The Terry Schwalm Memorial Future Teacher Scholarship is a $5000 scholarship for prospective teachers. The scholarship is for a Pennsylvania Technology Student Association member who is a senior or graduate and has been admitted to, but not enrolled in, an undergraduate Teacher Education program at an accredited institution. While priority is given to individuals entering a Technology & Engineering or other STEM-related teaching field, all future education majors are welcome to apply. The scholarship is to be used for paying undergraduate tuition and fees at an accredited institution preparing technology & engineering teachers. The scholarship is paid after the applicant submits proof of payment of tuition and fees, and proof of at least a C average following their first semester/quarter. This scholarship is funded by a donation from the Pennsylvania TSA State Leadership Conference registration fees, as well as other volunteer donations.
Criteria for Award Selection:
This scholarship is for a high school senior or graduate who has been admitted to, but not enrolled in, an undergraduate program. The applicant must submit the application forms which detail his/her educational background and noteworthy achievements. In addition, explanation should be given to describe how he/she has benefited from participation in TSA. A minimum of three (3) recommendations from individuals must be submitted with at least one from a school district technology & engineering education teacher. The applicant's scholastic achievements, leadership abilities, class rank, TSA involvement, and general honors or awards should be described. It is the applicant's responsibility to see that all materials are forwarded by the deadline. All paperwork MUST be submitted with the application (including letters, grade reports, etc.) in one mailing. Applicants must be current TSA members in good standing.
Procedure for Awarding the Scholarship:
Applications for this scholarship should be completed no later than March 15th of each year. All applications are sent to the PA-TSA Board of Directors Scholarship Awards Committee. Credentials of the applicants will be reviewed, verified and evaluated by the committee. Scholarship recipients will be notified at the state conference of the given year. The official presentation will be made at the Banquet and Awards Ceremony of the Annual PA-TSA State Leadership Conference. The recipient will have eighteen (18) months to use the scholarship starting with the date of the official notification of the award. Scholarship money will be forwarded to the winner in one $2000.00 installment after submitting semester proof of undergraduate tuition and fees for registration along with proof of earning at least a C average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) during the first semester.
Applying for a TSA Scholarship:
You can complete the simple online application by clicking here. You will need to have the following items in order to complete the application:
Note: The deadline for this application is March 15th of each year. Please contact Dr. Molly Miller at mmiller@patsa.org with any questions about the scholarship process. Alternatively, you may contact the current PATSA Board President or your Regional Coordinator. However, students should always approach their Chapter Advisor first.