South Carolina Teaching Fellows recruits promising high-school seniors into teaching and prepares them to teach in the state. Selection is competitive: the Department of Education lists up to 200 fellows each year and considers academic achievement, school and community service, and a desire to work with students.
For the application window open at the time of this review, CERRA says applicants must be high-school seniors (or graduating early), legal South Carolina residents, and U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens under state residency rules. Residency is verified after an offer. Students apply during their final year of high school; selection begins with an initial review and may proceed to a regional interview, presentation, and writing assessment. Only participating institutions and programs qualify.
The award may reach $6,000 per year for four years (up to $24,000), including $300 per year for summer enrichment. CERRA describes a public-school service obligation in South Carolina, typically one year for each funded year. The final amount depends on selection, state appropriations, and continued eligibility; before accepting, read the promissory note and rules for changing majors, institutions, or failing to complete service.
The current application window opened October 1 and closes December 1, 2026. Start through CERRA’s application portal, submit the requested materials, and monitor the personalized dashboard; incomplete applications are not scored. CERRA expects selected candidates to advance to a regional interview, presentation, and writing assessment; final award notifications are expected in early spring 2027. For application help, email gibsonk@cerra.org or call 803-323-4032, ext. 6416.
This scholarship is tied to a career path: compare the in-state teaching obligation with your plans and do not assume every fellow receives the maximum. Read the program profile and the administering office; ask your campus financial-aid office to review your individual file.
SC Teaching Fellows Program — South Carolina Department of Education.
Teaching Fellows Application — Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement.
Teaching Fellows Institutions — CERRA.
Information checked on October 13, 2026 against official sources. Cycles, funding, and deadlines can change each year. Where the 2026–27 deadline has passed, this is stated clearly; check the next application cycle and do not assume an award is automatic.
This scholarship is tied to a career path: compare the in-state teaching obligation with your plans and do not assume every fellow receives the maximum.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
South Carolina Teaching Fellows
Up to $6,000 per year for four years, including $300 annually for summer activities; selection and funding are limited and fellows accept a South Carolina public-school service commitment.
Public student financial-aid program
Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) — Teaching Fellows
Selection includes written and oral components; the program connects teacher preparation, summer activity, and an in-state teaching pathway.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
CERRA · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of South Carolina Teaching Fellows ↗
Primary source
Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) — Teaching Fellows ↗
Primary source
CERRA · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.