State program eases financial strain for GVSU's future educators

Grand Valley leads the state’s higher education institutions in distributions from the MI Future Educator Programs with more than $13.2 million in fellowships and stipends directed to hundreds of GVSU students preparing for careers in Michigan’s classrooms. 

“We are deeply grateful for the generous funding that helps support students who are pursuing their degrees to become future educators in PK-12 schools,” said CECI Dean Sherril Soman. “We recognize that this investment in the education of these students is not only an investment in their futures but also in the success of countless children and the continued growth of our educational system.”

The MI Future Educator Fellowship provides a $10,000 scholarship each year to as many as 2,500 future educators who are enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program approved by the Michigan Department of Education. Additionally, the MI Future Educator Stipend provides $9,600 to future educators who are participating in their required student teaching semester.

“I am grateful for the high touch and student-centered work that CECI’s Office of Certification and Accreditation has done to not only make students aware of these opportunities but also support them through the application process,” said Amy Schelling, CECI associate dean.

Durham, who graduated this month, said it was difficult to maintain a part-time job when her time was split between 35 hours as a student teacher plus maintaining her classes at GVSU. She said the fellowship and the stipend she received helped her stay focused and committed toward her career path. 

“You don’t have to worry about finding the money to offset the cost of life,” Durham said. “That was really huge to me.”

When it came time for Durham to select a college, she found Grand Valley offered the best fit that aligned with her aspirations.

“I was talking to my mom about finding a college that really embodied what I wanted to be as a teacher and really prepared me,” Durham said. “I decided to be a Laker, and it was the best decision.”

Allison Blohm, who also graduated this month, said the stipend she received was a tremendous help. 

“The stipend helps a ton because I’m living away from home,” Blohm said. “You can’t have a job when you’re student teaching, unless you’re working on the weekends. The stipend took that stress off my shoulders.”