Deadline approaching for high school seniors interested in becoming WV teachers to apply for $40,000 award

December 12, 2024

CHARLESTON, WV – Current high school seniors have until Dec. 31, 2024 to apply for the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program. Since its inception in 2019, the prestigious scholarship has fueled more than 100 students to pursue a teaching career in West Virginia. The scholarship, which is West Virginia’s largest-dollar financial aid award, provides up to $10,000 per year – or $40,000 total – for 25 new scholars each year. 

“Teaching is one of the most important and rewarding careers a student can choose to pursue. Our Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars represent West Virginia’s most promising future teachers, and we are so excited to welcome a new group of scholars to the ranks next year,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “We are looking for the best and brightest high school seniors who are ready to inspire future students just like their own teachers have inspired them.”

The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholarship Program, the state’s only scholarship open to both in-state and out-of-state applicants, is designed to help West Virginia address ongoing teacher shortages in the fields of math, science, special education and elementary education. Recipients commit to teaching in one of these high-demand fields in West Virginia for at least five years after graduation. To provide students the greatest chance at success, each is paired with a practicing classroom teacher mentor, who provides guidance throughout their college careers.

Visit CFWV.com for more information and to apply. The Underwood-Smith award is stackable with other forms of financial aid. West Virginia students who also receive the Promise Scholarship receive more than $15,000 per year to help pay for college.