College scholarship and financial-aid program · Gainesville, Florida, United States

Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES)

The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship, administered by Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, supports students preparing to teach in Florida. The organization lists a $4,000 annual award, split into two $2,000 payments for fall and spring. The program includes a teaching service obligation, so review the promissory note before accepting; it is not an unrestricted grant for every education student.

About Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES)

The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship, administered by Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, supports students preparing to teach in Florida. The organization lists a $4,000 annual award, split into two $2,000 payments for fall and spring. The program includes a teaching service obligation, so review the promissory note before accepting; it is not an unrestricted grant for every education student.

Current requirements include Florida residency, membership in one of the groups listed by the administrator, admission to a state-approved teacher-preparation program, and full-time junior, senior, or graduate enrollment at a participating college. Applicants need 60 credits or an associate degree, no bachelor’s in education, and must remain within FFMT’s upper-division credit limit. Graduate students must be pursuing initial certification.

The participating college screens applications and nominates candidates; the central office announces semester selections. The posted essay asks how the education landscape has changed over the past five years and should be 100 to 300 words. The page still marks fall and spring opening dates as “TBD”; as of October 13, 2026, do not assume a new application is open. Ask your college contact and wait for the official term date.

The commitment requires teaching in a Florida public school for one year for each funded year under the program terms and promissory note. Each institution uses a screening committee, and selected students must return signed documents within the stated period. Before accepting, confirm which school positions and dates qualify, whether renewal is possible, and how the award is credited to tuition. Keep the nomination, agreement, and each disbursement notice; they matter when documenting service.

Ask financial aid for a term-by-term estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Keep the award decision, any service or loan agreement, and renewal records. If your studies, residence, or employment change, contact the administrator before making a decision that could affect the aid.

Official program information and application

In brief

College scholarship and financial-aid program