The resources below provide financial assistance to eligible educators.
Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship
The resources below provide financial assistance to eligible educators.
Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship
- Covers up to $6,000 per semester in tuition/fees
- Recipient MUST commit to teach in an Arkansas public school for each year funds are received
Arkansas Act 237 of 2023 (the LEARNS Act) established the Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship Fund that provides up to $6,000 per semester for candidates enrolled at a post-secondary institution in a degree program that leads to teacher licensure. These scholarship funds can only be applied to tuition and mandatory fees.
For every year (or partial year) that you receive funding, you are committing to teach a year in an Arkansas public school or the scholarship becomes a loan that you are required to pay back.
Eligibility
Be enrolled and in good standing in a graduate or undergraduate program of study leading to an initial Arkansas teaching license.
How to Apply
- Apply through the Arkansas Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS)
- Access the SAMS portal at the following link: SAMS Portal
- Click ‘Search for Scholarships’ and respond to each question
- When asked “Have you been accepted to the Arkansas Teacher Academy?” answer YES
- By answering YES and completing the rest of this process, your name will be added to the list for scholarship eligibility verification
- When you have completed all questions, click SUBMIT
- On the next page, login
- If you currently have an account (such as the account you used to apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge/Lottery Scholarship), use that username and password to proceed
- If you do not have an account, click REGISTER and create an account
Questions
If you have questions regarding the policy, rules and regulations for this scholarship, you may contact the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) at 501-371-2000 or by email at finaid@adhe.edu. For complete information, contact David John at (501) 371-2062.
SAU Educator Emergency Fund
SAU Foundation Educator Emergency Fund
This fund is meant to meet a one-time need for students experiencing an unexpected financial hardship or emergency.
The fund is generously supported by the SAU Foundation, as well as contributions from EPP faculty, staff, alumni, and candidates. We firmly believe in the power of support during pivotal moments in life, recognizing that everyone can benefit from a helping hand at some point in their journey.
- Contact: Dr. Neelie Dobbins; cndobbins@saumag.edu
- Who is Eligible: EPP candidates experiencing an unexpected financial hardship or emergency
- Amount: Determined by need and availability of funds
- To Apply: Complete the online Educator Emergency Fund Application
This is no application deadline. Funds are issued as requested and available.
ADHE Educator Aid
Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE)
In addition to the Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship, the ADHE also administers the following programs. Email finaid@adhe.edu or call (501) 371-2000 if you have questions or need more assistance.
State Teacher Education Program (STEP)
STEP is a loan repayment program that offers yearly loan repayment grants to current educators teaching in a subject or geographic shortage area in an Arkansas public school. Teachers must reapply each year and are eligible for up to three years.
Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP)
TOP offers reimbursement grants to current Arkansas teachers and administrators seeking to further their education. Teachers and administrators may apply for reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses paid for up to six (6) college credit hours completed for an academic year.
US Department of Education
US Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education administers the following programs. Contact information for these programs is available on the federal student aid website.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession. Under this program, if you teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in certain elementary and secondary schools and educational service agencies that serve low-income families, and meet other qualifications, you may be eligible.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
TOP offers reimbursement grants to current Arkansas teachers and administrators seeking to further their education. Teachers and administrators may apply for reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses paid for up to six (6) college credit hours completed for an academic year.
