If you have questions about this program, please contact the staff member listed on this page via email. If a staff member is not listed, please email info.ohe@state.mn.us and provide a detailed description of your question.
The Minnesota Teacher Candidate Grant provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in Minnesota teacher preparation programs during one term in which the student is completing a required 12-week or more student teaching experience. The program has two goals. One, to encourage individuals, particularly those who belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce, to become teachers. Two, to encourage students to teach in Minnesota in designated license field and geographical shortage areas.
On a funds available basis, selected undergraduate and graduate students may receive awards of up to $7,500 for one term.
In general, applicants must:
A student must submit a complete application to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education for the term in which the student is completing a required 12-week or more student teaching experience.
Click here to apply online or contact our office if you need a paper application. If you apply online, please remember to communicate with your school to submit the College or University Section of the application.
Incomplete applications will not be processed.Grants are awarded, in part, based on the date your application is complete. Complete Application Date is the date all documentation needed for a complete application has been submitted to OHE.
Priority Deadlines:
Fall 2020: August 14th, 2020
Spring/Summer 2021: December 11th, 2020
All awards are based on funds availability. Eligible students with complete applications on file by the dates above will be considered for awards in the specified term. After all available funds have been awarded, completed applications will be placed on a waiting list. Applications will still be accepted after these dates but students are much less likely to be awarded.
A percentage of award funds are reserved for eligible applicants who belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce.
Please click here to refer to the eligible teacher preparation program/licensure areas considered to be designated teacher shortage areas.
“Shortage area” means a license field or economic development region within Minnesota defined as a shortage area by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board in coordination with the commissioner using data collected for the teacher supply and demand report under MN Statute 122A.091, subdivision 5.
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