To encourage and enable outstanding students to pursue teaching careers at the preschool, elementary, or secondary level, the State of West Virginia has established the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program. Undergraduate and graduate scholarships, not to exceed $5,000, are awarded on the basis of academic qualifications, programs of study, and interest in teaching. Applicants should intend to obtain a teaching certificate in West Virginia. Repayment of the scholarship is required if the graduate fails to fulfill the teaching obligation.

To qualify for the program, a student must be a legal West Virginia resident and be enrolled as a full-time student in a course of study leading to certification as a teacher. Undergraduate applicants must be juniors or seniors majoring in education and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.25. A graduate applicant must have graduated or is expected to graduate in the top 10% of his/her undergraduate program and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5. While this is a state-funded scholarship, students submit their applications through the College of Human Resources & Education. The College reviews these applications prior to their submission to the state funding agency.

Application deadlines for this scholarship vary. Please contact Ms. Janet Burkle prior to February 1st (Janet.Burkle@mail.wvu.edu or 304.293.5703) for specific information about the application process, timeline, and forms. Students who indicate an interest in this scholarship are placed on a list to be notified when specific information about the application process is received by the College.