MI Future Educator Fellowship

About this scholarship

The MI Future Educator Fellowship provides up to $10,000 per academic year toward tuition and required fees for students preparing for their first teacher certification in Michigan. The state expects to support as many as 2,500 future educators annually, subject to available funding. Awards can continue for up to three academic years and $30,000 total, although other tuition-specific aid may reduce the payment. Applicants must complete the 2026–2027 FAFSA, apply through the MiSSG Student Portal by June 15, 2027, and be admitted to a Michigan State Board of Education-approved Educator Preparation Program. They must have junior standing, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, qualifying full-time enrollment, and established Michigan residency. Every confirmed recipient signs a Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement. One year of fellowship support creates a three-year teaching obligation; two years creates a four-year obligation; and three years creates a five-year obligation, while service in a critical-needs district can satisfy the commitment in three years. Failure to complete the certification program or teaching obligation converts the fellowship to a zero-interest loan repayable over ten years. The annual application and FAFSA must be renewed to receive later awards.

Eligibility

• File the 2026–2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the preceding calendar year
• Have reached junior grade level under the institution’s definition
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Be admitted to an eligible Michigan-approved Educator Preparation Program
• Be working toward an initial teacher certification
• Enroll full time or at the approved full-time equivalent for an alternative certification program
• Complete the annual fellowship application in the MiSSG Student Portal by June 15, 2027
• Sign and fulfill the Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement