Scholarship Opportunities
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who are completing or planning to complete coursework needed to begin a career in teaching. Recipients must agree to teach for at least four years in a high-need field at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families. This grant supports aspiring educators by reducing financial barriers and promoting teaching careers in areas where they are needed most. By committing to this service, recipients contribute to the improvement of educational outcomes for underserved communities. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grant funds to students enrolled in an eligible program of study at a participating school and is applied for through a filed FAFSA.
General Scholarships for Students Pursuing Education
Pursuing a degree in education is a noble and rewarding path, and there are numerous scholarships available to support students on this journey. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for teaching. Whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student, you can find financial assistance to help cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses. Scholarships for education students aim to alleviate financial stress, allowing you to focus on your studies and professional development. Explore the various opportunities available and take a significant step towards making a difference in the lives of future generations.
Educator Loan Forgiveness
Tennessee offers loan forgiveness programs to support educators who are committed to teaching in high-need areas and underserved communities. The Tennessee Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program is designed to reduce the financial burden of student loans for teachers who serve in designated low-income schools or teach in high-demand subjects such as math, science, and special education. By participating in this program, educators can receive significant reductions in their student loan balances, making it easier to focus on their teaching careers and contribute to the improvement of education in Tennessee. This initiative not only benefits individual teachers but also strengthens the educational system as a whole by attracting and retaining talented educators. Once students become full-time educators in the field, they are eligible for educator loan forgiveness based on their student loans and current placements.
General Belmont Scholarships
Belmont University offers a wide range of scholarships to support students in achieving their academic and career goals. These scholarships are awarded based on various criteria, including academic excellence, leadership qualities, co-curricular activities, and financial need. Whether you're an incoming freshman, transfer student, or current Belmont student, there are numerous scholarship opportunities available to help reduce the financial burden of tuition and related expenses. By providing this financial support, Belmont University aims to make quality education accessible to a diverse group of students, empowering them to thrive academically and professionally. Explore Belmont's scholarship offerings and take the first step toward a bright future.
Internal COE Scholarships
Belmont University's College of Education (COE) offers several internal scholarships specifically for students beginning in their Sophomore year. These scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance for students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to the field of education. While these awards may be smaller in amount, they play a crucial role in helping to offset the costs of tuition and other educational expenses. Students who are Sophomores or higher are encouraged to apply for these scholarships to support their academic and professional growth as future educators.
Student Opportunities
Belmont Teacher Education candidates have many opportunities to practice their advocacy, leadership, and teaching skills through participation in Belmont’s service-learning and volunteer opportunities as well as education department-specific opportunities.
Candidates should explore coaching, teaching, and tutoring opportunities, as well as create their own opportunities as they engage in service in their new home community of Nashville.
Our community partners include area charter, independent, and public schools, as well as nonprofit and for profit community agencies serving Nashville’s families. Belmont University requires all students to be engaged in community and service-learning opportunities but it is not uncommon for teacher education candidates to go beyond the required hours and in a number of opportunities take leadership roles.
Below are some of the opportunities in which our candidates engage:
Through Get Connected, Belmont’s online volunteer service directory, our candidates can connect with over 70 area organizations where they can connect and serve. Our teacher candidates take seriously the opportunity to serve the greater-Nashville community and volunteer in programs such as: English Language Tutors with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, athletic coaches with area middle schools, tutoring programs with the YMCA, Martha O’Bryan Center, and area faith-based programs.
BESTBUDDIES® builds one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), through school and community friendship programs that provide socialization opportunities to help erase the invisible line that often separates students or adults with and without IDD. Best Buddies at Belmont is an active student organization where Belmont students and community members with IDD become friends and hang out together with the focus on reducing barriers and building inclusive communities focused on strengths and relationships.
Homework Hotline is the largest provider of tutoring in Tennessee, the only service available by phone, and the only program that provides tutoring in six languages. Belmont University candidates serve as a volunteer satellite of Homework Hotline, housed on the Belmont campus. In this way, Belmont University students practice teaching techniques while providing one-on-one tutoring to at-risk children.
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), International Honor Society in Education, fosters excellence in education and promotes fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. Belmont’s Nu Phi Chapter is additionally, concerned with assisting the community and has been involved with food drives, raising funds for local literacy programs, as well as helping with Homework Hotline.
Through its affiliation with the Tennessee Education Association (TEA) and the National Education Association (NEA), our student program leads tomorrow's teachers to a bright professional future. STEA exists to help our members move smoothly from student on campus to beginning teacher. This is achieved through a variety of avenues including organization meetings with speakers who highlight opportunities at Belmont and beyond to broaden understanding of what it means to be an educator, discussion of issues and trends in education, conference attendance for members to network and develop professionally, and a focus on service to communities and families. STEA is proud to work with Belmont University for Annual Family Literacy Day each spring by forming a reading circle where we read aloud books around a theme with children from the community. We also collect canned goods for local food banks as well as school supplies for teachers and children in Nashville Public Schools. Each spring we also host a campus-wide Valentine’s Day Card-Making event for the children and families of the Ronald McDonald House and residents of local nursing homes. STEA provides all of the art supplies and the students provide the creativity for these amazing hand-made cards.