Massachusetts Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant

About this scholarship

The Massachusetts Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant helps current public-school paraprofessionals earn an undergraduate degree leading to teacher licensure. For 2026–27, the application is open in the MASSAid Student Portal through September 1, 2026. The award is calculated by enrolled credits and institution type: up to $350 per credit and $6,300 per academic year at a community college, up to $550 per credit and $9,900 at a state university, or up to $750 per credit and $13,500 at the University of Massachusetts or an eligible private college. Financial need is not required, but applicants must file a FAFSA or authorized Massachusetts equivalent and satisfy state-aid status rules. They must be Massachusetts residents, have no prior bachelor’s degree, work as paraprofessionals in a Massachusetts public school, and enroll full or part time in an approved undergraduate teacher-preparation pathway. Applicants with two or more years of paraprofessional employment may pursue an eligible licensure program generally; those with less experience qualify only when their course of study leads to certification in math, science, special education, foreign languages, or bilingual education.

Eligibility

• Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year before the enrolled term and intend to remain
• Meet Massachusetts high-school-completer or eligible citizenship or immigration-status rules
• File the FAFSA or an authorized Massachusetts state-aid equivalent for 2026–27
• Have no prior bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Be employed as a paraprofessional in a Massachusetts public school and continue that work while enrolled
• Enroll full or part time in an approved undergraduate program leading to Massachusetts teacher licensure
• If employed fewer than two years as a paraprofessional, pursue licensure in an approved high-need discipline
• Not be in default on covered education loans or owe a refund on prior financial aid
• Submit the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant application in MASSAid by September 1, 2026