FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply to the scholarship?
The scholarship has two deadlines per academic year; one in the Fall, and one in the Spring. The Fall deadline is in mid-September, and Spring deadline is in mid-January. The scholarship opens for fall in mid-late Spring semester, and opens for Spring in mid-Fall semester. The current deadline for Fall 2026 is September 15, 2026, and the scholarship application link is now open.
Is there a list of approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) that are applicable to the scholarship?
Current approved EPPs include Albertus Magnus College, Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Fairfield University, Mitchell College, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, Southern Connecticut State University, University of Bridgeport, University of Connecticut, University of Hartford, University of New Haven, University of Saint Joseph, Western Connecticut State University, & alternate route programs including Alternate Route to Certification (ARC), Area Cooperative Education Services (ACES), Capitol Region Education Council (CREC), and Charter Oak State College.
Am I eligible for the scholarship if I graduated from a private high school in Connecticut?
No, only those that graduated from a public high school in Connecticut are eligible.
Am I eligible for the scholarship if I graduated from a high school out-of-state or an international high school?
No, only those that graduated from a public high school in Connecticut are eligible.
When will I hear back if I am approved for the scholarship?
Decisions for the Fall semester go out in October. Decisions for the Spring semester go out in March.
When will I be notified that the application for the Fall/Spring is now active?
Each semester, CSDE notifies eligible EPPs that the new scholarship link is now active. If you wish to receive a notice when the new application link is available, you may sign up for notifications by submitting our Aspiring Educators Notification Form.
How will I receive funds?
Funds are disbursed to your university, for which they will apply to your tuition balance. No check is given to the student directly.
If my tuition is less than $5,000 per semester, can I still receive the balance in the form of a refund check?
No, if your tuition is less than $5,000, then only the balance of your tuition will be awarded. There is no carry-over or surplus funding given.
Can I apply for other scholarships and grants when applying for this one?
Absolutely! This scholarship allows up to $5,000 in tuition per Fall and Spring semester. However, if you wish to seek additional funding to cover tuition elsewhere, we do not limit recipients to only receive our scholarship.
Can I apply for this scholarship even if I am using Federal Student Financial Aid?
If you have an outstanding tuition balance, even if Financial Aid covers a portion of your tuition, you can certainly use this scholarship. If your tuition is paid in full and covered by Financial Aid, then you cannot utilize surplus funds. However, we can work with your university to try and ensure maximum financial benefit to you. Please contact your financial aid office for more information.
What happens if I change my mind about becoming an educator either during the course of my study, or after graduating?
Students sign an attestation for each scholarship application which agrees that they will obtain certification and become an educator in Connecticut post-graduation. Failure to abide to the attestation may result in a collection of all or partial funds given to the recipient of the scholarship. We encourage you to only apply if you are certain of your desire to become an educator in Connecticut to avoid repayment of any funds given.
For any additional questions not covered on this page, please contact us at SDE.AEScholarship@ct.gov so we may assist you!