Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant

Students must meet all the eligibility and application requirements below.

• Submit the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant application AND the FAFSA or ORSAA by the appropriate deadline.
• Have more than one meaningful and relevant experience with diverse populations (as defined by ORS 342.433), a baseline understanding of cultural competency, and a willingness to continue developing in this area.
• Be an Oregon resident for at least 12 months prior to college attendance.
• Attend and be in good standing in an eligible institution.
• Be enrolled and pursuing an approved preliminary licensure program in teaching, school counseling, school social work, and school psychology.
• Be within two years of completing a licensure program (or the equivalent number of remaining credits for part-time programs). 
• Students may be subject to eligibility requirements based on their Student Aid Index (SAI). SAI eligibility requirements are subject to change based on OTSP fund availability.

Eligible students can attend any institution that has an approved educator preparation program and receive the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant. View the full Public and Private Colleges/University list to determine if your college is eligible.

Complete both steps prior to your application deadline:

• Submit the FAFSA or ORSAA
• Complete the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant application 

Students whose licensure program will begin this academic year (Fall 2025-26 - Spring 2025-26) can apply now. 

The Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling deadline basis, with review periods prior to the start of each academic term (see the list of deadlines below). Students must apply to the OTSP grant by the deadline prior to the start of their term.

Deadlines are 11:59 PM (PST or PDT). If deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.

Funding the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant is limited. Recipients who meet the OTSP application and eligibility requirements will be considered for award authorization if they meet the following:

• Completed the OTSP Grant application and FAFSA/ORSAA by the appropriate application deadline.
• Meet all eligibility requirements.
• Receive college verification on licensure program enrollment the OSAC’s internal verification process with the college.

If there are more eligible recipients than there are funds available, students may be selected based on financial need, prioritizing renewal students. 

An award will be in the amount of up to $12,000 for a full-time student. The Oregon Teacher Scholars Program (OTSP) Grant award amount depends on a student’s remaining eligibility and enrollment level each term.

These factors determine a student’s OTSP award amount per year:

• The number of terms attended. A student may only be eligible to receive funds while they are pursuing an eligible preliminary licensure program.
• The number of credits taken: A student must enroll in at least half-time enrollment (as defined by eligible institution) per term/semester to receive OTSP. OTSP can be up to $12,000 at full time enrollment level (as defined by eligible institution). OTSP award amounts are based on standard enrollment ranges.
• OTSP award can be reduced as grants cannot exceed the actual cost of attendance. If you have any questions, please connect with your school’s Financial Aid office for more information about your cost of attendance limit.

Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant funds are sent to the student’s eligible school’s Financial Aid office to be disbursed to the student’s billing account with the rest of their financial aid funds on a term/semester basis. Students must be in good standing and enrolled in an eligible preliminary licensure program. Disbursement is made directly to the college or university, not directly to the student. Awards amounts will be pro-rated for less than full-time and at least half-time enrollment levels.

Eligible students can attend any institution that has an approved educator preparation program and receive the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant. View the full Public and Private Colleges/University list to determine if your college is eligible.

If a student meets all the following criteria, the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program (OTSP) Grant may be renewed:

• Complete a new OTSP application AND a FAFSA or ORSAA once each academic year.
• Student continues to be enrolled in their preliminary eligible licensure program at an eligible school.
• Maintains satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the school.
• Student has not exhausted eligibility or completed their preliminary eligible licensure program, whichever comes first.

OTSP Grant funds are available to qualified students for up to two years (6 quarters or 4 semesters) of full-time enrollment, provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress, continue to meet eligibility, and award requirements, and submit both their OTSP application and a new FAFSA or ORSAA each year. Awards are prorated for half-time enrollment. Summer term is not an eligible award term.