Connecticut State Department of Education

Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program

Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program

Background

The Aspiring Educators Scholarship (AES) Program was initiated in 2024. This scholarship seeks to increase the Connecticut educator workforce by reducing financial barriers and providing an incentive for aspiring educators. Students enrolled in an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) within the state are encouraged to apply to this scholarship to earn up to $10,000 per academic year to apply to tuition of their programs.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Students must be a graduate of a public high school in Connecticut, or have earned a GED through a Connecticut program. 
  • Students must be enrolled in an approved EPP and in good academic standing with their university.
  • Recipients of the scholarship may apply funds received to tuition only.
  • Applicants are eligible for up to $5,000 each Fall and Spring semester, or $10,000 total per academic year.
    • Applicants must reapply each Fall and Spring semester.
  • During the application, students must agree to become an educator within the state of Connecticut for a minimum of three years post-graduation, within a five-year window. These three years do not need to be consecutive.
    • Applicants must obtain an Initial Educator Certification within one year post-graduation.
    • Applicants must obtain employment as an educator in Connecticut within one year after obtaining certification. 
    • Failure to obtain certification and/or employment as an educator after graduating may result in a repayment of all or partial funds given to the recipient.

What do I need in order to apply to the scholarship?

The Aspiring Educators Scholarship application asks recipients to identify their name and identifying information including their address and contact information. Students will also need to verify where they earned their high school diploma or GED. In addition to capturing this information, the scholarship asks that students also create an account within the Connecticut Educator Certification System, or C.E.C.S. Portal. Please note that in order to create a C.E.C.S. account, a user must be 18 years or older. 

The Aspiring Educators Scholarship also asks any new recipient to provide the following documents in the application link. Documents can be in JPEG, PNG, PDF, or Word Document format:

  • Updated resume
  • 2 Letters of recommendation from either a teacher or leader within education
  • Proof of acceptance into an approved EPP program

Important Links and Resources