Minnesota’s Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship Pilot Program is providing financial assistance to students who are preparing to become teachers and are interested in Northwest Technical College’s early child education programs.

Students enrolled as full-time, taking at least 15 credits per semester, are eligible for awards of up to $10,000 — $5,000 per semester for the 2024-25 academic year. The grant is funded only for this year, meaning interested students should apply soon. Online applications are open now through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website; priority applications must be submitted by August 2.

Qualifying students must commit to full-time teaching work after graduation, have demonstrated financial need and belong to racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the state’s teacher workforce. In addition to the online application, students also must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application, and be accepted as a Northwest Technical College student.

About Early Childhood Education at NTC

Northwest Technical College offers multiple credentials in early childhood education — an 18-credit certificate preparing graduates to provide family care, work as an aide in a center-based childcare program, or continue their education toward an associate’s degree. NTC also offers a pair of 60-credit associate’s degrees: an associate of science in early childhood education that prepares graduates to immediately transfer to a four-year institution and complete a bachelor’s degree, and an associate of applied science that prepares graduates for careers as assistant teachers in center-based programs such as a child care facility or Head Start program.

To Learn More

Additional information about the Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship Pilot Program is available from Minnesota’s Office of Higher Education. To learn more about Northwest Technical College, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@ntcmn.edu or (218) 333-6600.