniors
- Top scholarships for college sophomores
Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.
📝Sample Essay from a Scholarship Winner
Here's a winning scholarship essay from Jasmine C, who won our "College Here I Come" Scholarship for High School Seniors. Read the essay below and I'll offer some commentary on what made this a winner.
Prompt: How will earning the "College Here I Come" Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors positively impact your life?
Essay
Finances seem to be one of the biggest issues in so many sectors of society. When I was younger, instead of buying toys I had the responsibility to teach my younger cousins subjects they will learn in their upcoming school year. On a larger scale, my goal has, and always will be, is to be a role model I wish I had for my younger cousins and brothers. In my academic career, I take part in service organizations such as Beta, National Honors Society, and Josten's Renaissance, alongside classes that help me to see into my career including Teacher's Cadet and psychology. In my career, I want to help children who may be struggling in and outside of school. Alongside my family, I have and had teachers influence my goals, one of them being Meg Ward. She introduced me to Leadership, a program where students are able to contribute to their school's climate and culture. Her style of teaching allowed me to see that certain things happen in life and we may not always be in your control, but you can control your response. The leader I have become is evidence of the influence educators have on students and I plan on doing the same for future generations. In my classroom my students will feel seen, loved, and heard. Yet, in order to complete my goals my finances need to be set. Having access to financial assistance allows me to further my education and complete my goals.
Why it worked
Jasmine does a great job showing her personal motivations for pursuing the path of an educator. Here are three methods she uses to highlight her dedication to the field.
Will Geiger
Scholarships360 Co-Founder, Former Admissions Officer