Financing College

For Secondary Education Minors in the College of Science

     The United States government recognizes that the education of math and science teachers is vital to this nation’s economy and ability to compete in the global marketplace.  Congress is planning to authorize the spending of billions of dollars over the next several years to make that goal a reality.  Check with the financial aid office and this website regularly to find out about new financial aid opportunities.

     Current financial aid for teachers of high needs areas (math, science, bilingual and special education) includes:

Federal Loans and programs:

• Perkins Loan is need-based.  100% of the loan amount of up to $17,500 will be forgiven (you do not have to repay it) if you teach at a Title I (low-income) school for 5 years.
• Stafford Loans
• Subsidized (FFEL - no interest) If you teach math, science or special education for  5 years at a Title I school, the loan will be forgiven-up to $17, 500
• Unsubsidized (Direct – with interest charges) – same as above
• Teach for America - This program offers cash awards that can be applied to past student loans or future educational costs for recent college graduates who commit to teaching in urban and rural public schools for two years. http://www.teachforamerica.org/
• Troops to Teachers - This program offers guidance and support for military veterans who wish to make the transition from active duty into the teaching profession. http://www.esc13.net/troops/

State programs

o Teach for Texas - Texas offers conditional grants to help some future teachers with expenses if those individuals agree to teach in Texas public schools for a specified period of time.   http://www.collegefortexans.com

o Certified Educational Aide Exemption Program - Texas offers tuition exemptions for some educational aides seeking to become certified teachers. http://www.collegefortexans.com

 Local programs

o Grow-your-own programs - High school students interested in teaching should contact their school district.  Some Texas school districts offer "grow-your-own" programs that provide financial aid to students who agree to return to their school district as teachers after graduation from college.

UTEP programs

• MaST Academy – MaST Academy is a program sponsored by ADP, Inc. which financially and professionally supports qualified students in the College of Science who are studying to be high school teachers.  Students selected for this prestigious program have the opportunity to gain experience in area high schools, mentored by a teacher recognized for his or her teaching skills, prior to their teacher internship.  Scholars also receive professional development in teaching mathematics and/or science on a monthly basis.  Students are selected as scholars based on their applications, letters of reference, and experience.  Scholarships may be awarded to a scholar for $3,750 per semester for up to three semesters, including their teacher internship.  Applications are available in late October and early April.  For more information, call Ellen Esposito, Program Coordinator, at 747-7497 or contact by email edesposito@utep.edu .
• Project STEP UP – The Strategic Teacher Education Program to Uplift the Profession is funded by a $3 million U.S. Department of Education grant to provide scholarships to cover the cost of attendance for students who commit to working in high needs schools.  This program in the College of Education also offers academic support through learning communities and professional development workshops to enable students to become successful teachers.  Applications are available in October and May.  For questions or more information, contact Dr. Barbara Shaw at 747-7608, or by e-mail bshaw@utep.edu, or visit http://eduprojects.utep.edu/stepup/ .

Jobs

o Many high schools pay qualified college students to tutor math & science at salaries ranging from $8 to $12 per hour.  Contact your neighborhood high school or email Ellen Esposito, College of Science Program Coordinator at edesposito@utep.edu for more information.

Veteran benefits

o G. I. Bill Benefits can be used for traditional and alternative teacher certification programs and well as to receive reimbursement for teacher certification test fees.  For additional information or to obtain forms, contact UTEP’s VA office or go to www.gibill.va.gov .

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