Arizona Teachers Academy Scholarship Program
Arizona Teachers Academy Scholarship Program Update - August 19, 2024: Applications are being accepted for the Spring of 2025 but applicants are being waitlisted and reviewed based on funding availability
The Arizona Teachers Academy (ATA) funding opportunity at Rio Salado College is an initiative that offers Post Baccalaureate teacher candidates scholarships, paid certification fees, vouchers for state testing, and access to Induction Services upon completion of the program. In exchange, ATA scholars must commit to teaching in an Arizona public or charter school for as many years as they have received funding; no more than two years.
ATA funding is available for all approved certification areas in both the Post Bacc Traditional and Teacher in Residence programs.
Step 1: Review Scholarship Details
Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for the scholarship.
Scholarship Criteria:
- Must be enrolled in a post-baccalaureate Rio Salado College Educator Preparation Program
- Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours, each semester, of required program coursework
- A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been completed and submitted to the college of enrollment (completed annually)
- 250 word essay displaying educational commitment
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA in program coursework.
ATA Scholarships are awarded on the basis of need, merit, and program standing and availability of funds. The amount of the scholarship will cover post-baccalaureate educator preparation program tuition and fees for eligible semesters during an academic year (July 1 - June 30th) after grants/scholarships have been awarded.
Step 2: Review Service Commitment
Eligible post baccalaureate teacher candidates have a maximum of two years to complete their teacher certification program and receive funding. Enrollment must be continuous and candidates must remain in good standing to remain eligible for funding. Students who have reached the end of two years and have not yet completed their teacher certification program may not reapply or be eligible for additional ATA funding to complete that certification program.
Step 3: Apply for ATA Scholarship
NOTE: The Spring 2025 application deadline is February 21, 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered for the Fall of 2025. Applications are being waitlisted until funding availability is determined. Applicants are encouraged to established a payment plan until they are notified if funding is available for the Spring 2025. (Update 9/20/24).
It is highly recommended, but not required, that applicants first enroll with Rio Salado College before submitting an application as a student ID can be issued and all records will easily be aligned.
For questions regarding the application process please email ata.scholarships@riosalado.edu
Arizona Teacher’s Academy Scholarship Application
Step 4 : Annual Renewal Required
Applicants must submit FAFSA and a renewal application for each academic year. ATA staff will be in contact each year to remind applicants of the requirement.
Step 5 : Review FAQs
The following information is provided by the Arizona Board of Regents and is specific to ATA requirements for all candidates regardless of higher education institution they are attending.