William Winter Teacher Scholar Loan Program
The William Winter Teacher Scholar Loan Program offers assistance to Mississippi residents enrolled in an undergraduate teacher education program leading to a Class “A” teaching certificate.
The applicant must be attending an accredited public or private institution of higher learning located in Mississippi . The number of awards and recipients are dependent upon availability of funds and awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Only entering freshmen must have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0o or higher on a 4.0 scale and an ACT score of 21 or higher.
Sophomores, juniors, seniors, and applicants seeking a second undergraduate baccalaureate degree and/or a Class “A” teaching certificate must have a cumulative college grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
All recipients must maintain a 2.5 grade point average each semester in order to continue to receive funds under the renewal process.
Under the program, up to $1,000 will be awarded per academic year to freshman/sophomore recipients. Up to $3,000 will be awarded per academic year to junior/senior recipients and recipients seeking a second undergraduate baccalaureate degree and/or a Class “A” teaching certificate.
The award is made on an annual basis with priority given to renewal students, and program participation is limited to 4 years or $8,000.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Current legal Mississippi resident
- Enrolled as a full-time student
- Cumulative college grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale (if applicable)
- Only entering freshmen: cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and ACT score of 21 ofr higher.
Obligation can be discharged on the basis of one year’s teaching service in Mississippi for one year’s loan/scholarship. However, if the teaching service is performed in a teacher shortage geographic area of Mississippi , as defined each year by the Mississippi State Department of Education, the obligation will be discharged on the basis of 2 years teaching service forgiveness for one year’s teaching service.
In the event the recipient fails to fulfill the teaching service obligation, repayment of principal and interest is required.
The application priority date for the William Winter Teacher Scholar Loan Program is July 1 for the upcoming academic year.
For information and/or an application packet, write or call:
Mississippi Office of State
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson , Mississippi 39211-6453
(601) 982-6663
1-800-327-2980 (Toll free in Mississippi)