Talbot County Public Schools Launches Education Scholarship Program

Aid is available to Chesapeake Education majors pursuing bachelor’s degrees

Talbot County Public Schools unveiled an annual $3,000 scholarship program in partnership with Chesapeake College designed to help students majoring in Education earn bachelor’s degrees. Developed to cultivate local talent, the scholarship program will assist local college students who commit to teaching in Talbot County.

“TCPS is fortunate to be able to collaborate with Chesapeake College to address our staffing needs. Currently very few school systems in Maryland are fully staffed due to the shortage in certified teachers,” said Superintendent of Schools Kelly Griffith.  “With only 40% of the teaching force we need graduating from Maryland colleges and universities, we rely too heavily on recruiting from other states. We are hoping to ‘grow more of our own’ with these incentives.”

Students may receive the $3,000 scholarship for up to three years while working toward their bachelor’s degree in Education. Recipients must re-apply each academic year.   The program is open to all Education majors, but priority will be given to students planning to teach in critical needs areas including Career and Technology, Foreign Language, Mathematics Grades 7-12, Science, Special Education and ESOL.

Chesapeake College students in their second year may apply one time, then re-apply for two subsequent years if they are enrolled at a four-year institution. Students may apply now for the 2019-2020 school year. “We’re really excited about this wonderful scholarship opportunity for our students! This measure is extremely proactive given the very real teacher shortage facing schools in Maryland,” said Chesapeake College Education Program Coordinator Dr. Deanna Reinard.

To be eligible to re-apply for the scholarships, students must do the following:

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA or greater with a minimum 30 credit hours for the year.
• Complete their program in four-year completion tract course of study.
• Agree to provide teacher services to Talbot County Public Schools for one year for each year the scholarship is awarded.
• Following each semester, supply a copy of the upcoming class schedule, bill for classes and grades from the previous semester.

Chesapeake College President Cliff Coppersmith said the innovative scholarship program will aid individual students and the entire community. “As part of our continued partnership with Talbot County Public Schools, this scholarship program helps our students meet their career goals. There is also the added benefit of preparing graduates for local jobs and assisting area employers in developing local talent,” Dr. Coppersmith said.

Applications are now available for the 2019-2020 academic year and accepted on a rolling basis. For more information about the scholarship and to apply, please visit www.talbotschools.org.

Photo: Chesapeake College President Cliff Coppersmith and Talbot County Public Schools Superintendent Kelly Griffith are shown here on Chesapeake’s Wye Mills Campus.