LANSING, Mich. – Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the MI Future Educator Fellowship and Stipend programs’ first payments are being awarded to provide financial assistance to college students aspiring to become teachers.  

“The MI Future Educator Fellowship and Stipends will strengthen our teacher pipeline and help ensure every classroom has a caring, qualified educator,” said Governor Whitmer. “Together, we can lower the cost of higher education for future educators and pay our hardworking student  teachers, so they are encouraged to stay on the path to the classroom. These programs are still open, and I encourage eligible Michiganders to apply. Let’s work together to grow the education profession by lowering costs and paying our aspiring teachers.”   

The MI Future Educator Fellowship offers aspiring teachers a scholarship to eliminate or lower the cost of tuition while they train to become educators. The MI Future Educator Stipend provides compensation for full-time student teachers while they complete the final stages of their teacher preparation program.   

“Lowering the financial hurdles to help address Michigan’s teacher shortage just makes sense for Michigan’s future,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Providing scholarships and stipends to those aspiring to teach can help ease the financial burden when getting a degree. My team is ready to help those who wish to follow their dreams of becoming a teacher.”   

“Michigan teachers help children open doors to learning and future success,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “Helping young people interested in teaching careers make their career dreams a reality by providing MI Future Educator Fellowships and Stipends, and will help ensure that all classrooms are staffed with trained, certificated teachers to educate and inspire our children for years to come.”     

MI Future Educator Fellowship 

Under the MI Future Educator Fellowship program, scholarship awards are given to students through colleges and universities to cover the cost of tuition and fees up to $10,000 for up to three years. Students who receive the award must commit to teaching in a Michigan classroom for at least three years after graduation.   

To date, nearly $2 million in Fellowship scholarships have been awarded to 231 students. Awards are calculated as a part of a student’s overall financial aid package and vary. Over 2,000 students have applied and awards will be made on a rolling basis.   

“The MI Future Educator Fellowship means for me that I will not have to worry about my finances for the time being,” said Abigail “Abby” Emery, a student at the University of Michigan-Flint. “Receiving the MI Future Educator Fellowship means I will be able to continue my college education without the worry of having to take a break because I can’t afford the tuition. Having this scholarship will make paying for college so much easier.”   

“One of the primary barriers that many students interested in becoming certified teachers face is lack of funding. This is especially true for those interested in alternative teacher certification as our programs do not qualify for traditional student financial aid,” said Dr. Jessie E. Kilgore Jr. Ph.D., founder and president of #T.E.A.C.H. “As an Alternative Route to Certification Program operating in several states, I can say unequivocally that the state of Michigan is the leader in providing these types of opportunities to prospective teachers.

From the Explore Grant for 6th-12th grade students interested in teaching to the Michigan Future Educator Fellowships and Stipends to the Grow Your Own Staff Grants for districts, it is clear that the leaders of our state are working tirelessly to address the teacher shortage. Hats off to all who are playing a role in making the dream of teacher certification become a reality for so many.”   

To be eligible, future educators must apply through the MiSSG Portal, submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and:  

• Be working toward their first teacher certification  
• Must have earned at least 56 semester credits or 84 term credits with a cumulative 3.0 GPA. 
• Begin the Education Preparation Program full time in fall 2022 or later  
• Be a Michigan resident   

The MI Future Educator Fellowship program has $25 million available for those who aspire to become teachers. To learn more about the MI Future Educator Fellowship program, go to Michigan.gov/mistudentaid.    

MI Future Educator Stipend 

Under the MI Future Educator Stipend program, student teachers who began their programs in fall 2022 and afterward can earn $9,600 per semester. The dollars provided by the stipend can be paid toward tuition, living expenses, childcare, among other things.   

To date, more than $3.9 million in Stipend payments has been distributed to 381 student teachers. Nearly 1,800 student teachers have applied and are completing the next steps to have their stipends processed.    

“The MI Future Educator Stipend means that I will no longer need to work a night job to sustain myself and pay my bills,” said Jordan Hancock, a student teacher enrolled at the University of Michigan-Flint. “I will be able to focus all of my energy into my student teaching. The stipend takes the world off of my shoulders, and I can focus that much more energy towards becoming a future educator in the state of Michigan.”   

“Students juggling studies, family life, and work, in addition to the hours put in as a student teacher, can create a perfect storm, resulting in abandoning their goal of becoming a teacher. At the University of Michigan-Flint, we recognize the MI Future Educator Stipend as a new opportunity that will lessen the burden, allow students to focus more on their student teaching experience, while balancing their school and family priorities,” said Lori Vedder, interim Vice-Provost of Enrollment Management and Director of Financial Aid at the University of Michigan-Flint. “Student teaching is said to be its own full-time job. With the MI Future Educator Stipend, our student teachers are being recognized for their time providing valuable contributions to the classroom and to the future of K-12 education in our state. We applaud the creation of this program which will allow more students to finish their teacher certification and accomplish, not abandon their goal.”   

Applications are still being accepted for the MI Future Educator Stipend. To be eligible, student teachers must apply through the MiSSG Portal and:    

• Be participating-full time in required student teaching coursework in Michigan   
• Be unpaid by their local district     

The MI Future Educator Stipend program has $50 million available for active student teachers.  

For full eligibility requirements and to apply, visit Michigan.gov/mistudentaid.     

For more information or help applying for the Fellowship, visit Michigan.gov/mistudentaid or contact MI Student Aid at mistudentaid@michigan.gov, 1-888-447-2687 or @mistudentaid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.   

Governor Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget Recommendations 

Governor Whitmer is proposing $195 million in recognition of the crucial role high-quality teachers play in the success of their students.    

This includes continuation of the MI Future Educator program, which provides a tuition-free avenue for college students to become certified teachers. The Governor’s budget continues to provide $25 million for the MI Future Educator Fellowship and $50 million for Student Teacher Stipends.  

The budget also includes additional dollars to retain and develop existing teachers through mentorship programs and to provide support through a new educator workforce consortium (Fiscal Year 2023 supplemental). It also recognizes the difficulty in attracting teachers in rural areas by establishing rural educator hubs to support teacher recruitment and retention in those areas.   

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