Minority Teacher Education Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Florida Fund for Minority Teachers

Description Program purpose and governance

The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES) supports the recruitment and preparation of minority teachers to improve diversity in Florida’s classrooms. Administered by the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers (FFMT), the program partners with participating Florida colleges and universities to identify and fund strong teacher candidates. FFMT is overseen by a Governor-appointed Board of Directors representing higher education and industry across the state. Key takeaways - MTES aims to increase minority representation among Florida teachers. - FFMT administers the scholarship in partnership with participating institutions. - The program is governed by a Governor-appointed board.

History of the

Award Origins and longevity

MTES was established as Florida’s response to the need for greater diversity in teaching. For more than 20 years FFMT has awarded scholarships and supported minority teacher candidates statewide. The program continues to evolve through institutional partnerships and recruitment activities. Key takeaways - MTES was created to address diversity gaps in Florida education. - FFMT has administered the program for over two decades. - The program is maintained through ongoing partnerships with colleges and universities.

Eligibility Who qualifies

Applicants must meet specific residency, racial/ethnic, academic, and program admission requirements. Eligible racial/ethnic groups are African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaskan Native. Candidates must be Florida residents admitted to a state‑approved teacher education program at one of FFMT’s participating institutions and meet credit- and degree-related thresholds. Key takeaways - Must be a Florida resident and member of an eligible racial/ethnic group. - Must be admitted/newly admitted to a state-approved teacher education program at a participating institution. - Must be a junior, senior, or graduate student (graduate students must be in a program leading to initial certification). - Must have earned at least 60 credit hours or an AA degree and not exceeded 18 upper-division education credits. - Applicants must not already hold a baccalaureate degree in Education (degrees outside Education are permitted). Application Requirements &

Materials What you must submit

Apply only if you meet all eligibility statements. Required application materials include a written essay and official transcripts sent directly from every postsecondary institution you have attended. The essay prompt asks: “How has the educational landscape changed over the past 5 years?” (100–300 words). Official transcripts must be mailed or sent electronically from the registrar’s office to FFMT; FFMT does not accept applicant-sent transcripts. Key takeaways - Submit the 100–300 word essay answering the specified prompt. - Request official transcripts from each college/university attended to be sent directly by the registrar. - Electronic transcripts: send to [email protected]. Mailed transcripts: FFMT, Inc., 1908 Stadium Road, Room 334 Yon Hall PO Box 112010, Gainesville, FL 32611. - Only proceed with the online application if you meet all eligibility statements.

Selection

Process How candidates are chosen

Each participating institution appoints a screening committee to review applications and nominate candidates to FFMT’s administrative office. FFMT makes the final selections each semester based on indicators of teaching potential: writing and communication skills, academic performance, and demonstrated commitment to youth (volunteer experience is a plus). Special consideration is given to graduates of state or community colleges. Key takeaways - Institutional screening committees review and nominate applicants. - FFMT makes the final selection each semester. - Selection criteria emphasize writing, communication, academics, and commitment to youth. - State/community college graduates may receive special consideration.

Award

Value Amount and disbursement

The MTES award totals $4,000 per academic year, split into two disbursements. Funds are paid during the Fall and Spring semesters at $2,000 per semester. Key takeaways - Total annual award: $4,000. - Disbursement schedule: $2,000 in Fall and $2,000 in Spring. - Awards cover only the Fall and Spring semesters. Conditions &

Obligations Academic, program, and post-graduation requirements

Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by their institution: MTES requires at least a 2.5 GPA and full‑time enrollment. Scholars must attend the Annual Teacher Recruitment and Professional Development Symposiums. After graduation, recipients are required to teach one year in a Florida public school for each year they received the scholarship. Failure to graduate within 2–3 years or to fulfill the teaching obligation will trigger repayment of the scholarship principal plus interest at 8% annually. Key takeaways - Maintain minimum 2.5 GPA and full-time enrollment to remain eligible. - Attendance at annual recruitment and professional development symposiums is required. - Post-graduation teaching obligation: one Florida public school year per scholarship year received. - Noncompliance (failure to graduate in 2–3 years or not teaching in Florida) requires full repayment with 8% annual interest.

Application

Timeline Key deadlines and post-selection actions

FFMT announces final selections each semester after institutional nominations. New scholars receive a congratulatory letter and a promissory note that must be signed and returned within 30 days of receipt; scholars should retain a copy for reference. Scholarship funds are disbursed in the Fall and Spring semesters following selection. Key takeaways - Selections are announced each semester. - Promissory note must be signed and returned within 30 days of receipt. - Award disbursements occur in the Fall and Spring following selection. If you need a concise checklist, next steps on where to apply, or help confirming your eligibility, tell me which college/university you attend and I’ll provide tailored guidance.