Financial Aid

Federal and National Programs

The Federal Student Aid Web site contains information on loan cancellation for both Stafford and federal Perkins loans. The qualifications for cancellation are outlined for each. A possible qualification for cancellation with both loan types is teaching in a school designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a "low-income school." Access the database of schools using the Web site listed below.

For information on Summer Student Loans, please visit Financial Aid's website (link)

Cancellation/Deferment Options for Teachers

U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid Office (link)
The American Federation of Teachers maintains a list of other loan forgiveness programs for teachers (link)

Awards and Scholarships Available To Undergraduate Students Only

William F. Faith Memorial Award

This is a merit-based scholarship available to a Sophomore (minimum of 30 credits taken at Duquesne University) within the School of Education, who demonstrates general excellence in the School of Education and potential for excellence in teaching. The applicant will submit to the Office of the Dean (Canevin Hall Room 404) a narrative statement indicating professional interests, university activities and community work and/or involvement no later than August 1, 2011. Please mark envelope “William F. Faith Memorial Award”. Resumes are not to be included.

Lawrence A. Roche Memorial Scholarship

This is a merit-based scholarship available to a Junior within the School of Education, who demonstrates general excellence in the School of Education and possesses a QPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicant will submit to the Office of the Dean (Room 404 Canevin Hall) a brief statement indicating professional interests, university activities and involvement and community work experience and/or involvement no later than August 1, 2011. Resumes are not to be included. Please mark envelope: “Lawrence A. Roche Memorial Fund”.

Awards and Scholarships Available To Graduate Students Only

Educational Discount

Beginning in January of 2009, all students who enroll full-time (six credits or more per semester) while maintaining continuous enrollment in the following programs are eligible to receive a scholarship, discounting tuition significantly over the length of your program.

Business, Computer, and Information Technology Education, K-12 (M.S.Ed.)
* Only available to those who begin the program Spring 2012 and after

Educational Studies (M.S.Ed.)
* Only available to those who begin the program Fall 2009 and after

Early Level (PreK-4) Education (M.S.Ed.)
* Only available to those who begin the program Fall 2011 and after

Early Childhood Education (M.S.Ed.)
* Only available to those who begin the program Spring 2011 and after

Early Childhood Education/Elementary Education (M.S.Ed.)
* Only available to those who begin the program Spring 2011 and after

Elementary Education-Leading Teacher Program (M.S.Ed.)

ESL - Program Specialist (M.S.Ed.)
* Only available to those who begin the program Fall 2009 and after

Instructional Technology (M.S.Ed.)

Middle Level (4-8) Education (M.S.Ed.)
* Only available to those who begin the program Summer 2012 and after

Program Evaluation (M.S.Ed.)

Secondary Education - English (M.S.Ed.)¹

Secondary Education - Latin (M.S.Ed.)¹

Secondary Education - Mathematics (M.S.Ed.)¹

Secondary Education - Sciences (M.S.Ed.)¹

Secondary Education - Social Studies (M.S.Ed.)¹

Special Education - Cognitive, Behavior, Physical/Health Disabilities (M.S.Ed.)
* Only available to those who begin the program Fall 2009 and after

Special Education - Community Mental Health/Special Education Support Program (M.S.Ed.)
* Only available to those who begin the program Fall 2009 and after

Details about this scholarship can be found on the Duquesne University Graduate Studies website.

¹ Scholarship amount for these programs will be at 35% beginning Summer 2012. The same rules still apply.

Duquesne University Leading Teacher Program Excellence Award
The Leading Teacher Program Excellence Award is given to a graduate student whose performance demonstrates excellence in one of the three Themes of the Leading Teacher Program: Leadership, Diversity and Technology and is framed in the Spiritan Tradition of Caring.

Leadership: A leading teacher is a life-long learner inspiring a community of learners to pursue continuous improvement and growth who will serve as a practitioner guided by an ethical and moral framework.

Diversity: A leading teacher is an advocate, creating learning experiences that demonstrate sensitivity, acknowledging students of all abilities and valuing human differences.

Technology: A leading teacher is an architect building learning environments that acknowledge and incorporate the power of technology.

Please see Information Sheet about criteria and how to apply.

Graduate Assistant Positions

Look here for assistantships and employment available for graduate students at Duquesne University (link)

Awards and Scholarships Available To Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Dean's Teaching Fellows Award
As an assurance of the quality of the most outstanding graduates from Duquesne University's School of Education, the School designates a limited number of qualifying students as Dean's Teaching Fellows. The Dean's Teaching Fellows must exhibit academic excellence, outstanding student teaching experiences, and significant volunteer/community service. Benefits accruing to Fellows include special consideration for masters or doctorate work at the School, as well as individualized support from the Dean on behalf of a Fellow when that person is a finalist in a school district or private school hiring process. After a rigorous application and screening process each April, the Dean's Teaching Fellows are selected from the graduating classes in the academic year. Those students whose graduation date is at the end of the Summer of Fall semester may apply for this award during the succeeding Spring semester (i.e. if you are graduating in December 2011, you may apply during Spring 2012). Deadline April 20, 2012. Related links: Information Sheet | Application

For Employees Of Roman Catholic Affiliated Institutions

Lay Teachers

Current full-time lay teachers or high school administrators required to obtain Administrative I Certification in a Catholic School located in Roman Catholic schools in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, or Altoona-Johnstown Dioceses or lay teachers from other dioceses who have completed a minimum of two years of full-time teaching in a Catholic school may be eligible to receive a 50% discount of basic tuition rate of school or rate of school enrollment, whichever is lower.

Lay Ministers

Men and women employed as lay ministers within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh as Pastoral Associates, Professional Youth Ministers, Parish Social Ministers, and Campus Ministers may be eligible to receive a 50% discount of basic rate, or rate of school enrollment, whichever is lower.  Eligibility must be verified by the Institute for Ministers of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

*Please note that multiple University-issued awards and scholarships cannot be issued to a student's account.  For example, a student cannot receive both the Lay Minister Discount and the Educational Discount.

External Scholarships

TEACH Grant

Available to School of Education Juniors, Seniors, and all School of Education Graduate Students who are in the following programs:

Undergraduate

• Early Level (PreK-4)
• Secondary Education Latin
• Secondary Education Mathematics

Graduate

• Early Level (PreK-4)
• Secondary Education Biology
• Secondary Education Chemistry
• Secondary Education Latin
• Secondary Education Mathematics
• Secondary Education Physics
• Special Education- Cognitive, Behavior, Physical/Health Disabilities only

Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.

For more information and how to apply, please contact Michael Dolinger, Director, at 412.396.6647 or dolingerm@duq.edu.

Study Abroad Scholarships in Turkey for American Minority Students

The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) has a diverse array of scholarship programs that support its educational mission. One of these programs provides up to 100 scholarships to African American, Hispanic American and Native American students who choose Turkey as their study abroad destination.

TCA Scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 per student:

• $2,000 for a semester or year at a Turkish institution.
• $1,000 for Turkish language studies at a Turkish institution.
• $1,000 for summer programs lasting for more than 4 weeks at a Turkish institution.
• $500 for summer programs lasting up to 4 weeks sponsored by US educational institutions or Turkish institutions.
• $500 for participants in university/college-sponsored study tours to Turkey.

And these are awarded to college and graduate students who are:

• U.S. citizens of African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native American ethnic origin.
• Enrolled full time, in good standing at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Accepted to a study abroad program or language program at a university in Turkey.
• Willing to share experiences in Turkey, TRNC or Bosnia Herzegovina with the TCA community and Diversity Abroad.

For more information, or to apply, please visit: www.turkishcoalition.org

Sabina Hilger Walsh and Harold Rex Walsh Scholarship Fund, The Pittsburgh Foundation

To provide scholarships to sophomores attending four-year colleges or universities in Western or Allegheny County, PA.

Eligibility:
- Pursue a degree or studies in: Teaching
- Have a residence in: Beaver or Allegheny County
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Institution at which to use scholarship: 4 yr college in Pennsylvania
- Preference will be given to U.S. citizens.
- Complete an application and include a one-page essay about yourself and your goals.
- Maintain a GPA of: 3.00
- Write and submit an essay: one-page essay about yourself and your goals

How to apply:
- Fill out Scholarship application (pdf)
- Provide a college transcript.
- Provide a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR).
- Provide one letter of reference.
- Write and submit an essay: one-page essay about yourself and your goals

Contact for more information: The Pittsburgh Foundation: Deborah Turner - turnerd@pghfdn.org

Jack Wilson Fund Scholarship

Students are invited to apply for the Jack Wilson Fund scholarship. This scholarship was created to provide financial assistance for innovative, international opportunities that foster an appreciation of and better understanding among different cultures. Priority will be given to ideas that promote peace and community development.

Students eligible to apply must have completed at least three years of undergraduate work or be enrolled in a graduate program.

Electronic copies of the application are available upon request from turnerd@pghfdn.org or may be downloaded from the Foundation’s website (link).

If you have any questions contact the e-mail address listed above or 412.394.2649.

The Jack Wilson Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to provide financial assistance for innovative, international opportunities that foster an appreciation of and better understanding among different cultures. Priority will be given to ideas that promote peace and community development. In order to be considered for this full or partial fellowship, applicants must:

1. Have completed at lease three years of undergraduate work or be enrolled in a graduate program at one of the following: Carlow University, Chatham University, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Point Park University, Robert Morris University, St. Vincent College, University of Akron or the University of Pittsburgh.
2. Have completed degree work in or be majoring in one of the following fields: international affairs, political science, world cultures, inter-cultural communications, social work, education, art, or music.
3. Have a plan to visit another country for the purpose of increasing understanding of other cultures. This plan should include a specific service-oriented project.
4. Complete an application and include requested attachments and a one and a half page essay explaining how this project will promote peace and community development or is of some other use to the country being visited.
5. Demonstrate financial need to undertake travel and project.
6. Provide an interim report acknowledging receipt of funds and arrival at the destination and a detailed follow-up report of their project within two months of its completion.

These must be mailed to The Pittsburgh Foundation at the address indicated at the bottom of the application.An Advisory Committee will select the recipient (subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of The Pittsburgh Foundation). No member of the Advisory Committee, or his or her immediate family, shall be eligible for assistance during his or her tenure on the Advisory Committee.

The Pittsburgh Foundation shall notify the chosen recipient(s) of its decision. All scholarship checks will be made payable to the university for the student or appropriated designated organization.

Jankowski Family Scholarship Fund

To provide scholarships for sophomore students at Duquesne University enrolled in the School of Education.

Eligibility:

- Pursue a degree or studies in: Education
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Institution at which to use scholarship: Duquesne University
- Preference will be given to students of Polish descent, Catholic faith.
- Complete an application.
- Applicants requested to submit a photograph.
- Recipients may re-apply. Renewal considered only if academic performance continues to be "B" average.
- Maintain a GPA of: 3.00
- Write and submit an essay: Telling a little about their self, why they have chosen teaching for a profession, and why they feel they should be selected for the scholarship.

How to apply:

- Complete an application (pdf)
- Provide a college transcript.
- Provide a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR).
- Write and submit an essay: Telling a little about their self, why they have chosen teaching for a profession, and why they feel they should be selected for the scholarship.

College JumpStart Scholarship (link)

The College JumpStart Scholarship is an annual, merit-based competition -- financial need is not considered -- that is open to 10th-12th graders, college students and non-traditional students. The main requirement is that you are committed to going to school and can express your goals for getting a higher education.

Deadline: October 17. 2011

Brain Track (link)

BrainTrack offers a scholarship for teaching students that are planning to teach any grade between kindergarten and 12th grade. The scholarship gives a winning and runner-up award every semester to students currently in a teaching degree program. Applicants are asked to provide essays on their experiences as a teaching student.

Deadline: November 1, 2011

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program (link)

The federally funded Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship (Byrd) Program offers a merit scholarship for outstanding high school seniors who have been accepted at an institution of higher education. The Byrd Scholarship rewards academic excellence in high school and encourages students to continue their education.

To be considered for a Byrd Scholarship, you must:

• Be a high school graduate during the same academic year in which you receive your scholarship award
• Be a resident of Pennsylvania
• Be a U.S. citizen or national or be able to provide evidence of permanent residency
• Be accepted for enrollment and expect to be a full-time freshman student at an eligible institution of higher education directly after high school graduation
• Meet the following three educational standards:
• Rank in the top 5% of your graduating class (or rank 1st, 2nd, or 3rd if your class had 60 students or less)
• Have a GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 (unweighted) scale
• Score at least 1150 on the SAT (combined critical reading and math only), 25 or above on the ACT, or at least 3550 on the GED. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score is not accepted.

Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship (link)

The Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is a merit-based program that helps students fulfill their dreams of a higher education. The scholarship is named for Gen and Kelly Tanabe, best-selling authors on education, whose generous donations fund this program.

Eligibility:

• 9th-12th grade high school, college, or graduate student including adult students.
• Legal resident of the U.S.
• Currently in school or planning to start school within the next 12 months.

Deadline: December 31, 2011

 

James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (link)

For Secondary Social Studies students

This foundation awards fellowships for graduate study of the U.S. Constitution. High school teachers of American History, American government and social studies along with college seniors and graduate students planning teaching careers in those subjects are eligible. One fellow from each state receives up to $24,000 to help pay for graduate study leading to a master's degree in history, political science or education. Each year, the Foundation selects at least one James Madison Fellow, either junior or senior, from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and, considered as a single entity, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Funds permitting, more than one fellowship may be awarded in jurisdictions with larger populations.

Deadline: March 1, 2012

 

Frank E. Bolden Scholarship Fund

For Early Childhood Education or Special Education students

The Frank E. Bolden Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to provide scholarships for students who are pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education or Special Education in accredited education programs in Western Pennsylvania.

Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the scholarship applicants must:

1. Be an undergraduate or graduate education student, or a community college student who has been accepted into a Special Education or Early Childhood program at a four-year institution.
2. Have a university declared major in Special Education or Early Childhood Education.
3. Provide evidence of extensive community service work with children.
4. Intend to pursue a career focusing on the education and development of special needs children.
5. Attend (currently) or has been accepted into a college or university within the 18 county Western Pennsylvania area (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Warren, Westmoreland, and Washington counties) that offers a certification program in Special Education or Early Childhood.

Scholarship Amount
One, $1,800 scholarship annually.

Timeline
Applications will be available from December 1, 2011 through Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 3:00pm. After committee review, scholarship notifications will be sent in May, 2012.

How to Apply

To apply, click on the link below and select the Frank E. Bolden Scholarship Application. Note the online application is only available during the application period, noted in the Timeline above.

Click here to get started on your scholarship application!

Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Chi Chapter Grant-In-Aid

Scholarship Amount:
$1,000

Criteria:
1. Must be enrolled as a full-time student within the School of Education at a recognized institution OR be a graduate student in Education or a field in which they would work with youth (for example: school nurse, counselor, psychology major)
2. Be considered worthy by committee
3.  Complete Application (pdf) and essay of 100 words or less.  The subject of the essay will be "Why I Have Chosen Teaching As A Career" OR "Why I Have Chosen Nursing/Counseling/Psychology As A Career To Work With Youth"
4. Provide two references or letters of recommendation with the application, one of which must come from someone in the field of education excluding relatives