GCOE Scholarships

DANIEL L. GOODWIN SCHOLARSHIP

The Daniel L. Goodwin Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to College of Education students in majors and programs leading to a teaching license. Eligible candidates have cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, evidence of satisfactory progress toward a degree, and demonstrated financial need. Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: August 2025). 

Donald p. timm SCHOLARSHIP

The Donald P. Timm Fund in the Greater Milwaukee Foundation provides scholarships to students in any teaching or non-teaching majors and programs declared in GCOE. TLP students are also eligible. Scholarship is based on a financial need, and requires submitting an essay. Candidates have cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher for undergraduates, and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for graduates. Must be currently enrolled, either on full-time or half-time basis. Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: early spring 2026).

Patricia A. SZYMCZAK JUSTICE SCHOLARSHIP

The Patricia A. Szymczak Justice Scholarship is available to students in any teaching or non-teaching majors and programs declared in GCOE, with demonstrated financial need. Candidates must be in good academic standing at NEIU. Undergraduate students must be currently enrolled full-time and graduate students must be enrolled part-time. Award covers tuition. Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: October 2025).

Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education UNDERGRADUATE Merit Tuition Scholarship

Each semester, the Goodwin College of Education provides merit scholarships for undergraduates in any teaching or non-teaching major declared in GCOE. Requirements: cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, completed 60 credit hours, officially declared major, and submission of an essay. Learn more.

Graduate Merit Tuition Scholarships

For graduate students, merit tuition scholarships are offered through Northeastern's College of Graduate Studies and Research. For details, contact your program advisor or the College of Graduate Studies and Research.

Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program

A student planning to teach at a nonprofit Illinois public, private, or parochial preschool, elementary school, or secondary school, for which the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has determined that no less than 30 percent of the enrolled students are African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American, or Native American; or in a transitional bilingual education program or in a school in which at least 20 English learner students in the same language classification are enrolled; and you are of African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin, or a qualified bilingual minority applicant, may qualify for up to $7,500 per year as part of the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program. In order to receive priority consideration for an award, a complete applications must be submitted to Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) by March 31 immediately preceding the academic year for which the scholarship is requested. 

Dr. Santos Rivera ENLACE Scholarship

The Dr. Santos Rivera ENLACE Scholarship may be available to undergraduate and graduate students of Latino descent currently enrolled at Northeastern Illinois University. Undergraduate students must be enrolled full-time, and graduate students must be enrolled part-time. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. Application is administered by the ENLACE program. Please contact Dr. Gabriel Cortez at g-cortez@neiu.edu for instructions on applying.

JAMES A. FRUEHLING SCHOLARSHIP IN COUNSELOR EDUCATION

The James A. Fruehling Scholarship is available to graduate students who have unmet financial need and are currently enrolled and in good standing with a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA in a degree program offered through Northeastern Illinois University's Department of Counselor Education. Preference is given to students who are single parents or legal guardians. Application is administered by the Counselor Education department. Please contact Dr. Zach Bloom at z-bloom@neiu.edu for instructions on applying.

MARY and NORMAN BOWERS SCHOLARSHIP IN COUNSELOR EDUCATION

The Mary and Norman Bowers Scholarship is available to graduate students who have unmet financial need and are currently enrolled and in good standing with a 3.00 or higher cumulative GPA in a degree program offered through Northeastern’s Department of Counselor Education. Preference is given to Asian American students and other students of color. Application is administered by the Counselor Education department. Please contact Dr. Zach Bloom at z-bloom@neiu.edu for instructions on applying.

School counseling grant scholarship

The School Counseling program has secured a $4,270,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Education through 2027. During the final academic year when School Counseling students are placed in their practicum/internship school site, students can receive a $20,000 stipend and tuition for the three advanced clinical courses, if they are placed in a high-needs school. There is also grant funding for child care and transportation costs if needed. Students who receive the scholarship also participate in a series of trainings related to inclusive practices in schools.  Contact grant administrator, Dr. Beth Gilfillan at e-gilfillan@neiu.edu for more information. 

Rehabilitation counseling grant scholarship

Through a grant from the Department of Education, the Rehabilitation Counseling program awards scholarships to rehabilitation counseling students who desire to work in the state-federal vocational rehabilitation system. The Rehabilitation Counseling program has been awarded a five-year grant through 2025 providing full tuition scholarships for interested students admitted to the rehab counseling program. Contact Dr. Craig Johnston at c-johnston@neiu.edu for more information.

Marion L. Molyneaux Scholarship

Available to undergraduate students with a declared major in Early Childhood Education. Candidates must be currently enrolled, either full-time or half-time. This scholarship can be awarded based on financial need and/or academic merit. Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: October 2025).

Shirley M. ROESKE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS

The award was established to honor Shirley M. Roeske, an alumna of the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education, who dedicated her career to teaching kindergarten. It provides scholarships to undergraduate juniors or seniors with a declared major in Early Childhood Education, currently enrolled, either part-time or full time. Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release date is currently TBD. Please check back later for updates).

Mary Jane Krump cascino SCHOLARSHIP 

The Mary Jane Krump Cascino Scholarship provides financial support for undergraduate students with a declared major in Early Childhood Education. Candidates must be currently enrolled, and demonstrate financial need. Award covers tuition. Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: spring 2026).

Jacqueline Krump endowed SCHOLARSHIP 

The Jacqueline Krump Endowed Scholarship provides financial support for graduate and TLP students in Early Childhood Education program.  Candidates must be currently enrolled, and demonstrate financial need. Award covers tuition. Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: spring 2026).

EARLY CHILDHOOD ACCESS CONSORTIUM FOR EQUITY (ECACE) SCHOLARSHIP

Individuals who currently work or have previously worked in early childhood education and seeking additional credentials and/or a degree in early childhood education, may be eligible for the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program. The program was created to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators by providing scholarships and other support to qualified candidates. Questions about the scholarship should be directed to teacher-education@neiu.edu or Stephanie Lear at s-lear@neiu.edu. 

OTHER EXTERNAL ECED OPPORTUNITIES

Please view the ECED information flyer.

KAY HILTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

The Kay Hilton Memorial Scholarship provides financial support for undergraduate students with a declared major in Elementary Education. Candidates must be in a good academic standing at NEIU, and may be enrolled full- or part-time, with demonstrated financial need. Award covers tuition, books, and fees. Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: spring 2026).

Brommel-Miller Teaching As Transformation Scholarship

The Brommel-Miller Teaching as Transformation Scholarship is an endowed scholarship available to undergraduate students with a declared major in Elementary Education or Elementary Education with Bilingual Endorsement. Candidates must be enrolled full-time at Northeastern Illinois University, and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. One letter of recommendation is required, provided by an individual who has has firsthand knowledge of the candidate's volunteering or contributions in their own community or community in need. Selection is based on merit/academic excellence. Annually, the Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: October 2025).

Dr. Olga Kaszubowski Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. Olga Kaszubowski Memorial Scholarship Fund provides an annual scholarship toward tuition and fees for one academic year. Undergraduate or graduate students who have been admitted to the Goodwin College of Education or College of Graduate Studies and Research and have declared a major or program in Elementary Education, Elementary Education with Bilingual Endorsement, Middle Level Education, or Special Education are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference will be given to applicants of Eastern European descent, and/or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces of any nationality. Descent is defined as having a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent who can trace his or her ancestry to one of the Eastern European countries. Additionally, preference will be given to applicants with concentrations in the sciences. Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: early April 2025).

Mark Zinman Endowed Scholarship 

The Mark Zinman Endowed Scholarship provides support for undergraduate students with a declared major in Special Education. The scholarship has established in the memory of Mark S. Zinman who studied at Northeastern Illinois University and became a special education major at Illinois State University. The eligible candidates have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and are currently enrolled. One letter of recommendation is required from either a faculty member, employer, high school teacher, or a parent of a special needs child. The recommender should speak to the applicant's work ethic as well as their determination to work with individuals who have special needs. Also required is an essay describing applicant's experience with special needs individuals. Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: September 2025).

WARSAWSKY EndowMENT Scholarship 

The endowment was established by Dr. Corinne Warsawsky, an adult learner double alumna of Northeastern Illinois University, and her husband, Mr. Samuel Warsawsky, who also earned his degree as an adult learner. They created this scholarship to support Special Education students, especially working parents who need a boost to complete their degrees. The eligible candidates are undergraduate students declared in Special Education, with demonstrated financial need, currently enrolled either part-time or full-time. First preference shall be given to working parents. The award covers tuition. One letter of recommendation is required from NEIU SPED faculty or instructors.  Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: February 2026).

CHICAGOLAND LEARNING LEADERS RIGHTSTART4KIDS SCHOLARSHIP

The Executive Learning Exchange's Chicagoland Learning Leaders RightStart4Kids Scholarship provides undergraduate students, sophomore status or above, an award toward tuition to pursue a major in Human Resource Development. Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or greater, demonstrate financial need, and state their intention to work in the Chicagoland area upon completion of the degree. Application is administered by LLD and SPED Department. Please contact the department chair, Dr. Russell Wartalski at r-wartalski@neiu.edu for more information.

CHUCK KANE MEMORIAL AWARD

This endowed scholarship was created in memory of the late Northeastern professor and athletic instructor, Charles G. Kane, for whom the annual Chuck Kane Memorial Golf Outing is held. The award is available to undergraduates and graduates in Physical Education, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Qualified candidates are evaluated internally and must have demonstrated superior potential for teaching and willingness to help others, have exemplary leadership qualities and attained a high degree of competency in a variety of sports with active participation in school organizations. Students will be contacted via email by the HSPE Department Chair if they have been selected for this scholarship (anticipated decision timeframe: early fall 2025).

Gus Ziagos Memorial Scholarship

The Gus Ziagos Memorial Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students in Health Sciences and Physical Education with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Students will be contacted via email by the HSPE Department Chair if they have been selected for this scholarship (anticipated decision timeframe: early fall 2025).

Professor Bonnie B. Busse Memorial Merit Scholarship

The Professor Bonnie B. Busse Memorial Merit Scholarship provides financial support to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing teaching license in Secondary Education (English, History, Math, Science), as well as in K-12 Art, Music Education, and Spanish. Eligible candidates have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. An essay describing student's academic achievement is required.The award covers tuition and fees. Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: spring 2026).  

DR. JUNE VERBILLION ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

The Dr. June Verbillion Endowed Scholarship provides financial support to graduate students in Secondary Education M.A.T. or TLP programs. Preference is given to students in Language Art/English areas. A personal statement explaining financial need is required. The award covers tuition. Annually, Goodwin College of Education Scholarship Office emails the application opportunity directly to eligible students (anticipated application release: September 2025).

GROW YOUR OWN TEACHERS ILLINOIS

In addition to a forgivable loan, Grow Your Own (GYO) Illinois provides academic and career support to teacher candidates who commit to teaching for at least five years in a hard-to-staff public school. Learn more about the program and the longstanding partnership with the Goodwin College of Education.

FEDERAL TEACHER LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM

Under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, if you teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency, and meet other qualifications, you may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and your Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. Northeastern's Financial Aid can help you decide if this is a good program for you.

TEACH GRANT PROGRAM

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who agree to teach for four years at an elementary school, secondary school or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families. You also will need to meet other requirements, which are outlined in this fact sheet. The terms and conditions of this teaching service obligation are explained in the TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve that you must sign before you receive a TEACH Grant. See more information in the TEACH Grant Fact Sheet. Northeastern's Financial Aid can help you decide if this is a good program for you.

NEIU Student Research Travel Award

Northeastern undergraduate and graduate students presenting their original work at academic conferences can apply for an NEIU Foundation Student Research Travel Award. These awards are made possible by private contributions to the NEIU Leader Fund and provide funding for major travel expenses such as airfare, hotel/lodging and conference registration. All Northeastern students are eligible to apply. 

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) administers scholarship and grant programs that can provide financial assistance to help students pay for college. Students can learn more about the financial aid process and available programs at isac.org. Help and information are also available from ISAC’s Call Center. Students can reach a Call Center Representative via email at isac.studentservices@illinois.gov or by telephone at 800-899-ISAC (4722).

Also, please view Comparison of ISAC Scholarships for Teacher Education Programs, v. Aug 2024. 

Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois recruits and prepares bright and talented Illinois high school graduates and first and second-year college students for successful teaching careers. They provide scholarships to students pursuing teaching degrees who sign a commitment to teach on a full-time basis for five years at a high need school in Illinois.

The Gateways Scholarship Program pays a portion of tuition for eligible professionals who want to earn college credit, credentials, or degrees in early childhood education.

Applications for the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship will open in January 2025 for the 2025–26 academic year. Chicago residents can subscribe to receive email updates.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) provides awards up to $15,000 (average award is $2,500) for Hispanic students who have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Awards are based on financial need and merit. While no designated majors are specifically supported by this program, students interested in teaching in their local communities are encouraged to apply. Students may apply for support in undergraduate or graduate studies. 

TEACH Grant Program provides funds to students enrolled in an eligible program of study. Students must teach full time for at least four years in a high-need filed at a low-income school or educational service agency.

Teach For America (TFA) grants provide recruitment and support for teacher candidates. TFA places teachers in high-need subjects in Chicago.