As Oregon’s K-12 student population becomes more ethnically and linguistically diverse, our educator workforce needs to better reflect the demographics of the students in our schools. The EAC established the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program to address financial barriers that pose challenges for racially, ethnically and linguistically diverse candidates pursuing a teaching license.

For more information on this scholarship, including deadlines and eligibility, please see the FAQs. 

Contact Us: Lala Rangel, Program Coordinator, Horalia.Rangel@hecc.oregon.gov

The Oregon Teacher Scholar Program offers a scholarship of $10,000 per school year for ethnically diverse or Heritage Speakers of a language other than English. The program serves undergraduate students who are in the final two years of a teaching program and graduate students enrolled in an Oregon TSPC-approved educator preparation program. Recipients of a scholarship from the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program may be eligible for a second year of funding ($10,000) depending on funding availability.

Scholarships may be used for costs associated with pursuing a teaching degree and licensure, including tuition and “hidden costs” such as fees, materials, supplies, and living expenses, such as housing, transportation, or childcare. In addition to the scholarship, the program coordinator provides recipients with networking, paid admissions to professional development conferences, teaching resources, employment assistance, and other resources.

The program accepts applications via the Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) website from November to March 1st for the following academic year. Applicants must complete either the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or ORSAA (Oregon Student Aid Application) as part of their application to the scholarship on or before the March 1st deadline.