Federal Grants: TEACH Grant
TEACH stands for Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education. This grant has been providing grants of up to $4000 a year (this figure can change from year to year) for students who plan to teach in a high-need field in a school that serves low-income children. Recipients of this grant must agree to teach full-time for at least four academic years out of the eight calendar years after they complete the program. Approximately 800 colleges participate in this program.
What are the "high-need" fields?
Although subject to change each year, the high-need fields typically include bilingual education, foreign languages, math, science, special education and reading specialist. Additional high-need fields are identified by state each year.
Who is Eligible?
Undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students who are working towards teacher certification can receive this grant. Unlike the other federal grants, students do not need to demonstrate financial need to receive this grant. However, recipients must meet high academic standards such as scoring above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test and maintaining a 3.25 GPA while in college.
How does a student apply?
Students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) even though financial need is not a requirement to receive this grant. The financial aid offices at the school the student listed on their FAFSA will provide notification to those who qualify. The student will then choose whether to accept or decline the grant offer.
What happens if a student doesn’t complete their teaching service?
If a recipient does not fulfill their teaching service agreement, the grant money will be converted into a Stafford Direct unsubsidized loan and interest will be charged from the date of disbursement.
TEACH Grant Tips
- Not all colleges participate - Students seeking TEACH Grants must make sure the school they will be attending participates in the TEACH program.
- Convert TEACH grant to unsubsidized loan – A student may convert the TEACH grant to an unsubsidized loan at any time if they choose not to continue with the TEACH program.
Resources
Federal Grant Program Fact Sheet – Provides an overview of all Federal Grants including the TEACH Grant.
TEACH Grant Program description – U.S. Department of Education description of the TEACH grant.
Teacher shortages by state – Lists high-need fields by state and by year.
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